Testing a relational spirituality model of psychotherapy clients' preferences and functioning

This study tested hypotheses about client preferences and functioning based on a relational spirituality model of psychotherapy in a sample (N = 101) of adult clients at a community mental health center in the northeastern United States. Most clients wanted to engage spiritual, religious, and existential issues in treatment and this preference was positively related to both spiritual/religious commitment and questing. Clients' ratings of therapist diversity sensitivity were associated with ratings of treatment progress over and above the working alliance. Client spiritual well-being and spiritual struggles predicted their psychosocial functioning over and above mental health symptoms. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Automated summary

This study tested hypotheses about client preferences and functioning based on a relational spirituality model of psychotherapy. It found that most clients preferred to engage in spiritual issues during treatment and this preference was related to their spiritual and religious commitment. Additionally, clients' ratings of therapist diversity sensitivity were associated with treatment progress, and client spiritual well-being and struggles predicted their psychosocial functioning.