Religion and Spirituality in Therapy

On the other side, psychologists have been at the crossroads in determining the ethicality or lack of when it comes to integration of religion or faith in therapy services to patients of diverse religious background. The American Psychology Association provides the guidelines that psychologists in such situation need to follow and embrace in their service delivery. Introduction It is an undeniable fact that there is a significant influence of religious beliefs and values on health and therapy practices among different people and population. People tend to use their religious beliefs and values to influence the essential processes such as therapies that psychologists offer. As a result, the medical professionals are under constant pressure to balance the professional health care needs of the patients with their religious and spiritual needs.

They should ensure that their professional biases and personal relationships with patients do not, in any way, interfere with the provision of appropriate care and service to people who hold diverse religious beliefs (Herschkopf and Peteet 156). In addition, they should undertake the right training and education to ensure that the religious beliefs and values held by patients do not jeopardize their readiness and ethical commitment to provide professional services. In situations where the religious beliefs and values undermine the possibility of offering the right care and therapy, psychologists should use their professional knowledge to come to terms with the patients and families in question. In order to cater for the patients deservedly, the psychologists should have the knowledge and competence in their area of service jurisdiction.