Religion-Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review and Description of Techniques

J Relig Health. 2022 Feb;61(1):443-466. doi: 10.1007/s10943-021-01345-z. Epub 2021 Sep 13.

Abstract

Systematic reviews have shown the efficacy of religion-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (R-CBT); however, many clinicians lack practical knowledge of these protocols. We describe here the techniques of religious adaptation to CBT that have proved effective. We selected randomized clinical trials comparing R-CBT with control conditions in clients with a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and extracted the information from their adapted manuals. The most frequent religious adaptations were the integration of religious content to perform cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation and motivation; engagement in religious activities such as behavioral activation, meditation, or prayer to help cognitive restructuring, using religious values and coping strategies. A description of these techniques is presented here, as well as some practical examples.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioral therapy; Faith-adapted CBT; Religion; Religion-adapted CBT; Spirituality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Meditation*
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Religion
  • Spirituality