Cultivating religious and spiritual competencies in students of every faith and no faith in a university doctoral psychology program.

Abstract

This article is a practical contribution to the literature focused on developing competencies in addressing religion and spirituality in clinical practice, particularly with students in education and training programs. Details of a course in an American Psychological Association accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology are provided, illustrating the ways and means through which students are engaged in exploring, identifying, and articulating a conceptual and theoretical framework as well as developing methods and competencies that will be ethical and efficacious in the conduct of their clinical work. The course described is the third in a four-course required sequence that is focused on acquiring knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are consistent with competencies identified in the American Psychological Association Accreditation Standards as well as in the program's defined areas of special emphasis, one of which is addressing religion and spirituality in clinical practice. Key aspects of pedagogy related to readings, assignments, and classroom engagement are presented. Methods used to assess competencies are included as well as quantitative and qualitative data from student ratings of course effectiveness. Suggestions for future teaching, training, and research are offered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).