Abstract

Mental health professionals have revealed a growing interest in incorporating spiritual and religious elements into therapy and counseling sessions. This qualitative study aims to explore the benefits and complexities associated with integrating spirituality into psychotherapeutic and counseling practices within the Vietnamese cultural context. The specific objectives of this research are to examine the perspectives and experiences of Vietnamese mental health practitioners regarding the integration of spiritual and religious elements in therapy, identify cultural nuances and ethical considerations in addressing clients’ spiritual and religious needs, uncover practical strategies for incorporating spirituality into mental health interventions in Vietnam, and explore the challenges and barriers faced by practitioners in this integration process. To achieve these objectives, the researcher conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with eighteen Vietnamese psychologists (therapists) and counselors. The interviews, lasting between forty-five and ninety minutes, were designed to gather rich, detailed accounts of the participants’ experiences and views on integrating spirituality into their practice. Through these discussions, the study uncovered cultural nuances, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for addressing clients’ spiritual and religious needs within the realm of mental health care. The findings from this study provide valuable guidance for mental health professionals worldwide. They offer a useful framework for developing culturally sensitive approaches to supporting individuals’ mental well-being and fostering inclusivity across different cultural backgrounds.