Presents a response to D. A. Helminiak's (2001) article from the perspective of K. Wilber's integral psychology. Discusses a summary of integral psychology; various conceptual issues; and usefulness to mental health practitioners (MHPs). Argues that K. Wilber's model is more comprehensive, clear, coherent, and helpful to MHPs than Helminiak's…

Responds to three response articles and notes in the articles insistence on: importing religion into psychotherapy; serious misunderstanding about the proposed psychology of spirituality; argument primarily by appeal to authority; and imprecision and ad hominem comments. Offers clarifications and suggests that the target article deserves further…

This article describes one counselor's exploration of her spiritual beliefs in relation to Adler's theory of counseling and human development in an effort to move toward ideological consistency and to enhance competence in addressing spiritual dimensions of clients' development. (Contains 34 references.) (GCP)

Examines methods that are designed to expand and transform consciousness and argues that aspects of transpersonal psychology form the basis for the investigation of rituals, spiritual disciplines, and techniques that provoke shifts in awareness and energy. Outlines a psychosynthesis model for understanding these experiences, and presents a program…

Describes how the dimension of spirituality can be added to an existing counseling theory, multimodal therapy (MMT), to provide counselors with a practical approach to incorporating clients' religious and spiritual beliefs in the counseling process. Discusses the context of spirituality in counseling and explains the process by which it can be…

Discusses spirituality as a spiritual phenomenon that is independent of, yet open to, matters of personal religion and belief in God. Proposes that an elaborated psychology of spirituality helps therapists focus the psychotherapeutically relevant and spiritual issues in the client's presentation; build on the client's healthy commitments; and…

Provides an introductory background to the religious and spiritual experiences of gay men and lesbians. Offers an explication of the challenges facing gay persons, outlines a model to be used in counseling sessions, and gives a list of resources for further information. Argues that counselors frequently misunderstand the religious life of this…

Responds to D. A. Helminiak's (2001) article, focusing particularly on his argument for secular spirituality and his inherent biases in discussing the nature and existence of spirituality. Argues that all spiritual conceptions have theological implications, and that theology pervades the theory and practice of all psychotherapists, whether or not…

Discusses challenges in treating adult survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and how the relationship with God can either psychologically promote healing or maintain an abusive cycle. Argues that clinicians must understand the dynamic bonding process between abuser and survivor and how this relationship is typically transferred to…

Describes the religious and spiritual dimensions of African American culture and offers strategies, such as metaphor and music, for incorporating these strategies into counseling. Examines the difference between religion and spirituality, provides an overview of African Americans' spiritual traditions, and profiles the neglect of religion and…

Suggests that a condition of "negative spirituality" underlies and sustains alcoholism and perhaps all addictions. Argues that a secure recovery is not possible unless a "spiritual awakening," such as envisioned by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is achieved. A broadly applicable conceptual model of spirituality is inferred from the…

Introduces some of the tests of body, mind, and spirit that an Indian traditional seeker of spirit power must endure and the context in which these exercises are experienced. Explores aspects of spirituality and refers to aspects of cross-cultural counseling that may be both helpful and culturally and spiritually congruent. (RJM)

Examines spirituality's importance in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Considers how spirituality, as representative of how one views the world and his or her role in creation, may relieve professional counselors' apprehension about inserting a "theology" into treatment. Provides a brief history of alcoholism treatment and a…

Presents a response to D. A. Helminiak's (2001) article. Affirms that spiritually sensitive counselors who work within the religious or spiritual framework of clients can practice both ethically and effectively and can generate useful research examining the relationship between spirituality and successful therapeutic outcomes. (Contains 41…

Explores the experience of Christianity for many African Americans and how such experience provides a foundation for social activism. Discusses Black church burnings with respect to the more traditional Christian African American view of religion. Explores implications for incorporating the religious traditions of Christian African Americans into…