Discuss.addressing a client’s spirituality is very important

Discuss.addressing a client’s spirituality is very important

The below assignment has been written by another student. Please read it very carefully and reply to it by providing at least 200 meaningful words, APA format, at least one in-text cite and from at least one academic resource. Textbook—Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2014). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN: 9780132851022. Thanks (Kristen) The article I found suggest that addressing a client’s spirituality is very important. Giordano and Cashwell wrote that in the last few decades, clear evidence of spirituality has been recognized to enhance one’s culture and development (2014). Most people believe that there is more to life than what one can see with their eyes or touch with their hands. In my work experience, most people want to believe in a higher power, especially when they or a loved one is near death’s door. I have worked with several families who did not have any particular religious beliefs; however once the end was near, they began to wonder if there was a God. This article reports that studies have proven that counseling interventions that involve exploring individual beliefs regarding spirituality and religion has proven to better improve their overall psychological functioning as compared to other secular interventions (Giordano & Cashwell, 2014). Individuals who have a belief in some type of higher power are known to be at a lower risk for depression and suicide. This article also discusses counseling programs and how over the years, preparing students to address spirituality once they are practicing has increased. In 2012, 84 percent of counseling students reported that spirituality had been taught in their program, as compared to 25 percent in 2002 (Giordano & Cashwell, 2014). This article also noted that some counselors only discuss spiritually if their clients mention it or they avoid the topic out of fear of imposing their own beliefs and values onto the client (Giordano & Cashwell, 2014). Research has proven the positive impact that spirituality and religion have on individuals; so it seems that a counselor would be doing their client a disservice not to explore the topic. The article also suggests ways to introduce the topic of spiritually and religion. Motivational interviewing (MI) refers to a “process of working with client ambivalence related to issues of spirituality without imposing beliefs but rather helping clients to become unstuck” (Giordano & Cashwell, 2014, p.67). MI counselors and clients work as a team exploring the reasons for resisting change while encouraging motivation for change in their clients. Motivational interviewing appeals to me because it is not considered a theory or technique, but rather a form of communication. After all, communication is the key to any successful relationship. According to the ACA ethics, counselors should be engage in spiritual self-care, acknowledge the important role that spirituality plays in an individual’s life, support spiritual needs at the end of life, and remain objective when working with individuals who have different spiritual or religious beliefs ((Giordano & Cashwell, 2014, p. 65). The AACC code of ethics stresses the importance of displaying humility and working to understand their client’s beliefs. The code also states that Christian counselors should not impose their religion practices on clients (1-530-a) and to never deny services based on a client’s race, ethnic group, faith, religion, denomination, or value system. I believe that man created religion and I feel that most people get caught up in denomination practices; forgetting what it truly mans to be a Christian. It is about the relationship with Christ! Establishing rapport is one way to solicit religious or spiritual beliefs from clients. Asking your client what things in life are important to them usually leads to a conversation about spirituality. The article I found suggested providing clients with a survey in the beginning of the sessions that asked about the importance of discussing spirituality. I like the idea of using a survey or questionnaire. It is a way to establish boundaries before the counseling sessions begin. I also like the idea of using the style of motivational interviewing with clients.