ABSTRACT
Many clients want to discuss their existential worldview and experiences in counseling, though may first want to know whether their therapist has the capacity to understand and empathize. Thus, it is important that therapists who are asked by clients “Are you a Christian?” reflect upon this possibility and related variables discussed in this chapter. Available research on this topic suggests that self-disclosure in such scenarios can provide both benefits and obstacles to client progress. Regardless of spiritual or religious orientation, therapists must be competent in faith-based integration so that they can competently assess the possible meanings of this particular client query. Therapists must also be prepared to respond with a disclosure or non-disclosure intervention that matches their conceptualization of the client probe. The current chapter reviews the research on therapist disclosure of spiritual and religious variables. Practical recommendations that flow from the current knowledge base are provided.
