AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE VIEWS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS ABOUT INTEGRATING SPIRITUALITY INTO CASE FORMULATION

Objective This qualitative study aims to explore how clinical/counselling psychologists in Singapore integrate religious or spiritual (R/S) concepts into the case formulation of clients who are religious or spiritual. Method Interviews were conducted with 12 clinical psychologists following an interview guide. The interviews were subsequently transcribed, and themes were coded and analysed according to the Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Results Three meta-themes were identified: (i) the Process of Integration, (ii) Methods for Integration, and (iii) Integration for Treatment Planning. Each meta-theme had three related sub-themes. Process of Integration consisted of Therapist s Defined Scope of Psychotherapy, Therapist s (Dis)Comfort with R/S Topics, and Therapist s R/S Beliefs. Methods for Integration consisted of formulating the client s R/S beliefs, rituals and practices, and relationships with R/S community. Treatment planning consisted of focusing on client s R/S beliefs, rituals and values, and referrals to R/S leaders. Conclusion Psychologists were largely influenced by their personal R/S beliefs, their knowledge, and expertise when conceptualizing in a R/S integrated manner. The R/S conceptualization was categorized mainly as R/S beliefs, practices, and community relationships. Consequently, these therapist factors and integration methods were deciding factors that guided the treatment plans.

Author dc:creator

• QUINTA LEE YING YING

• qualitative study
• spirituality
• religion
• case formulation
• integration
• clinical psychology