Running head: INTEGRATING RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL RESOURCES FROM 1 Integrating spiritual resources from Christianity with Adlerian Psychology in clinical practice

Recent research supports the positive contribution that religious faith and spirituality (R/S) makes in helping people deal with significant life-altering events. Difficult life events and experiences such as bereavement can be lifealtering, difficult to manage and can seriously challenge one's sense of meaning and purpose in life. Research supports that a majority of Americans have some type of religious belief or value system. This paper explores ways to integrate a Christian worldview with Adlerian psychology to effectively treat clients. Part of this literature review includes application to client care in the area of grief and loss, and the significant stress of spousal loss. Adler's Individual Psychology, as a holistic and practical method, can be effective with people of faith in making life adjustments. This thesis will identify current research findings regarding counseling the bereaved and connect key concepts from Individual Psychology with corresponding Christian spiritual and religious values and beliefs to provide an additional clinical resource for therapists. INTEGRATING RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL RESOURCES FROM 3