Discussion on Religious Practice in Counseling: a Preliminary Survey

Abstract

Religious practice is essential in every faith. This practice reflects the strength of conviction and adherence to one’s professed faith. Studies in the West have shown the necessity to discuss religious issues in counseling and this method is accepted for implementation in counseling sessions with clients as religion and life are inseparable. The purpose of this present research is to identify the appropriate type of religious practice to be discussed in counseling sessions with clients. Its aim is also to study the appropriate level to apply the related religious practice issue in the counseling process and to analyse the problems arising in implementing such discussions. The research methodology used is survey method using questionnaire. Selection for research uses the convenience sampling (N=50) method. Research results are analysed by statistical description. Findings show that there is a need to discuss religious practice in counseling. Among the types of religious practice appropriate to be discussed are supplication (doa), reciting al-Quran, prayers (solah) and sending prayers and salutations (salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). This research finds that there are problems in discussion of religious practice with clients in counseling such as uncooperative client, counselor feels client is uncomfortable, disinterested client, client is not ready and counselor thinks religious practice is a sensitive matter.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s5p394