S2E9: The role of religion in therapy | with Dr Sarah Morris

Do you feel confident talking about a client's religion/faith/spirituality? This episode explores the subject of therapy and religion with guest Dr Sarah Morris, a psychologist who specialises in working with clients who are questioning their faith or navigating changes in their worldview. We discuss why it’s important for therapists to ask about religion and spirituality, how to handle discomfort or lack of knowledge around faith topics, and why faith often goes unspoken in therapy settings. The conversation covers practical tips for starting conversations about faith, supporting clients during faith transitions, and addressing both the positive and challenging impacts of religious backgrounds. The episode also covers self-disclosure, issues of trauma and religion, and how therapists can be mindful of their own biases and support a more inclusive practice.Highlights include:03:39 Why therapists should ask about faith10:44 Approaching self-disclosure in therapy16:07 Exploring your own biases and reflection in supervision27:16 Addressing culture, diversity, and being curious about different faiths34:37 Spiritual abuse, trauma, and practical therapy considerationsGuest Information:Social media:Website: https://connectionpsychology.co.uk/Sarah's training takes place on 25th June 2025 and 2nd July 2025 Book HEREResources mentioned:Developing spiritual competence: Hodge, D. R. (2018). Spiritual competence: What it is, why it is necessary, and how to develop it. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 27(2), 124-139. (PDF freely available online)Spiritual life maps: Hodge, D. R. (2005). Spiritual lifemaps: A client-centered pictorial instrument for spiritual assessment, planning, and intervention. Social work, 50(1), 77-87. (PDF freely available online)Work by Dr David Benner e.g. Human Being and BecomingResources around religious trauma:Holy Hurt by Hillary McBride When Religion Hurts You by Dr Laura Andersonhttps://www.journeyfree.org** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes **For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.comTo recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guestFor private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com*****Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channelFollow Mastering therapy on instagramConnect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedInDisclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode:Heidi Health walkthrough webinarView a FREE preview of the webinar at @masteringtherapy on youtube To purchase the webinar for just £25 sign up at webinar.masteringtherapy.com See www.masteringtherapy.com for all courses and webinars available To receive 1 month of Heidi health pro version use this link https://scribe.heidihealth.com/register?via=MasteringTherapyGuideMASTERING THERAPY WORKSHOPSGet your name on the list to be the first to hear when these workshops go live! https://www.masteringtherapy.com/workshopsGuide