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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1: Cornish, M. A., Wade, N. G., Tucker, J. R., & Post, B. C. (2014). When religion enters the counseling group: Multiculturalism, group processes, and social justice. The Counseling Psychologist, 42(5), 578-600.

Summary: Religion is a diversity factor that comprises a significant component of identity for many clients. However, little attention has been paid to religion in the context of group counseling, especially process-oriented, non-themed groups with heterogeneous membership. Using multicultural, process-oriented, and social justice theories of groups, this article demonstrates the myriad ways religion is relevant to and influential in group counseling work.

Questions to consider:

1. How important is it to manage the discussion of religion in a group context?
2. What do the authors include as some of the ways religion is influential in group counseling work?
3. How prepared are you to discuss religion in a group context?

Article 2: Boyd-Franklin, N. (2010). Incorporating spirituality and religion into the treatment of African American clients. The Counseling Psychologist, 38(7), 976-1000.

Summary: This article discusses the process of incorporating spirituality and religion into the treatment of African American clients. It addresses religious diversity within the African American community. The roles of spirituality and religion as survival and coping mechanisms for overcoming racism, adversity, and loss are emphasized.

Questions to consider:

1. How important is spirituality and religion to those in the African American culture?
2. What do you hear as the overarching theme in the stories told by African American clients?
3. How prepared are you to work with African American clients in the area of spirituality and religion?

Article 3: Eliason, G. T., Lepore, M., & Holmes, D. (2013). Ethics in pastoral care and counseling: A contemporary review of standards in the field. Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 67(2), 1-11.

Summary: This article reviews ethical responsibilities that must be considered when engaging in pastoral care, counseling, and psychotherapy. It discusses important contemporary issues counselors will want to contemplate in pursuing a high quality of care in their counseling practices.

Questions to consider:

1. What do Eliason, Lepore, and Holmes include as some important ethical responsibilities that must be considered when engaging in pastoral care, counseling, and psychotherapy?
2. What is the difference between pastoral care, pastoral counseling, and pastoral psychotherapy?
3. Why is it important for pastoral counselors to attain the necessary credentials for practice in the area of counseling they want to undertake?