The (very liberal) counseling program I am currently in teaches us that if a client asks about our spiritual or religious beliefs we answer them with something like:
"It seems important to you to know what my spiritual life is like. I do not feel comfortabale discussing that within the therapy relationship, but I can assure you my beliefs will not interfere in our sessions and together we can walk the path of self discovery."
That is a great text book response, but there is just one problem; my beliefs will interfere with the counseling process. There is no seperating my beliefs from me and if a client is in the room with me, my beliefs are in the room too. While I would never judge a client with different views, or try to force my values on them, I cannot say I would be a completely blank slate.
I think asking a therapist to be completely blank is unreasonable. I can be nonjudgmental, open minded, and empathic, but I will not give up my faith in the name of "good therapy". Why? Jesus was and is the epitome of "good therapy" and I will always take His route vs. mankind's.
This post brings to mind a great web page button I came across last night. The button was circular in shape and had the look of a political campaign button with Red, White, and Blue coloring. The message written on it was "I Vote The Bible". I like that and I couldn't help to think "That's exactly how I feel". Save a tree or save the life of a baby? Things that make you go Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteB/T/W Thank you for following PowerUpLove.com.
If a counselee asks about your religious/spiritual believes, then it may be important to him/her, in which case discussing it will not interfere with the counseling process. It may actually enhance it. M. Scott Peck has some good stuff on that. wb
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