Bringing sacred texts into counseling raises ethical questions practitioners must handle carefully. Texts like the Bible, the Quran or the Bhagavad Gita carry deep meaning for many people. Counselors who use them in therapy need to make sure their approach fits the client’s beliefs and values and keeps the space respectful and inclusive.
Counselors should work toward cultural competence, listen closely to clients’ views and treat sacred texts as a supportive resource instead of a set of directions. Ethical guidelines also call for maintaining boundaries so spiritual work does not overshadow psychological principles. Thoughtfully done, bringing in sacred texts can enrich counseling and give clients spiritual support. By putting ethical standards first, counselors can work through this complicated area, strengthening their practice while honoring the varied beliefs of their clients.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the clinical basis for integrating the use of sacred texts into psychotherapy.
- Explain how to ethically introduce and utilize sacred texts in counseling.
- Utilize sacred texts in a way that ethically maintains clinical boundaries.
- Design a treatment plan that incorporates sacred texts.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Describe the clinical basis for integrating the use of sacred texts into psychotherapy
- CBT
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Importance of spirituality and religion in mental health outcomes
Objective #2: Explain how to ethically introduce and utilize sacred texts in counseling
- Informed consent
- Religion/spirituality inventory
- Client collaboration
Objective #3: Utilize sacred texts in a way that ethically maintains clinical boundaries
- Coping skills
- Creating hope
- Continuous check-in with client
- Evaluating outcomes
Objective #4: Design a treatment plan that incorporates sacred texts
- Relevance to presenting issue
- Co-creation of the treatment plan
- Being trauma-informed
Summary/Final Questions
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 hours of Ethics continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: March 24, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Ethics continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com