ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of those affiliations, practices, and beliefs that are important to their worldview and health. It focuses on the five major world religions, the associated religious beliefs and practices exhibited by male clients, and the pathways to health outcomes. These are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The chapter highlights several areas of assessment that can inform mental health professionals' conceptualization of therapeutic interventions with men. It presents a combination of informal and formal methods of assessment for counselors to use in their clinical practice. The chapter identifies several religious and spiritual constructs that men may use in positive or negative ways that impact their health. It is unlikely that a man with meaning in his life, strong religious supports, and exhibiting positive religious coping will be a client in clinical practice. The chapter discusses the positive and negative ways that men use religion and spirituality.
