Following a long, damaging history of ignorance of cultural diversity, psychology has begun taking necessary steps toward recognizing the fundamental importance of an individual’s race, culture, and religion*. Even still, a religiosity gap exists, where patients identify as more religious than their secular psychologists, often leading to experiences of feeling misunderstood**. The practice aims to address that.

Effective counseling requires an integration of one’s cultural and religious beliefs into the therapy process. At Prospect Psychology, we built our understanding of our patients and the field from the standpoint that culture, race, religion, and identity are all essential elements of who we are. Research on cultural competence reminds us that therapy may be affected by psychologists’ own values and attitudes toward religion, and their own beliefs may influence the therapeutic relationship and process. Our clinicians are knowledgeable and skilled in the role and importance of religion and culture in the lives of the individuals we treat, and one focus of our clinical work and research has centered on ensuring religious patients are properly understood in therapy.  While we see people from all cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds, we have particular experience with Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist patients. 

Christianity

Christian patients desire therapy that is understanding and supportive of their beliefs, but when they discuss religious issues, it is not uncommon for secular therapists to unwittingly under-emphasize their beliefs or simply not be sufficiently trained to engage them***. Compounding this problem, some within the Christian community are reluctant to engage in psychotherapy for fear that it will conflict with their faith. It is then unsurprising that some Christians seek treatment at explicitly religious clinics or from clergy, but sometimes this support is not enough. For a couple in crisis, an adolescent with a substance use issue, or a patient experiencing a serious depressive episode, for example, highly skilled, targeted mental health treatment is often helpful and invaluable. At the practice, you can receive therapy that addresses your mental health while understanding a Christian perspective and respectfully supporting your growth and psychological development with concern for your faith and community. 

Judaism

Growing up in a Jewish community comes with blessings and challenges. Psychotherapy can be an excellent place to explore your connection to your Jewish identity and your experience of well-being in all its facets, though some may be reluctant to utilize psychotherapy out of concern that their beliefs and practices will not be understood or integrated into the therapy process. 

There are some conflicts that can arise for which therapy can be especially helpful: differences in religious views among family and community members, dating pressures, marital tensions, and sexuality and intimacy issues, among others. Many new social, cultural, and economic realities are creating additional pressures on Orthodox Jewish individuals and families, including new technology, social media and internet addiction, financial stress, and challenges pre and post-marriage. At our practice, we have a deep understanding of the full diversity of Orthodox communities, including Modern Orthodox, Yeshivish, Heimish, Litvish, Chasidish, Chabad, Persian and Syrian culture. We strive to assist you in developing a deeper sense of connection to your Jewish identity and in finding appropriate balance so that your religious practices and beliefs contribute to your mental health and happiness.

Buddhism

Buddhist-informed psychotherapy integrates the principles of mindfulness, compassion, ethical practice, and the impermanent nature of all things, aligning psychological practices with Buddhist values. Mental health is not viewed in isolation but is understood in a broader, holistic, interconnected context. Our approach fosters increased self-awareness and emotional well-being while practicing the principle of non-judgment, a therapeutic stance that resonates with Buddhist spiritual beliefs and emphasizes inner peace and personal growth. Therapy at the practice encourages patients to develop self-compassion, reduce self-criticism, and acknowledge acceptance. Patients will feel supported and encouraged in their spiritual and psychological growth and transformation.

*(Sue & Sue, 2019) **(Mayers, Leavey, Vallianatou, & Barker, 2007) ***(Magaldi, 2014; D’Souza & George, 2006; Oxhandler & Pargament, 2018)