In this book, scholars around Europe reflect on the changing role of religious education in a time of growing pluralism in Europe and across the world. The various contributions from different European countries (England and Wales, Germany, Netherlands, and Norway) focus on the debate about the existing multicultural and multireligious situation in European societies. Difference and diversity, especially of religion, is seen as a challenge for education in Europe. The chapters mention trends and common challenges for religious education. As a key term of religious education "religious competence" is introduced. It includes the ability to deal with religious pluralism and differences in a constructive way. It is argued that contextual religious education facilitates a new religious competence. The book also contains detailed information about current developments in the field of religious education in some European countries.

Spiritual Competence for Mental Health Professionals takes a holistic developmental approach toward spirituality in psychotherapy and counseling. This means that it considers an understanding of spiritual development to be as germane to mental health practice as an understanding of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development and that it views spirituality as shaped by developmental processes. Common spiritual issues at each stage in the individual and family life course are discussed. Tools for understanding one's own and one's clients' spiritual orientations and goals along with interventions and practices that foster spiritual growth in the client and the practitioner are presented. Reflection and discussion topics are provided at the end of each chapter. Ultimately, this book aims to help mental health practitioners, educators and students to change their approach from 'meet the client where they are spiritually' to 'meet the client where they are spiritually and help them develop further.'

Spirituality lies at the heart of many clients' core values, and helps shape their perception of themselves and the world around them. In this book, two clinical psychologists provide a much-needed, research-based road map to help professionals appropriately address their clients’ spiritual or religious beliefs in treatment sessions. More and more, it has become essential for mental health professionals to understand and competently navigate clients' religious and spiritual beliefs in treatment. In Spiritual and Religious Competencies in Clinical Practice, you’ll find sixteen research-based guidelines and best practices to help you provide effective therapy while being conscious of your clients' unique spiritual or cultural background. With this professional resource as your guide, you will be prepared to: Take a spiritual and religious history when treating a client Attend to spiritual or religious topics in a clinical setting Hold clear ethical boundaries regarding your own religious or spiritual beliefs Know when and how to make referrals if topics emerge which are beyond the scope of your competence This book is a must-read for any mental health professional looking to develop spiritual, religious, and cultural competencies.

Donald A. Dahlin, a retired chiropractor, decided that people may be greatly helped by the knowledge he had acquired of natural healing and the use of life energy; from training and experience in psychotherapy and a system by Russian mystic G.I. Gurdjieff, that helped him resolve past hypnosis, and through insights he had gained from his psychic experiences as well as his challenge of the Christian faith. Optimum Self-Government means becoming able to have greater spiritual awareness and control over ones postulates: mind, health and behavior. You will also be guided to explore life energy and use it to examine and treat your body, to monitor your health with instant biofeedback, examine your spiritual mind and your animal mind (blue print of the body), to explore the world of extra-sensory perception to converse with people, plants and animals, the power of prayer, etc. You will find a new reality that is priceless!