The Psychology of Religion and Spirituality for Clinicians: Using Research in Your Practice

by Aten; Jamie D.

• ISBN13: 9780415873437
• ISBN10: 0415873436
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-12-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The purpose of this edited book is to provide mental health practitioners with a functional understanding of the empirical literature on the psychology of religion and spirituality, while at the same time outlining clinical implications, assessments, and strategies for counseling and psychotherapy. This text is different from others on this topic because it will help to bridge the gap between the psychology of religion and spirituality research and clinical practice. Each chapter covers clinically relevant topics, such as religious and spiritual development, religious and spiritual coping, and mystical and spiritual experiences as well as discuss clinical implications, clinical assessment, and treatment strategies. Diverse religious and spiritual (e.g., Jewish, Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist, etc.) clinical examples are also be integrated throughout the chapters to further connect the psychology of religion and spirituality research with related clinical implications.

Author Biography

Jamie D. Aten, PhD, is the Dr, Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Associate Professor of Psychology and Co-Director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. Kari A. O'grady, PhD, is an assistant professor at Loyola University Maryland. Everett L, Worth In Gton, JR., PhD, is a professor of psychology at the Virginia Commonwealth University.

Table of Contents

Editors	p. ix
Contributors	p. xi
The Psychology of Religion and Spirituality for Clinicians: An Introduction	p. 1
Development of Religion and Spirituality Across the Life Span	p. 13
Developmental and Narrative Perspectives on Religious and Spiritual Identity for Clinicians	p. 39
Religious and Spiritual Motivations in Clinical Practice	p. 69
Connection Between Personality and Religion and Spirituality	p. 101
Client God Images: Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice	p. 131
Addressing Spiritually Transcendent Experiences in Psychotherapy	p. 161
Religious and Spiritual Beliefs in Psychotherapy: A Meaning Perspective	p. 189
Navigating the Storm: Helping Clients in the Midst of Spiritual Struggles	p. 217
Processes of Religious and Spiritual Coping	p. 245
Forgiveness and Reconciliation Within the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality	p. 275
Religion and Spirituality in Couples and Families	p. 303
Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health	p. 331
Impact of Religion and Spirituality on Physical Health	p. 357
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice in the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality	p. 387
Index	p. 397
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