The Experiences Atheists Have in Counseling in the Bible Belt of the United States: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

This interpretative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of nonreligious and nonspiritual (NRNS) individuals seeking counseling while living in the Bible Belt of the United States. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adults who self‐identified as NRNS and resided in the Bible Belt of the United States. The analysis revealed four interrelated themes: religious judgment and relational safety, the emotional burden of anticipated judgment, navigating authenticity and safety across contexts, and counseling as risk, rupture, or repair. Participants described navigating assumptions of theism in daily life and in mental health settings, often engaging in selective disclosure to protect against stigma or value imposition. Findings highlight the influence of perceived counselor religiosity on trust, openness, and therapeutic alliance. Implications for counseling practice include the importance of worldview humility, careful consideration of spiritual or religious self‐disclosure, and the ethical avoidance of religion‐based interventions with NRNS clients.