Ethical Implication of Spirituality and Religion in Therapy

Ethics of Religion
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Ethical Implication of Spirituality and Religion in Therapy.
Integrating religion and spirituality in psychotherapy has always been a disputable issue. However, efforts to channel resources, special issues, and workshops to incorporate religion and spirituality in psychology have been successful in recent years. Nevertheless, ethical challenges emerge as spirituality and religion are integrated into professional psychology and must be thoroughly considered. For instance, a therapist might be reluctant to include religion in their session with a patient out of fear of probable controversies and differences in their beliefs. Spirituality involves individual belief and is self-determined, while religion involves communal connection, rituals, and shared beliefs. Significantly, research has proved that integrating spirituality and religion is working and accelerates the healing process. This paper will discuss the ethical implications of implementing religion in different aspects of therapy, such as competence, multiple relationships, imposing religious values, and informed consent, and how the Christian view guides ethical decisions.
Competence
Competence in addressing spiritual and religious matters to a patient is understanding fundamental beliefs of different spiritual structures and world religions, including atheism. In addition, a therapist must be very competent as a standard for ethical practice for a successful therapy session. Competence focuses on training, emotional intelligence, equity, equality, integrity, respect for diversity, and education. Also, competent psychologists understand their client's beliefs and if they form their primary worldview, and if they can influence their psychological functioning ( Barnett et al.,). Notably, competent therapists evaluate their religion and beliefs and their influence on the client's therapy session.
Significantly, competent standards demand that therapists evaluate and determine if integrating religious and spiritual beliefs will accelerate the healing process. Accordingly, a therapist must understand the ethical implication of different religions and beliefs from different ethnic groups, norms, and their effect on an individual. Noteworthy, self-awareness as a component of competence is significant in therapy. Therefore, it is essential to explore their values, perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs about spirituality. Also, competent psychologists understand what limits they can understand patients' beliefs and views. For instance, when a therapist cannot play the role of a priest or clergy, it is relevant they refer them to one of the patients' acquaintances.
Informed consent
According to the America psychologist Association ( APA)code of ethics, a client has a right to be presented with all information anticipated to be helpful in the entire therapy session. The information provided influences the patient's decision to participate in psychotherapy. This includes providing the patient with all available treatment options, risks and threats of the medication, religious and spiritual issues, and their significance in the treatment. In addition, getting consent from clients translate...