Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Social Work

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This study explored grief, growth, religion, spirituality, and therapeutic rituals from the

perspectives of clinicians and therapists. Specifically, this study explored ways that therapeutic rituals can promote growth and healing. The research explored ways that therapeutic rituals may impede growth and healing, how religion and spirituality can promote growth and healing, as well as how religion and spirituality may impede growth and healing. The research also

explored ways that clinicians and therapists incorporate religion and spirituality into therapy to promote growth and healing. The research data was collected from therapists and clinicians who specialize in treating grief and loss (n=18). The therapists and clinicians were required: (1) good standing with the professional board; (2) mental health or clinical expertise; (3) one year of

experience in grief services; and (4) empathy for bereaved individuals. This study offered

various implications for practice, policy, and future research. Regarding practice, this research offers implications for therapeutic grief rituals. The study found clinicians and therapists should focus on implementing therapeutic rituals in a meaningful, personalized, and culturally sensitive way when it is appropriate or requested. Also, clinicians and therapists should ground their therapeutic rituals with evidence-based practices and therapies. Additionally, the study offered practice implications for addressing spirituality and socioreligious matters among bereaved individuals. Additionally, the study advised clinicians and therapists to refer bereaved clients to qualified religious leaders to address spiritual and socioreligious needs that are beyond the clinicians' scope of practice and expertise.

Date

11-1-2024

Committee Chair

Cassandra Chaney

Available for download on Sunday, November 01, 2026

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