Religious Clients, Strong Religious Beliefs

Their personal or family con?icts have become too great; and the answers, cures, or solutions within their religious framework have failed.

Because religion represents both culture and personal choice, differences between counselor and client, though not visible, can still be pronounced and unsettling . You might be directly asked about your religious beliefs in an initial interview. We recommend a balanced response:

• First, as a professional, it is your job to explore both the cause for concern and the

concerns themselves as they relate to the client’s problems and needs.

• Second, have a truthful and carefully considered answer ready. Refusing to share

a brief summary of your own religious or spiritual orientation only exacerbates the concerns in most situations. After your summary, return the topic to how it feels for the client to work with you. Do not debate matters of faith.

One of our colleagues, a psychologist who is also an ordained minister, often provides religious clients with the following commentary about the relationship between religious and psychological well being: I understand it can be hard for a person with strong religious beliefs to consult a professional about personal problems. One way I look at it is like this: I know some people who are doing very well psychologically and very poorly when it comes to their religious adjustment. On the other hand, I know some people who are doing ?ne with their religious life, but they have some psychological or emotional work to do. Although many times religious and psychological well being are highly connected, being well in one area doesn’t necessarily mean you are feeling well in the other. I guess what I’m saying is that, if you want, I think we can work on the emotional and psychological concerns here, without violating issues of faith.