Perceptions of the role of spirituality in counselling services : An exploratory study from a therapist's perspective

The main purpose of counselling is intended to help the person to become balanced and integrated with healing of any hurt and finding fulfilment in life. In this process, the spiritual experience of the person is considered as an important component. The aim of the author's present research is to explore the therapist?s perceptions of the role of spirituality in counselling services.  This book reports the findings of interviews with counsellors to ascertain the answers to questions such as how comfortable they feel discussing spirituality in therapy and what level of caution they should have in discussing spirituality with the client. Critical examination of the recent edition of APA manual DSM-IV-V code (62.89) is attempted due to its caution to the therapists in dealing with spirituality for proper diagnosis and effective therapy. The findings indicate therapists? need to include the spirituality of the client in  a therapeutic setting for diagnosis and treatment. The findings also emphasise the need for an integrated approach taking into consideration the contextual factors within counselling and similar mental health professions. Implications for practice and theory are discussed. Further themes for research are also proposed.