Preparing Students to Counsel Clients With Potentially Spiritually Transformative Experiences

Abstract

After defining potentially spiritually transformative experiences (pSTEs) and reviewing empirical research on the contents and aftereffects of 2 well-researched pSTEs commonly disclosed by clients, the authors summarize research on client harm due to counselors’ lack of knowledge, attitudes, and skills to address these experiences appropriately. The authors contend that clients with pSTEs meet criteria for multicultural difference and advocate for including the topic of clients with pSTEs in counselor education diversity course curricula so that counselors are empowered to provide ethical, culturally sensitive, and clinically appropriate services. The authors conclude with suggested content for this curriculum.