“How is religion dealt with in therapy?”

Question

Councelor/Therapist Questions Complementary and Integrative Medicine

“How is religion dealt with in therapy?”

I am curious about how therapists approach religion. Should religion be mentioned to a therapist? Will it affect the session(s)?

6 Answers

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**Helena Collins** Councelor/Therapist Grapevine, TX · Accepted Answer

Helena Collins Councelor/Therapist Grapevine, TX

Religion in no way should affect your therapeutic relationship

**Lynn Fraley** Adolescent Specialist LEWISTON, WA · Accepted Answer

Lynn Fraley Adolescent Specialist LEWISTON, WA

Spirituality is an important aspect of each individual and definitely effects how we move through life's challenges. I would encourage you to make your therapist aware of your spiritual beliefs so that they can be honored and incorporated into an effective and meaningful therapeutic experience.

**Ms. Emily Perraut** Psychologist | Clinical Oak Park, MI · Accepted Answer

Great question. Each therapist will probably deal with it differently, so I will speak for myself. I see religion as another (important) part of someone's world and welcome all beliefs. It can be helpful to the therapy to explore your relationship with your religion. If you bring up your religion in therapy and the therapist responds negatively or you feel like it changes things, it might be time to consider a new therapist; though I recommend discussing this with the therapist first.

**Kelly Horwood** Counselor | Mental Health Columbia, SC · Accepted Answer

It is entirely up to you. As a therapist I always ask my client if religion/spirituality is important to them and if they want it included in their treatment. This means that I will honor their religion or spirituality focus as a method of their treatment. You should definitely mention this area if it is something you want to be included, or something you want to work on.

**Chelsie Jo Rust** Social Work Melrose, MN · Accepted Answer

Therapists may ask you about your religion and your preferences to help get a better sense of what is important to you and how you view the world, as well as how you cope. If religion is an important part of who you are, therapists take this into account in identifying appropriate and helpful coping skills. Each therapist may have a different view, but ultimately, the client guides the therapy. If a person is not religious or does not have a preference, the therapist will most likely gear towards other coping mechanisms and supports. Religious preferences should never affect the therapy process in a negative or un-helpful way. Hope this helps answer your question.

**Andrea L. Gibbs** Social Work Brownstown Charter Twp, MI · Accepted Answer

That’s a good question. Religious beliefs are part of core values and beliefs. Presenting this in therapy is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the whole person and use those core beliefs/values to support and foster a strength based therapy approach to treatment. Therapy should be a non judgmental environment that assists clients in seeking their own solutions. As far as should it be mentioned, that is an individual client choice. I hope that answers your question.