Presentation Title
Synthesizing Psychotherapy and Spirituality with Military Clients
Location
Fenn Tower Ballroom
Presentation Type
Roundtable Discussion
Start Date
4-11-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
4-11-2014 5:50 PM
Abstract
There are many potential benefits to integrating spirituality into psychotherapy. Koenig (2005) reported that tapping into a client’s spirituality promoted a positive worldview, helped make sense of distressing situations, discouraged maladaptive coping, enhanced social support, encouraged forgiveness, and instilled hope. Furthermore, for many clients spirituality is an important issue. Approximately 85% of United States citizens endorse some level of spirituality (Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2008). In the military, 80% of individuals endorse holding spiritual beliefs (Defense Manpower Data Center, 2009).
Each of the different branches of the military have implemented Comprehensive Fitness programs, of which spiritual fitness is a core component. The intent of these programs is to enhance resiliency, which in turn is intended to decrease the incidence of PTSD and suicide. Despite these measures, many military psychologists do not appropriately synthesize spirituality and psychotherapy. This roundtable discussion will focus on when and how to utilize spirituality in psychotherapy. It will explore how doctoral-level trainees perceive the complexities of introducing and discussing spirituality throughout treatment. Attendees should expect to discuss the following topics:
- Introducing spirituality into treatment
- Potential challenges when discussing spirituality
- E.g. Imposing provider’s values onto client
- Situations and circumstances when practitioners should not discuss/introduce spirituality
- How to assess the salience of spirituality to the client
- How to assess the salience of spirituality to the problem/solution
- How to identify spiritual resources
- The relationship of spirituality to trauma, guilt, resentment, and forgiveness
Synthesizing Psychotherapy and Spirituality with Military Clients
Fenn Tower Ballroom
There are many potential benefits to integrating spirituality into psychotherapy. Koenig (2005) reported that tapping into a client’s spirituality promoted a positive worldview, helped make sense of distressing situations, discouraged maladaptive coping, enhanced social support, encouraged forgiveness, and instilled hope. Furthermore, for many clients spirituality is an important issue. Approximately 85% of United States citizens endorse some level of spirituality (Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2008). In the military, 80% of individuals endorse holding spiritual beliefs (Defense Manpower Data Center, 2009).
Each of the different branches of the military have implemented Comprehensive Fitness programs, of which spiritual fitness is a core component. The intent of these programs is to enhance resiliency, which in turn is intended to decrease the incidence of PTSD and suicide. Despite these measures, many military psychologists do not appropriately synthesize spirituality and psychotherapy. This roundtable discussion will focus on when and how to utilize spirituality in psychotherapy. It will explore how doctoral-level trainees perceive the complexities of introducing and discussing spirituality throughout treatment. Attendees should expect to discuss the following topics:
- Introducing spirituality into treatment
- Potential challenges when discussing spirituality
- E.g. Imposing provider’s values onto client
- Situations and circumstances when practitioners should not discuss/introduce spirituality
- How to assess the salience of spirituality to the client
- How to assess the salience of spirituality to the problem/solution
- How to identify spiritual resources
- The relationship of spirituality to trauma, guilt, resentment, and forgiveness
