Asking Good Spiritual Questions

A Seeker's beliefs are critical to his/her ability to receive our care and counsel. Every person to whom we offer assistance needs to be respectfully asked about his/her faith, support system, and extra medical interventions. Most of the people who come to us know our commitment to God’s love and truth.

Research indicates that there are four factors leading to a successful outcome in therapy.

• A therapeutic intervention like medicine, advice, or insight. (15% of the outcome)
• Hope and trust in the therapist and her techniques. (15% of the outcome)
• The caring relationship between the therapist and client. (30% of the outcome)
• The client’s motivational level and his support system. (40% of the outcome)

Only 15% of successful outcomes are the result of counseling or medical techniques. A Seeker's trust in us is as important as the therapist’s intervention.

Secondly, the relationship of Genuineness, Respect, Empathy and Warmth between Helper and Seeker is twice as important as the intervention.

Third, the Seeker’s motivational level and support system, including her church, is almost three times as important as the therapist’s techniques.

By carefully analyzing the Seeker’s beliefs about faith we can more successfully enhance all four factors.

1. We know how to pray and suggest spiritual activities.

2. We build the Helper’s trust in us and our interventions and promote the placebo effect.

3. We show respect, warmth, empathy and genuine concern by asking good questions.

4. We tap into the client’s level of motivation and religious support system.

Use the acrostic FAITH to guide the interview.

F: Faith: Do you have faith in God, a higher power or something that encourages you to believe? How would you describe it? How often do you practice your faith?

A: Asking for an intervention. Have you or would you Ask for healing, health or assistance in your struggle with this illness? How do you do that?

I: Interacting with a community of faith? Do you attend services, a small group or a mentor? How often? Do you find it helpful? What is not helpful?

T: Trust in God’s love? Do you relate this problem with punishment or guilt? Are you trusting in God to be with you during this time or anxious about His presence?

H: How do you want us to relate to your faith and spiritual practices? Prayers? Materials? Advice?