Issues and Challenges of Integrating Religion and Spirituality into Counselling: An exploration of Counsellors' Experience

Abstract This qualitative study explores the issues and challenges counsellors experience when considering religious and spiritual elements. Twelve counsellors were interviewed using a semi-structured interview and focus group discussion. Thematic analysis was performed and identified five main themes: 1) Knowledge and readiness to integrate religion and spirituality, 2) Being a role model, 3) Client's religious knowledge, 4) Awareness to refer to experts, and 5) Lack of understanding of the client's religious diversity.