Merging Faith and Therapy: A Look at Training Psychologists in Israel

In Israel, a unique training program for clinical psychologists is tackling a big question: how do therapists balance their personal beliefs with their professional work?

Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Goals

This program brings together people from different religious and cultural backgrounds, including:

• Ultra-Orthodox Jews
• Arab Muslims
• Ethiopian Jews
• Secular Jews

The goal? To help them integrate their spiritual or religious identities with their psychology training.

Creating an Inclusive Space

The program starts by ensuring everyone feels included. It includes topics about spirituality and religion in the curriculum, creating a safe space for students to explore their beliefs.

But it doesn't stop there. The program also pushes students to face uncomfortable questions, such as:

• How do their beliefs shape their understanding of mental health?
• How do they handle situations where their beliefs might clash with psychological theories?

Interesting Findings

This approach has led to some interesting findings:

• Students often struggle with how psychology views religion and spirituality.
• They face questions about their own identities and how they fit into the profession.
• The program helps them work through these tensions, making them better therapists in the long run.

Why Does This Matter?

Mental health services should be able to meet the needs of all kinds of people. By training therapists who understand and respect different beliefs, the program is helping to create a more inclusive mental health system.

It's a step towards making sure everyone gets the support they need, no matter their background.