Spirituality Case

As I began working on this discussion assignment, I thought to myself that I would have little or no problem working with clients who have differing views on spirituality and religion. Through the experiences of my life (as well as through much of my own soul-searching and therapy) I consider myself a pretty open-minded and non-judgmental person. I do not believe that I would have an issue relating to or working with clients that practice a different religion or who have a different view of spirituality. But then my research led me to the topic of atheism and/or agnostics. I had to stop dead in my tracks. I hate to admit the fact that I never considered the topic of atheism/agnostics as a religious issue, but according to my research, that is where the topic is addressed. It is considered a part of learning to be sensitive to the diversity of a client.

According to Bonnie L. Jaron in her paper titled "The Effects of Client Status as Atheist/Agnostic On The Counseling Working Alliance", Agnosticism is a worldview that is defined as the belief that nothing can be known concerning the existence of a god or gods and Atheism is a worldview that is defined as "the absence of theistic belief. One who does not believe in the existence of a god or supernatural being is properly designated an Atheist" (Jaron, 2008, pg.6).

I have come to know that this is a bias that I have that I have never considered before. It would be hard for me to understand how someone cannot believe in something bigger than themselves or that there is something that continues on after this life. I know that this bias is rooted in not only my religious convictions but in my spiritual state as well. As someone who has been "died"; had their own "out of body experience"; and then revived, I feel quite strongly in my belief that there is life after death and I know that something larger than myself is in control of the universe. These beliefs are at the core of who I am, and are a main driver in my desire to help others. Okay, now I know I have some work to do.

A counselors who is unaware of the bias for differences that occur between them and their clients who may have different views and beliefs, are likely to assign negative characteristics to that client or to their beliefs. As a counselor I need to be aware of any stereotyping and biases regarding my clients who have differing views and that the counseling process can be inappropriately changed by misconceptions if I do not take care of my biases and "unfinished business".

My plan of action now is to learn more about what atheism is and what they and agnostics believe and stand for. From the little bit I have read on the topic so far, it has been stated by a few that these two groups are often misunderstood, defined incorrectly, and are thus prejudiced against.

I believe that with knowledge comes understanding;