Chapter 3 blog

Part of becoming a competent therapist or counselor requires that the trainee gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to function and interact with students or clients who describe themselves as spiritual or religious. According to a recent Gallup poll (2012), nearly 60 percent of Americans reported that religion was a “very important” part of their lives. Among the Millenial generation—that is, 20-somethings—there is a trend toward identifying as more spiritual than religious (Grossman, 2010). As mentioned in the Duffy (2006) article, one’s religious affiliation or spirituality shapes their worldview. As counselors, it is not our responsibility to endorse those same beliefs, but we must display sensitivity when interacting with any and all clients.

To me, it makes sense that as helping professionals, we should be concerned with clients’ overall well-being, including their spiritual well-being. This is an important part of many individuals’ lives. One’s faith helps create meaning and purpose in their life, as well as provides emotional support in times of struggle (Duffy, 2006). In my own life, my parents stressed the importance of serving others and considering others greater than myself. In fact, I was raised to believe that we are even called to serve and love others. By watching my parents serve in our church and in the community, I learned that it is not only rewarding to others when you serve them, but you yourself gain a sense of satisfaction. I have no doubt that this value influenced my decision to become a therapist.

Christians believe that each individual is uniquely designed by God with certain gifts, abilities, talents, and passions. According to the Bible, each individual plays a particular part in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12, The Message). It is important for many Believers to feel that they are constructively contributing to the overall body—that is, determining their individual calling. I believe this has the ability to empower people, increasing their self-esteem as well as their job-satisfaction.

A theme of empowerment appears to be the common thread between Duffy’s (2006) article and Krumboltz’s social learning theory outlined in the textbook (Brown, 2012). While Duffy (2006) encourages individuals to identify and then use their God-given gifts to engage in meaningful and satisfying work, Krumboltz believes that the counselor’s role is to help outline a plan for personal growth. Both agree that it is essential for clients to have effective coping skills in order to face life’s challenges—particularly concerning the world of work. However, while spiritual individuals gain a sense of peace from giving up control of their lives (and into the hands of the Creator), Krumboltz’s social learning theory states that clients must learn to gain control of their own lives (Brown, 2012).

In closing, career counselors should  help people identify their beliefs and values—whether religion/spirituality plays an important role or not—in order to help them find the career that fits them best.

Brown, D. (2012). Learning theory-based, postmodern, socioeconomic, and decision-making theories and their applications. In Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th ed., pp. 59-79). New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

Duffy, R. (2006). Spirituality, religion, and career development: Current status and future directions. The Career Development Quarterly, 55, 52-63.

Gallup. (2012). Religion [Graphs]. Retrieved from http://www.gallup.com/poll/1690/religion.aspx#1.

Grossman, C. L. (2010, Oct 14). Survey: 72% of Millennials ‘more spiritual than religious.’ USA Today. Retrieved from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-04-27-1Amillfaith27_ST_N.htm.