Why spiritual safety matters in mental health care

**Key Point**

True healing happens when clients feel safe bringing every part of themselves, including their faith, into the therapy room.

Making Space for Faith in the Therapy Room

For much of modern history, religion and spirituality have been at odds with the fields of psychotherapy and counseling. Until relatively recently, the two were often viewed with suspicion or even disdain toward one another. In the early to mid-20th century, many religious leaders dismissed psychology as unnecessary, believing that all one needed for healing was more faith or a closer relationship with God. Conversely, many psychologists and therapists of that era regarded religion as a source of repression or superstition, rather than a resource for personal growth.

Thankfully, that narrative has begun to shift.
In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the spiritual self—the part of a person that shows up in the therapy room with their beliefs, values, and search for meaning. Many modern approaches, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can even be seen as inherently spiritual in nature. These models invite clients to cultivate trust, curiosity, and compassion toward their inner experience, guiding them toward a deeper awareness of the self, and perhaps even, the soul.

More therapists are now acknowledging the importance of integrating spiritual themes and spiritual wellness into treatment, seeing it as a vital dimension of whole-person care. This growing openness has allowed clients to explore not just their emotional and psychological needs, but also their existential and faith-based questions within a supportive, non-judgmental space.

When Faith Feels Unsafe in the Therapy Room

I believe that clients who belong to specific religious traditions are often underserved in the world of psychotherapy. When a client identifies, for example, as Catholic and expresses that their faith and practices are important to them, many therapists unintentionally disconnect. They may feel uncertain about how to engage or fear saying the wrong thing due to a perceived lack of competency.

The unfortunate result is that some clients of faith struggle to find a therapist who feels safe. They may even feel ostracized from the mental health field simply because of what they believe.

Most therapists understand the critical importance of safety in the therapy room, especially for clients with a history of trauma or emotional wounds. Yet, spiritual safety is equally vital. Clients should feel free to speak about their faith, their doubts, and the parts of their religious experience that bring either peace or pain, without fear of judgment or dismissal.

I would argue that therapists don’t necessarily need extensive specialized training to work effectively with religious clients. What they need most is comfort, curiosity, and openness—a willingness to approach these conversations from a stance of safety and respect. Therapy becomes a sacred space when clients feel they can explore all parts of themselves, including their spirituality and beliefs.

Of course, this also requires therapists to remain mindful of their own biases and values. We must ensure that we don’t impose our personal perspectives on clients, whether the topic is a Muslim client’s reflections on gender roles, a Catholic client’s beliefs about marriage or life issues, or a Jewish client’s observance of dietary laws.

Rather than avoiding these moments, therapists can meet them with flexibility and self-awareness, and when needed, seek consultation or supervision to process their own reactions. These are not barriers to therapy; they’re growth opportunities, both for the therapist and the client.

Toward a More Integrated Practice

When therapy acknowledges a person’s spiritual or religious life, it recognizes an essential part of who they are. It’s not about turning therapy into something religious; it’s about creating space for what already exists within the client.

As therapists, our role is to meet the whole person sitting in front of us. Faith, values, and meaning are often central to how people make sense of their experiences. When these aspects are respected and welcomed in the room, therapy becomes more grounded, more human, and ultimately, more effective.

For many clients of faith, simply knowing they don’t have to hide that part of themselves can be profoundly healing. It allows them to show up fully, to be honest about their struggles, and to integrate their beliefs into the work of change and growth.

At Mind & Melody Therapy Services, I believe that healing occurs when every aspect of a person, including their faith and values, has a place in the conversation.

Making Space for Faith in the Therapy Room

Why spiritual safety matters in mental health care

Key Point