I read the article "Clients' Willingness to Incorporate Religion or Spirituality in
Counseling: A Brief Report" by Diallo (2013). This article talked about eight-four
individuals dealing with addictions relating to weight, sex, food, drugs, and
codependency. They were asked whether they were willing to add religion or
Spirituality in their counseling sessions. Consequently, they agreed, but they
had to know their religion or Spirituality. The aspect to agree on was based on
the client's age and religious background. According to (Diallo 2013), religion
and spirituality play a significant role in our lives. Whether people would admit
or express it fluently. Spirituality is an awareness of a force that gives a sense
of connectedness to the universe.
Therefore, “Every client wants to be part of something greater than
themselves”(Diallo, 2013). Many scholars agree that religion and Spirituality are
essential to counseling sessions. Moreover, clients tend not to express their
acceptance of incorporating religion in their sessions, which falls on the
counselor knowing how to include it. Religion can be a tool to help clients find
their purpose and have meaning in life. Religions will help the client see the
purpose and plan God has for them.
Furthermore, training for counselors is imperative to learn about religion and
spirituality to serve the client better. The article explained most of the clients
preferred counselors who had the same faith as theirs. The real issue would be
whether there is a counselor with the same religion as every client they serve.
The counselor should keep in mind and be aware of various faiths, customs,
spiritual journeys, and beliefs. I believe that psychologists and theologists
should learn each other's professions. Therefore, to better serve the clients in
the article, the counselor had to know various religions and spiritualities for the
eight-four clients. This article was insightful and informative due to the demand
for Christian’s preference for their counselors to have a Christian background.
This article could be seen as a teaching tool to handle non-believers because
the strength and guidance of God will help me serve an unbeliever to the
fullest of my faith and ability.
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b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b Reference
Diallo, A. (2013). Clients’ Willingness to Incorporate Religion or Spirituality in
Counseling: A Brief Report. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 56(2), 120–122.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355212439425
