Counseling and Spirituality: A Historical Review

Abstract

Evolution of the relationship between counseling and spirituality since 1840 is examined in terms of the number of publications that have appeared over time that include these terms. The author retrieved the data using the American Psychological Association's PsyclNFO database. A similar search was done adding the term training. The rise of behaviorism and cognitive psychology is discussed as possible explanations for the absence of a discussion of spirituality in the early psychological literature. A. H. Maslow's (1969~1, 1969b; Association for Transpersonal Psychology, n.d.) work; the evolution of the Association for Spiritual. Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling; and multiculturalism are suggested as possible influences on the growth in the number of publications on spiritual and counseling issues over the last 30 years.t the beginning of the 21st century, spirituality and counseling seem to ate students in counseling are trained to be sensitive to spiritual issues. This, however, has not always been the case. This article is an exploration of the history of the relationship between spirituality and counseling. One way of looking historically at what is important in counseling and psychology is to see what types of articles and books were accepted for publication. In order for counselors and counselor educators to be better informed about these issues, I searched the American Psychological Association's (APA) database of abstracts (PsycINFO), which has information dating from 1840. I reviewed the articles, books, chapters, and dissertations containing the terms spirituality and counseling that the APA database reported as having been published.

Catholicism and Childhood Sexual Abuse: Women’s Coping and Psychotherapy

“…Psychology's views and interest in religion and spirituality have evolved in recent years (Powers, 2005;Shafranske & Sperry, 2005;Worthington & Sandage, 2002). Religion and spirituality are central to the identities of many in the increasingly diverse U.S. population (Evans, 2003;Myers et al, 2005).…”

“…Religion and spirituality are central to the identities of many in the increasingly diverse U.S. population (Evans, 2003;Myers et al, 2005). As the field continues to expand and integrate the human experience across cultures and worldviews (American Psychological Association, 2003), psychologists are encouraged to consider the complex roles that religion and spirituality play in their clients' lives (Evans, 2003;Fukuyama, 2003;Powers, 2005;Shafranske & Sperry, 2005).…”

Solution-Focused Counseling for Clients With Religious and Spiritual Concerns

“…A case example is provided to illustrate the application of solution-focused counseling for a client dealing with religious and spiritual issues. I n recent years, an increasing literature has addressed the prominent role of spirituality and religion in counseling (e.g., Bishop, Avila-Juarbe, & Thumme, 2003;Hall, Dixon, & Mauzey, 2004;Powers, 2005). Given the proliferation of the solution-focused movement in the past 2 decades (e.g., de Shazer, 1985de Shazer, , 1988de Shazer, , 1991Furman & Ahola, 1992;Lipchik, 2002;Metcalf, 1995;S.…”

Psi̇koloji̇k Danişma Süreci̇ Ve Manevi̇yat: Bi̇r Bütünleşti̇rme Arayişi

“…James, manevi deneyimleri ve çabaları olan bireylerin bu deneyimlerini meşru bir psikolojik olgu olarak anlamlandırmıştır (Powers, 2005 …”