RT Article T1 The Role of Spirituality in Therapeutic Practices JF Journal for the study of religions and ideologies VO 18 IS 53 SP 60 OP 74 A1 Frunza, Mihaela A1 Frunză, Sandu 1966- A1 Grad, Nicolae Ovidiu LA English PB CEEOL YR 2019 UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1670025403 AB In this article we aim to explore the role that religion and spirituality can play in therapeutic practices. We looked at the differences that can be established between spirituality and religion and we underlined the ways in which several authors consider that they are overlapping or blending into one another. According to the authors investigated, religion and spirituality may support the process of counseling by infusing both the client and the therapist with a set of values and principles that strengthen their relationship and improve the therapeutic process. In order to impress upon both the client and the counselor the benefit of religious/spiritual approaches, emphasis should be placed on the religious, spiritual and professional competences of the latter. However, emphasis must be laid on the religious beliefs and practices brought by the client to the therapeutic situation, too. In order to diminish some of the negative effects of the religious/spiritual intervention, a major input is provided by respect as a central value for the therapeutic dialogue and relationship. Yet, if religion and spirituality can play an important role in supporting patients in various forms of treatment, they should be introduced as complementary elements to the therapeutic intervention, for they cannot replace the medical practice, the clinical interventions or counseling. K1 medical practices K1 Pastoral Counseling K1 philosophical counseling K1 Religion K1 Secularization K1 spiritual and professional competences K1 Spirituality K1 spiritually integrated psychotherapy K1 therapeutic practices