Transcendence through Talking
Authors
Duffy, Stephanie
Issue Date
2025.16.12
Degree
BA in Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Open Access
Abstract
This research thesis examines the integration of spirituality into psychotherapy with a specific focus on the Irish context. Through critical engagement with existing literature, the study addresses three key objectives: (1) to examine the key conceptual and historical foundations of spirituality in psychotherapy, (2) to assess client preferences and therapists' challenges concerning integration, and (3) to evaluate U.S informed frameworks and competence models and their applicability to Irish clinical practice. The thesis findings suggest that while there is wide support for the integration of spirituality into psychotherapy, significant challenges persist, including ethical questions, ambiguity regarding definitions, and the lack of culturally informed training in Ireland. The study concludes by recommending empirical research, the development of location-specific competencies, and cross-discipline dialogue to enable psychotherapy to respond to spiritual questioning with cultural sensitivity and competence. Keywords: spirituality, psychotherapy, Ireland, United States, spiritual, competence, training, ethics, bias, challenges, professional bodies