Religious Issues

Religion, or an organized system of beliefs that typically relates to one's faith and trust in a higher power, is a defining characteristic of the way many people live and make decisions. A person may base a number of life choices on religious views, but when aspects of a person's life conflict with religious ideals, it may be difficult to reconcile the two, and doubt and distress may result.

When a person is challenged by religious beliefs, finds that they lead to uncharacteristic actions, or experiences mental distress as a result of internal doubt or external persecution, the support of a therapist or other mental health professional may be recommended. 

• Religion and Spirituality
• Understanding Religious Issues
• Can Religion Affect Mental Health?
• Religion and Privilege
• Therapy to Address Religious Issues
• Pastoral and Religious Counseling
• Case Examples

Religion and Spirituality

Though spirituality and religion can be considered to be related concepts, they are not entirely the same thing. While one may express spirituality through religion, spirituality is generally held to be a broader sense of connection to nature, the universe, and perhaps a higher power, but not necessarily one that is directly identified. Spirituality may consist of looser beliefs or practices than organized religion, though it may also involve meditation, yoga, dance, and so on. Religion is often more formalized, and individuals who are religious typically identify themselves as belonging to a certain faith or subscribing to a particular set of beliefs. 

22.8% of Americans declare themselves to have no religious affiliation. This number includes those who are atheist, agnostic, or "nothing in particular." Individuals who have no religious affiliation may still experience spirituality. 

Understanding Religious Issues

Religion can have a significant impact on the way a person lives and experiences life. A person who is religious may find a number of areas in life to be at least somewhat influenced by their beliefs. A person may develop faith in accordance with childhood beliefs or as a result of personal searching. Some individuals may experience persecution or discrimination as a result of their belief system. Others might have certain beliefs imposed upon them by family, friends, or intimate partners and feel obligated to uphold these beliefs, even when they differ from personal views. Individuals may choose an intimate partner through their church, or make the decision to marry and have a family based on their religious beliefs and views. A person's friendships or relationships with family members may also be impacted, positively or negatively, by their belief system. 

Many people find their religious faith to be a source of comfort and solace. They may find that believing in a higher power gives their life meaning and provides them with a set of standards or moral code to live by. Religious faith may make it easier for some to cope with challenges in life and practice compassion toward others.  However, some religions may deviate from their outlined doctrine, operate under principles that can be harmful to mental or physical well-being, or discourage individuals from expressing certain aspects of their nature. When this is the case, a person may begin to question or doubt aspects of faith, which can lead to emotional and mental distress. 

Can Religion Affect Mental Health? 

Religious discrimination and persecution can also have harmful effects on a person's well-being. Not only might some individuals experience anxiety, depression, or stress, some may be victimized by acts of physical violence, which can lead to posttraumatic stress as well as personal harm. 

A recent study, which examined the correlation between religious beliefs and mental health concerns, suggested that the type of god one worships may have an effect on one's mental and emotional health. Research found that those who believed in a vengeful or angry deity, as opposed to a benevolent or uninvolved deity, were more likely to experience mental health concerns such as social anxiety, paranoia, and obsessions and compulsions. 

Other effects of religious views on mental health can be seen in the somewhat controversial condition known as religious trauma syndrome. Formally labeled in 2011 by human development consultant Dr. Marlene Winell, RTS describes a collection of symptoms that are often seen in those who have had a harmful experience with religion. RTS can result from the experience of belonging to a controlling religion or develop as part of the impact of departure from certain religious groups. Symptoms might include fear, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, depression, and difficulty functioning socially. Often, individuals experience intense fear at the thought of divine punishment, even when they no longer believe in the doctrine of a particular religion, and this fear and distress may follow them for years after their departure from the religious group. Other symptoms may include feelings of worthlessness, learned helplessness, and acts of self-harm.

Leaving a controlling religious faith, especially when one was born and raised as a member of the religious group, can not only lead to stress and panic, but may also disrupt a person's life, sense of self, and worldview. Leaving a controlling religious faith, especially when one was born and raised as a member of the religious group, can not only lead to stress and panic, but may also disrupt a person's life, sense of self, and worldview. Some religions might leave their members with no frame of reference of the world "outside the church," which can make transitioning more difficult. Therapists, or any individuals not familiar with the effects of a controlling religion, may find it difficult to comprehend the level of terror experienced by those who are affected. A number of mental health professionals believe that naming and recognizing this syndrome may encourage those affected to seek treatment for it. When therapists are aware of the symptoms of this syndrome and what they indicate, they may be able to address and treat them with greater ease. 

Religion and Privilege

Those whose faith puts them in the religious majority can be said to experience religious privilege. In the United States, those who belong to some subset of the Christian faith—approximately 70.6% of the population—are likely to experience religious privilege in many areas. This privilege can affect members of minority faiths in small or subtle ways. Christians may proselytize, use religious phrasing or wishes such as "God bless you," or tell others they will pray for them. In some cases, however, the effects of religious privilege may be more harmful, as those not of the majority faith may experience prejudice, persecution, or even physical harm, especially when they belong to a little-known or misunderstood faith.

Many individuals who grow up in religious households develop religious views different from those of their parents as they become adults. Questioning tenets of a previously held faith can be difficult, especially when one's entire family follows the faith. A person who becomes agnostic or atheist may still find themselves affected by some aspects of religious doctrine, and parents and other family members may not accept the religious transition and attempt to "re-convert" the individual. Therapy can be helpful in addressing these and other issues that may arise in the process of questioning one's faith or attempting to share one's beliefs with family members, friends, and other loved ones. 

Therapy to Address Religious Issues

Individuals challenged by issues relating to religion may find it helpful to address and explore these concerns in therapy. Though many therapists may hesitate to include discussion of religion in therapy, as doing is considered to be a somewhat controversial practice, a therapist may be able to offer guidance without either supporting or rejecting a person's beliefs. Instead, the therapist can help the person seeking treatment to clarify areas of doubt or confusion, identify symptoms or general mental distress, and address any effects that religion may be having on health or well-being. A therapist who does not allow bias to color the discussion, who approaches religion—and any other topic discussed—with sensitivity and care, and who respects the faith of a person in therapy may be able to uncover areas of concern relating to one's religion, offer support to individuals coping with religious discrimination or persecution, help people in therapy to reconcile areas of conflict between their religion and their lives, and help individuals develop a greater understanding of themselves, both as a member of their faith and apart from it. 

When individuals present with symptoms of religious trauma syndrome or have otherwise experienced harm as a result of religious beliefs, a mental health professional may often be able to treat these symptoms and help individuals recognize the trauma they have experienced and begin to reframe thoughts and beliefs in a way that supports mental well-being. Attending group sessions with other people who have left controlling religions may also be recommended to individuals seeking help with religious trauma.  

When one still feels a sense of belonging to one's faith but begins to doubt one or more aspects of the doctrine, a mental health professional may be able to help that person identify and clarify any concerns and explore solutions and coping methods in a neutral way. In some cases, a secular therapist or mental health professional may provide a referral to a pastoral or faith-based counselor or encourage the person in therapy to seek out guidance from a church member or leader in addition to therapy.   

Pastoral and Faith-Based Counseling

Certified pastoral counselors are licensed mental health professionals who work to provide those seeking therapy with a treatment model that combines spiritual and theological training with psychological understanding. Pastoral counselors generally welcome individuals from all faiths, respecting the individual religious traditions and spiritual commitments of those in therapy. The goal of pastoral counseling is to accommodate an individual's spiritual beliefs into therapy in order to address areas of concern, whether they relate to religion or not, and a variety of approaches and therapeutic methods may be used. Some individuals may prefer to communicate with a member of their religious faith when experiencing mental health challenges or other difficulties in life, but others may find that a pastoral counselor can also provide them with spiritual guidance. 

Case Examples

• Clarifying beliefs in therapy: Liam, 24, enters therapy, seeking help understanding his spirituality. He tells the therapist he is a member of the Catholic faith, but he is not comfortable with some of the positions of the Church. Though he attends church, he does not do so regularly. He believes in God, but is not sure about much more than that. The therapist asks him why he chose to seek therapy rather than speak to a priest, read the Bible, take a class in religious studies, pray, mediate, or speak to friends and family. Liam hesitates but eventually says that he did not know where to turn. He discloses his uncertainty that God is listening to him and expresses his anxiety and discomfort with his own questioning thoughts. The therapist asks Liam what he values about his religion, and Liam identifies certain values, practices, and the sense of community that he enjoys as a member of the Church. He also discusses the sense of relief and peace he feels after confession. Having the opportunity to discuss his concerns in therapy enables Liam to realize that he does in fact feel a sense of belonging to the Catholic faith, despite certain aspects of the doctrine that trouble him. The therapist helps him to understand that it is normal to question any belief or value system, and they continue in therapy, working to address Liam's discomfort with parts of the Catholic doctrine and to explore ways that he can accommodate both his beliefs and his uncertainty. 
• Addressing religious trauma syndrome in therapy: Violet, 22, enters therapy on the brink of crisis. She tells the therapist that she has not made any plans to commit suicide, but that she has the urge to self-harm frequently, finds it difficult to eat and drink regularly, and is able to think of little else but "the end of the world." The therapist's questions reveal that Violet spent her childhood in a strict Christian church and is still affected by the doctrine. Violet tells the therapist that she has not believed in the doctrine of the Church for years, but that she still worries that God will punish her, even though she is not entirely sure she believes in God. She tells the therapist that feels guilty every time she drinks alcohol, doubts the existence of God, or has sexual thoughts, especially when they involve other women. Every time she does something "wrong," she says, she feels that she has to pray, even though she does not believe she is actually praying to anyone. When she is not otherwise occupied, all of her thoughts turn to what she refers to as "Christ's return" and she constantly thinks, "Will it be now? Will it be now?" She tells the therapist that at times she can think of nothing but her fears, especially at night when she is attempting to sleep. Violet states that she finds it difficult to reconcile what she was taught growing up with her current lack of belief in any higher power. Her mother, who still belongs to the Church, constantly urges Violet to return, telling her that she "fears for her soul." Over several weeks of therapy, Violet addresses her fear, anxiety, and begins to reconcile her personal beliefs and sense of values with those that she was taught. The therapist helps her normalize her desire to engage in sexual activity and reinforces Violet's own knowledge that her sexual orientation is an unalterable aspect of her identity. Violet states that she believes, despite the teachings of the Church, "If there are so many religions, no one religion can be right," and her work with the therapist helps her to become better able to focus on her personal beliefs and values when she is feeling fearful. As her anxiety and fear abate, she is able to eat more regularly and has less of an urge to self-harm. In a few months, her physical and emotional health improve, and she continues with the therapist, finding it helpful to simply express her internal conflict. 

References:

1. About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aapc.org/Default.aspx?ssid=74&NavPTypeId=1157 
2. Behere, P., Das, A., Yadav, R., & Behere, A. (2013). Religion and mental health. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), S187-S194. 
3. Cooper-White, M. (2013, April 24). Religion & mental health: New study links belief in 'punitive god' to emotional problems. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/24/religion-mental-health-angry-god-brain_n_3097025.html 
4. Kersting, K. (2003). Religion and spirituality in the treatment room. Monitor on Psychology, 34(11), 40-40. 
5. Pargament, K. (2013, March 20). What role do religion and spirituality play in mental health? Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/03/religion-spirituality.aspx 
6. Parker-Pope, T. (2011, March 22). When God is part of therapy. The New York TImes. Retrieved from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/when-god-is-part-of-therapy/?_r=0 
7. Schapiro, R., & Pearson, E. (2015, May 12). Americans less Christian, more atheist and agnostic: Pew survey. Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/americans-christian-atheist-agnostic-survey-article-1.2219229
8. Tarico, V. (2013, March 25). Religious trauma syndrome: How some organized religion leads to mental health problems. Retrieved from http://www.alternet.org/belief/religious-trauma-syndrome-how-some-organized-religion-leads-mental-health-problems 
9.  What is pastoral counseling? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pccsantafe.org/questions.html