Integration of religion or spirituality in therapy is a controversial topic that is still emerging. Some ways in which spirituality is integrated into therapy include directing a patient to engage in prayers, spirituality journaling and to practice forgiveness. Also, a psychologist can reinforce healthy emotional and mental habits through the use of Bible texts, to change punitive images of God. There are however ethical implications associated with the incorporation of spirituality in therapy.
Competence
Competence is vital when it comes to offering therapeutic care to patients. It is a significant ethical standard mainly because it addresses a wide range of issues including the need to respect equality, respect for diversity, integrity, ethics, training, and education. To provide expert level care, a psychotherapist is expected to entirely and sufficiently understand the issues affecting a patient’s life. Introduction of religious values during a client’s session without a patient’s consent leaves the therapist’s competency in question. Moreover, Campbell, Vasquez, Benhke & Kinscherff (2010) explain that knowledge, education, and training are essential for therapists, and since it is through them that one can understand the ethical implications due to cultural differences that are associated with the integration of religion into therapeutic practice. Also, individuals from different backgrounds have different spiritual beliefs that should be considered during therapy.
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Multiple Relationships
A therapist shares multiple relationships with different clients, and they are also required to treat each client professionally. Professional associations are difficult to maintain especially when the therapist shares a close relationship with the client (Campbell et al., 2010). Such relationships can negatively affect professionalism, impair competence and also lead to objectivity in practice. Additionally, religion and spirituality considers multiple relationships unethical, and therefore can significantly affect the ability of a therapist to function effectively. The primary role of a psychotherapist is to listen and therefore regardless of the presence of multiple relationships and the client’s religious orientation, he/she should be able to fulfill this primary role.
Imposing Religious Beliefs in Therapy
A therapist should at no given time attempt to exert direct influence regarding spiritual and religious behaviors on the patient. A client has a right for self-determination, and therefore imposing religious values on a patient can affect their treatment or recovery. Such actions are also considered unethical by the professional code of ethics. The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes the need to respect a client’s diversity (Hefti, 2011). Some therapists, however, believe that incorporation of religious aspects during a patient’s therapy can contribute to the healing process. Clients who are unaware of their beliefs experience value imposition. A client’s space is essential, and APA classifies value imposition as personal space violation (Hefti, 2011). Ethical implications of religious values imposition can, however, be avoided by the maintenance of a neutral position, seeking supervision and self-awareness development. The therapist is also expected to be keen enough to understand the actions of the patient, and also respond to their non-verbal forms of communication (Corey, 2015).
Informed Consent
The APA code of ethics requires that a therapist acquire informed consent form a patient just before the beginning of a therapeutic relationship. The informed consent covers several areas including the anticipated therapy course as well as third-party involvement. The consent also covers the nature of the therapist-client relationship and confidentiality limits. The patient is usually also informed of the risk of the treatment nature as well as potential risks. This, therefore, means that the client is required to consent to any form of treatment that they receive. If a therapist chooses to incorporate religion in the patient’s treatment, they must ensure that the client consents to it. The patient is thereby given the autonomy to choose whether they wish for religion to be integrated into their therapy (Corey, 2015).
References
Campbell, L., Vasquez, M., Behnke, S., & Kinscherff, R. (2010). APA ethics code commentary and case illustrations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
Corey, G. (2015). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy . Nelson Education.
Hefti, R. (2011). Integrating religion and spirituality into mental health care, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. Religions, 2(4), 611-627.
Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2007). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling .
Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Young, C. S., & Young, J. S. (2014). Integrating spirituality and religion into counseling: A
guide to competent practice . John Wiley & Sons.
