S2E9: The role of religion in therapy | with Dr Sarah Morris
Do you feel confident talking about a client's religion/faith/spirituality?
This episode explores the subject of therapy and religion with guest Dr Sarah Morris, a psychologist who specialises in working with clients who are questioning their faith or navigating changes in their worldview. We discuss why it’s important for therapists to ask about religion and spirituality, how to handle discomfort or lack of knowledge around faith topics, and why faith often goes unspoken in therapy settings. The conversation covers practical tips for starting conversations about faith, supporting clients during faith transitions, and addressing both the positive and challenging impacts of religious backgrounds. The episode also covers self-disclosure, issues of trauma and religion, and how therapists can be mindful of their own biases and support a more inclusive practice.
Highlights include:
03:39 Why therapists should ask about faith
10:44 Approaching self-disclosure in therapy
16:07 Exploring your own biases and reflection in supervision
27:16 Addressing culture, diversity, and being curious about different faiths
34:37 Spiritual abuse, trauma, and practical therapy considerations
Guest Information:
Social media:
Website: https://connectionpsychology.co.uk/
Sarah's training takes place on 25th June 2025 and 2nd July 2025 Book HERE
Resources mentioned:
Developing spiritual competence: Hodge, D. R. (2018). Spiritual competence: What it is, why it is necessary, and how to develop it. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 27(2), 124-139. (PDF freely available online)Spiritual life maps: Hodge, D. R. (2005). Spiritual lifemaps: A client-centered pictorial instrument for spiritual assessment, planning, and intervention. Social work, 50(1), 77-87. (PDF freely available online)Work by Dr David Benner e.g. Human Being and BecomingResources around religious trauma:
Holy Hurt by Hillary McBride When Religion Hurts You by Dr Laura Andersonhttps://www.journeyfree.org
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Mastering Therapy
Welcome to the Mastering Therapy Podcast with me, Dr. Natalie Stott, a clinical psychologist. If you're a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor looking to expand your skills, gain confidence, and discover fresh ways to make an impact with your clients, this is the show for you.
We all know that creating meaningful change for our clients is incredibly fulfilling, but let’s face it—this work can be challenging, especially if you feel like you don’t have a big team around you. Mastering Therapy is a weekly podcast that can be your go-to source of professional development and connection, where therapists can learn from one another, share practical insights, and navigate the challenges of therapy together.
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- Latest episode: 2025-05-15
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