This article reviews the constructs of religion, guilt, and mental health and explores relationships between these constructs as they pertain to the counseling profession. General therapeutic approaches are identified and summarized for counseling practice.
Religion may be a source of spiritual strength or a source of conflict and guilt. This article outlines the importance of assessing the religious beliefs of clients for treatment purposes and provides a format for the counselor to utilize. Because counselors may be unaware of their clients' individual perspectives, it is important to evaluate a clients' belief system from a holistic perspective during the intake process.
Among the recommendations possible in assessment of clients' religious beliefs is that of referral to the "friendly clergy." This articledelineates guidelinesfor referral as well as idealcharacteristics of that spiritual professional.
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