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Singapore-based counsellors’ perceptions of the use of spirituality in counselling
Author
Srividhya Sridhar
Supervisor
Kit, Phey Ling
Abstract
Spirituality is the core of an individual’s life and an important aspect in counselling. This study focused on 10 Singapore counsellors’ understanding and use of spirituality in-sessions. It explored the process and challenges involved in a successful integration of spirituality into the counselling process. Spirituality was a difficult concept to understand and there was no standard definition available. There was limited research on spirituality and counselling in Singapore. A qualitative analysis using Strauss’s and Corbin’s Grounded Theory produced 23 themes in 4 categories. Open sampling was used and the participants were subjected to in-depth semi-structured interviews. Given the context of Practising Spiritual Centeredness, Participants’ Personal Understanding of Spirituality (causal conditions) and Personal Characteristics (intervening conditions) led to the Use of Spirituality in Counselling (strategic action). The consequences were the Use of Spirituality in Competencies and their view of the Future Role of Spirituality. The findings from this research indicated that Singapore counsellors had awareness of spirituality and were already using forms of spirituality in their sessions. However, they were aware of the need for more knowledge, skills and proper training to handle spiritual issues with confidence without the fear of crossing boundaries. The results suggested that cultivating spiritual centeredness both at the individual and systemic levels would help counsellors to be alert to spiritual themes that emerged in the session and enable them to handle spiritual integration competently.
Date Issued
2015
Call Number
BF636.68 Sri
Date Submitted
2015