A client who has not questioned her religious beliefs | Social Psychology

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A client who has not questioned her religious beliefs

Brenda, age 22, comes to see you because of problems in living at home with her family. She tells you that she feels dependent both financially and emotionally on her parents and that although she would like to move out and live with a friend, she has many fears of taking this step. She also says that her religion is extremely important to her and that she feels a great deal of guilt over the conflict she has with her parents.

After some discussion, you find that she has never really questioned her religious values and that it appears that she has completely accepted the beliefs of her parents. Brenda says that if she followed her religion more closely, she would not be having all these difficulties with her folks. She is coming to you because she would “like to feel more like an independent adult who could feel free enough to make my own decisions.”

• Where would you begin with Brenda? With her stated goals? With her religious beliefs? With her fear of moving away from home? With her conflicts and guilt associated with her parents? With her dependence/independence struggles?

• Would your religious values influence the direction you were likely to take with Brenda?

Do you see any connection between her dependence on her parents and her guilt over not following her religion closely enough?

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Addressing Brenda’s Situation and Goals

When working with Brenda, it’s essential to approach her situation with empathy and a holistic understanding of her concerns. Given her stated goals and the issues she’s facing, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Here’s how I would proceed:

1. Establish Rapport: Begin by creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for Brenda to express herself openly. Building a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for her to feel comfortable discussing her thoughts and feelings.
2. Exploring Her Goals: Start by exploring her desire to become a more independent adult and make her own decisions. This can help clarify her motivations and expectations for therapy.
3. Assess Religious Beliefs: Understand the role of Brenda’s religious beliefs in her life. Determine whether her guilt and feelings of conflict stem from her own internal struggle to align with her parents’ religious values or from external pressures.
4. Address Guilt and Conflict: Delve into the guilt and conflict Brenda feels about her relationship with her parents. Explore how her religious beliefs might be influencing her perception of these conflicts and whether she believes that adhering more closely to her religion could alleviate these issues.
5. Examine Fear of Independence: Discuss Brenda’s fears about moving away from home and living independently. Explore the specific concerns she has and whether any of these concerns are tied to her religious beliefs or guilt.
6. Independence and Dependence: Delve into her emotional and financial dependence on her parents. Explore whether her religious upbringing has shaped her sense of dependence or if there are other factors contributing to this dynamic.
7. Identity and Autonomy: Help Brenda reflect on her personal identity and values outside of her religious upbringing. This can aid her in understanding her own desires and decision-making processes.
8. Exploring Religious Beliefs: If Brenda is open to it, you could explore her religious beliefs in more depth. This could involve discussing her understanding of her religion, the aspects that resonate with her, and whether there are any beliefs that she may want to question or adjust.
9. Developing Coping Strategies: Collaboratively work with Brenda to develop coping strategies for managing guilt, conflict, and the challenges associated with independence.
10. Supporting Decision-Making: Assist Brenda in making informed decisions about her goals, whether they involve becoming more independent, navigating conflicts with her parents, or exploring her religious beliefs.

Influence of Religious Values

While it’s important to respect Brenda’s religious values, the therapeutic approach should focus on her individual needs, goals, and well-being. Any influence of your own religious values should be set aside to ensure an unbiased and client-centered approach.

Connection between Dependence and Guilt

There might be a connection between Brenda’s dependence on her parents and her guilt over not following her religion closely enough. It’s possible that her religious upbringing emphasizes obedience and adherence to certain values, which could contribute to her sense of guilt when she perceives herself as deviating from those values by seeking independence. Exploring this potential link in therapy could offer valuable insights into Brenda’s struggles and help her work toward a more balanced sense of self and autonomy.

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