Date of Award

2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Elizabeth Vera

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how counselors perceive and integrate spirituality into the psychological healing of African asylum-seekers, a population facing compounded cultural, legal, and existential challenges. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study examined the lived experiences of eight counselors working with this population. Findings revealed that counselors’ personal sense of religion influenced their comfort and approach in broaching spiritual topics, with both positive (e.g., spirituality as a source of support and community) and negative (e.g., religion as a source of suffering) associations shaping clinical engagement. Many participants reported limited access to trainings geared towards increasing their cultural competence related to religion and spirituality. Counselors hypothesized that the limited access to trainings were due to fear of disrespect, a lack of formal guidance, or the perception that the psychology field is not spiritually oriented. Counselors varied in their approaches, ranging from client-led discussions to the use of specific interventions for addressing religious and spiritual concerns. Barriers included societal prejudices, the perception of religion as a “taboo” topic, and the lingering effects of historical religious harm. Client stressors—mental, financial, legal, and existential—further influenced the therapeutic process. These findings underscore the need for enhanced training and supervision in culturally and spiritually responsive care, offering implications for more inclusive and contextually relevant treatment planning and case conceptualization in psychology.

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