title: Religion, spirituality and therapy: implications for training.
abstract: Religion and spirituality are recognized coping resources but are neglected in psychological training and practice. However, religion and spirituality can be successfully used to cope with psychological disorders, prevent unhealthy behaviors and promote resilience. This study explored and described two questions regarding the concepts of the terminology religion and spirituality, and the perceptions of the use of religion and spirituality in therapy. Purposive sampling was utilized in a qualitative study of 15 registered psychologists, and data were analyzed using Tesch's model of qualitative content analysis. The concepts religion and spirituality appear difficult to define but the importance of their use as coping mechanisms in their own and their clients' lives was recognized. These findings have implications for professional training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P O Box 77000, 6031, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Diane.Elkonin@nmmu.ac.za.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Elkonin
authors.forename: Ottilia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naicker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011584:Psychology / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D013019:South Africa; D029181:Spirituality