How do clinical psychologists work with religious themes in psychosis?

The literature review consists of a discussion centering on qualitative studies of the practice of therapists/clinical psychologists in the UK. The review identifies studies suggesting that therapists are less likely to use techniques specifically religious in nature. Studies also highlight therapists' views that addressing religious and spiritual themes was a neglected area in their training. The research study aims to explore how clinical psychologists work with religious themes in the psychosis specialty. Ten clinical psychologists working in a psychosis related service are interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interviews are transcribed an analysed using a Grounded Theory qualitative methodology. A core category called unravelling and three main categories (defining roles, unpicking cases and interacting with religious themes) comprise a process model that is developed from the data analysis. This captures the processes that participants described utilising in working with religious themes in psychosis. Results highlight the stresses and strains experienced in trying to unravel religious themes for this client group and the factors possibly contributing to this. Implications and suggestions for future research are highlighted. Critical Appraisal: This section is a review of the author's experience of the research process. The reflexive journal is drawn upon along with memos and notes from supervision to highlight issues relating to the development of the research, challenges in the process and the researcher's personal influence on the research as a British Pakistani female who is visibly Muslim.