Faith-based therapy may be something you have never heard of, or it could be exactly what you are looking for. Either way, let’s deep dive into faith-based therapy and why it is a successful approach. 

Religion and Spirituality Defined

Religion and spirituality are often used interchangeably and while they overlap in some way, the two can actually be defined separately. 

Religion is a collection of beliefs and practices shared by a group of people, while spirituality is more individual to achieve peace, balance, and purpose. Spirituality is less organized than religion, though both can be used to achieve the same things.

Both religion and spiritual practices can bring a sense of something bigger than you, something to look up to, someone to guide you in times of need, as well as purpose, comfort, peace, and identity.

Role of Religion in Therapy or Counseling Settings

So what role does religion or spirituality have in therapy or counseling sessions? 

Well, people are often seeking help with their mental health when they feel out of control, have lost their sense of identity, are looking for guidance in difficult situations, are overwhelmed with negative emotions, or a number of other things. All of these things lend themselves well to incorporating an individual’s religious or spiritual beliefs. 

Providing a comfortable space for you to be able to pray and practice your beliefs or encouraging you to participate more frequently in the things that drive your religious or spiritual beliefs outside of the therapy office are both ways to involve religion and spirituality in counseling sessions.

Benefits of Faith-Based Therapy

There are a few key benefits to using religion and spirituality in your counseling sessions, though you may find other benefits that are unique to you along the way.

Backed By Research

The use of religious and spirituality-based practices in mental health settings has started to become a more popularly researched niche. 

For instance, a new theory has been recently introduced called Religious Cognitive-Emotional Therapy (RCET) which is based on two well-established theories with the addition of religious foundations.

Other data has shown that accommodating and including religious beliefs in therapy builds trust between the client and counselor, a vital element for success. 

Though the research is ongoing and the topic itself is a bit controversial, there is already enough evidence to support that individualized faith-based counseling can aid good outcomes.

A+ Coping Strategy 

Religion and spiritual practices are coping strategies themselves even if you haven’t previously recognized them as such.

The act of praying is a coping strategy that promotes forgiveness, grounding, and anxiety release while other spiritual rituals are centered on mindfulness and connecting to your inner self.

These things have the same outcomes as more traditional therapeutic coping strategies, so the practices you are familiar with actually can be applied in multiple situations with some guidance from your counselor.

Familiarity and Comfort

For many of us, religion and faith provide familiarity and comfort while the counseling or therapy space can feel daunting and uneasy since it’s new uncharted territory and provokes vulnerability.

By bringing in your faith to your counseling session, it allows for feelings of familiarity and comfort because you are applying a subject you already know and love to those that are new and scary. Simply put, it just takes the edge off.

What To Expect With a Faith-Based Counselor/Therapist

Now I can’t tell you what to expect from every faith-based counselor or therapist, but I can tell you what to expect from the majority, including myself.

Despite what you might think, it won’t be like attending your place of worship. Instead, after getting to know your preferences, they will be interlaced into conversations, activities, and “homework” as a tool.

Counseling is all about problem-solving as a team, so you can expect that together you’ll utilize your existing faith to overcome any obstacles you bring to the table. 

Is Faith-Based Therapy Helpful If I Am Not Religious? 

Obviously, not everyone follows a religion or has any spiritual practices that are important to them. But the question remains– is faith-based counseling still helpful for those who do not have personal religious or spiritual beliefs?

Well, you won’t necessarily reap the benefit of it being familiar and comforting, though spirituality still is beneficial in many situations if you are willing to keep an open mind. You may not even realize that the exercises you have been improving with are spirituality-based in fact.

Now, to be clear, we are not talking about converting you to any religion during your counseling session, but small things here and there are still quite helpful even if you do not recognize any higher power.

Give Faith-Based Therapy A Try

There’s only one way to find out if faith-based counseling will be good for your individual lifestyle, personality, and situation. You simply have to give it a try. 

Get compassionate, faith-based counseling in Indiana, PA, with me, Jason Link, LPC. I also offer virtual counseling for those who don’t live in the area!

Reach out today and let’s get you an appointment on the schedule!