ASERVIC Competencies Series: Competency Eight

The professional counselor uses spiritual and/or religious concepts that are consistent with the client’s spiritual and/or religious perspectives and that are acceptable to the client.

For more information on the ASERVIC Spiritual Competencies, visit the ASERVIC Website.

Visit these websites for more information on the American Counseling Association or the Virginia Counselor’s Association.

Competency Eight

This week, consistency is king.

Because you’re following ASERVIC Competency Seven, as a helping professional, you’re having conversations with your client about their understanding of their spirituality, religion, and values. As with the counseling art as a whole, when speaking with your client, you are to use the language that the client uses.

Dialogue with the client regarding their spirituality, religion, and values must be consistent with the client’s understanding and be acceptable to the client, per ASERVIC Competency Eight.

“…consistent with the client…“

ASERVIC Competency Eight

In a conversation with young children, you wouldn’t constantly use words that you know they don’t yet understand. When speaking with someone outside of the counseling field, you’re careful to avoid jargon and explain concepts clearly.

In the same way, with clients regarding their spirituality, counseling professionals must use language intentionally to honor and respect the client. This dialogue might include the actual words spoken, but could also include metaphors, or refraining from using certain terminology.

Using language that is consistent with the client’s language, and is shown to be acceptable to the client can increase rapport, but at its very core demonstrates respect for your client.

Working with Clients

When you are with your client in session, pay attention to the language that they use. Just as you pick up on the details of their body language and what they do and don’t say when discussing family of origin dynamics (for example), you can pick up on these subtle changes regarding discussion of spirituality, religion, and values.

The client will communicate in an honest and true manner to their own values and personality. It’s up to you as the counseling professional to notice and adjust your tone, language, or literary elements to honor your client.

If you’re uncertain – always ask! Your clients will likely not take offense from their counseling professional showing interest in their values.

Consider how you might feel if someone asked how to say a word or write a sentence in your native language. Most people would be excited that you’re interested in learning more about them!

Your clients are no different. As a counseling professional you have a responsibility to demonstrate unconditional positive regard and respect toward your clients. Adhering to Competency Eight and honoring them through your language is no different.

What Steps Have You Taken?

What opportunities have you pursued to meet ASERVIC Competency Eight?

• Can you identify the unique language your clients use to describe their spirituality, religion, or values?
• In what ways have you changed your own language in the past to better meet your clients where they are?

If not, check out some of these resources from the American Counseling Association or get involved with ASERVIC or VA-ASERVIC via membership and events.

More from VA-ASERVIC:

Want to read from the beginning? Check out ASERVIC Competencies Series: Competency One!