This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of spiritual change processes by conducting an empirical investigation of clinically meaningful events occurring within the context of a Christian-Integrated Psychotherapy Framework. The discovery phase of task analysis was used to build a rational-empirical model that explicated how clients developed stronger attachments to their God images. A rational model was specified, and five cases were selected for further analysis from a pool of 27 client-participants and 423 video-recorded psychotherapy sessions. Clinical observations and the coding of in-session measures were used to select resolved and unresolved cases, which were then contrasted to create a 10-step rational-empirical model. In this model, clients initially presented with intense feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness but concluded with heightened levels of love and joy. Clients who reached this resolution all underwent an experience whereby their God images became dynamic, alive, intimate, and authentic. Results are discussed, and implications for the existence of an in vivo God image and corrective emotional spiritual experiences are introduced. Specifically, corrective emotional spiritual experiences appear to have influenced clients to transition from being insecurely attached to more securely attached to their in vivo God images. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychotherapy clients who consider themselves highly religious often prefer therapists who hold similar religious values. This is the case for religious Christians who want to discuss their difficulties in a counseling environment that affirms their Christian faith. While a majority of Americans identify as believing Christians, there is limited research on Christian therapists and their clients. Little is known about the potential differences between Christian therapists and clients in terms of religious beliefs, practices, and experiences. The samples in this study included clients seeking treatment at a large urban Christian counseling center and the therapists providing treatment. Clients provided information about overall psychological distress and interpersonal problems upon intake and information about religious and spiritual practices and beliefs, including religious coping, daily spiritual experiences, and forgiveness. In addition, this study examined the religious beliefs and practices of Christian therapists in comparison to the clients they serve. Results identify important differences between Christian therapists and clients on many religion and spirituality variables. Given that knowledge, skills, and awareness of working with spiritually and religiously diverse clients is an essential aspect of multicultural counseling competence, this article concludes by applying these results to the field, offering practical. clinical considerations for both Christian therapists and psychotherapists practicing in secular settings for improved multicultural clinical practice.

This grounded theory study entailed interviewing nine participants who stated that their spiritual experiences were integral to positive treatment outcomes while receiving individual psychotherapy at a Christian outpatient clinic. All participants experienced various psychological symptoms while undergoing difficult life experiences and stressors. An emergent model made up of 14 major themes were categorized into three groups whereby each group served as a sequential precursor to the next. The first group of themes, Behavioral Triggers, highlighted behavioral patterns that contributed toward participants' spiritual experiences. Participants stated that themes within this group were integral to experiencing the second group, or Spiritual Catalysts. Within this group, participants stated that gaining a "New God Image and Relationship" and developing "New Existential/Religious Beliefs" were essential to the final group of themes, or Psychosocial Outcomes. This group entailed themes that were associated with symptom alleviations and enhancements toward a new and positive self-image. Results from this study highlighted the importance for psychotherapy patients to develop a safe and secure relationship with their God image to experience spiritual transformation and positive psychological outcomes.