Heavensfield

Clients often report that they prefer to meet with a counselor who "understands" their religious and spiritual orientation, to one that does not. This is particularly true of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) (also known as the Mormons) who see their faith as a lifestyle choice, rather than a religious "worship only" activity. Members of the church devote a large amount of time cultivating a positive relationship with God and others based on universalistic moral principles.  Several of these moral principles differ from main stream cultural beliefs and attitudes. For example, the doctrine contained in the word of wisdom encourages members to live healthy lives by abstaining from alcohol. While it is true that there are other religions which encourage abstinence from alcohol, drinking in moderation at the age of 21 is a widely accepted social practice among faith-based Americans. Some LDS church members prefer to meet with an LDS counselor who appreciates the tenets of their faith.

Another counseling issue which needs confronting, is the fear that a counselor with differing religious beliefs may persuade a family member or loved one to abandon their religious beliefs, or go against one's individual moral values. An ethical counselor (LDS or otherwise) should not be "telling you" how you should live your life. To do this would be to rob you of your individual right to moral agency and free choice. If you were to ask me what I think about this practice, one word comes to mind -- oppressive. While counselors receve specialized training in psychological matters, no one is qualified to direct the course of your life. A counselor's role is to facilitate your personal quest to health and wholeness by allowing you to freely explore your inner thoughts and feelings. 

No matter what the religious orientation of the therapist you are considering, the following points apply: 

• Honor your own intuition or spiritual leanings.
• If the relationship with your counselor doesn't feel right, seek out other options.
• Bringing spiritual faith-based discussions into the counseling session is a choice only you can make.
• The counseling process should offer you a safe place to self-express and explore your inner feelings without fear of judgement.
• A therapist should never "lecture" you about religious doctrine.
• Give yourself permission to make your own decisions in the counseling relationship.

Counseling is a collaborative effort between two or more people with a shared vision. Counseling goals should be centered on a client's vision of health and wholeness, not the therapist's (regardless of a counselor's religious orientation.)