Christian clients and their counselors

Abstract

Psychotherapy clients who consider themselves highly religious often prefer therapists who hold similar religious values. This is the case for religious Christians who want to discuss their difficulties in a counseling environment that affirms their Christian faith. While a majority of Americans identify as believing Christians, there is limited research on Christian therapists and their clients. Little is known about the potential differences between Christian therapists and clients in terms of religious beliefs, practices, and experiences. The samples in this study included clients seeking treatment at a large urban Christian counseling center and the therapists providing treatment. Clients provided information about overall psychological distress and interpersonal problems upon intake and information about religious and spiritual practices and beliefs, including religious coping, daily spiritual experiences, and forgiveness. In addition, this study examined the religious beliefs and practices of Christian therapists in comparison to the clients they serve. Results identify important differences between Christian therapists and clients on many religion and spirituality variables. Given that knowledge, skills, and awareness of working with spiritually and religiously diverse clients is an essential aspect of multicultural counseling competence, this article concludes by applying these results to the field, offering practical, clinical considerations for both Christian therapists and psychotherapists practicing in secular settings for improved multicultural clinical practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)