Spiritually-integrated psychotherapy or psychotherapy that is imbued with spirituality?

Abstract

Up to a few years ago, many were resistant to the idea of linking spirituality and religion to psychotherapy for a number of reasons including the historical tension between psychology, psychotherapy and spirituality/religion. However, with time, this reluctance seems to have shifted such that for some, dealing with spiritual and/or religious issues has become not only inevitable but an ethical obligation particularly within a multicultural context (Hathaway and Ripley 2009; Miller 2003; Richards and Bergin 2005; West 2004). Zinnbauer and Barrett (2009: 145) describe this change as a ‘welcome sign of progress’, particularly within the context of past tensions. [excerpt]