The integration of spirituality into psychological therapy is not only gaining traction but is now supported by the most comprehensive global dataset to date, according to groundbreaking research funded by the John Templeton Foundation. A recently published article on Psychology Today, summarizing this extensive project, highlights how spiritually integrated psychotherapies are effectively bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern mental health science, with meaningful implications for practitioners and clients—including those in Thailand (Psychology Today).
For decades, psychology and spirituality were often regarded as separate—or even antagonistic—domains. Yet, the boundaries between these fields are dissolving as mainstream psychological science recognizes the value that spiritual traditions, practices, and values contribute to holistic mental health. This news is significant for Thai readers, whose culture has long embraced the role of Buddhism and other faiths in daily well-being, suggesting that the latest in international research echoes foundational local beliefs.
The Enhancing Practice-Based Evidence for Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies project, launched in 2017 following a $3.57 million Templeton grant, set out to answer a salient question: Can spiritual and religious traditions meaningfully enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy? Researchers spent nearly seven years collaborating with mental health practitioners, spiritual leaders, and scientists at over 60 treatment centers in eight countries across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The project’s scale is unprecedented. More than 32,000 therapy sessions and some 9,000 unique clients produced the largest dataset ever assembled on spiritually integrated psychotherapy. These sessions, monitored in leading hospitals, universities, and clinical settings, allowed researchers to track which spiritual approaches therapists used, how frequently they were employed, and, crucially, their impact on client outcomes.
Analysis revealed therapists used a spectrum of spiritual interventions. These included basic skills like empathetic listening on spiritual concerns, engaging clients in spiritual practices, discussing virtues (such as compassion and hope), and supporting clients’ religious attachments or journeys toward trusting the divine. In approximately one-fifth to two-fifths of all therapy sessions, therapists actively explored clients’ spiritual dimensions. Strikingly, 90% of clients experienced at least one spiritual intervention, and for roughly three-quarters of all clients, spiritual approaches formed a structured part of their treatment.
Clients benefitted not just in spiritual terms, but in measurable improvements in their psychological distress. Statistically significant reductions were reported, especially within the first month of therapy, underscoring the power of spiritual resources to catalyze rapid change. For clients grappling with religious doubt or spiritual struggles, initial levels of distress were higher, and recovery was slower—but targeted interventions, such as spiritual assessment or open discussion about self-control and divine love, predicted both the rate and sustainability of their improvement.
Expert perspectives amplify the findings. In a 2024 article published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, research leaders from the project wrote, “Our data reveal not only the frequency and variety of spiritual interventions in mainstream practice but also their real-world effectiveness across cultures and belief systems.” These published findings and subsequent presentations at international conferences have drawn praise from thought leaders, including senior clergy and clinical faculty, who note that “the mainstreaming of spirituality in psychology marks a return to whole-person care,” offering “renewed hope for clients whose worldviews are deeply spiritual or religious.”
For Thailand, where the majority of the population identifies with Buddhism, the concept of mindfulness, compassion, and healing through meditative practice is ingrained in community life and temple-based mental health outreach. Practitioners affiliated with Thai universities, public health institutions, and Buddhist organizations can leverage this international evidence to strengthen their own programs integrating dhamma (Buddhist teachings) with cognitive-behavioral or counseling practices. Moreover, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has in recent years advocated for holistic wellness approaches that honor spiritual and cultural dimensions—these new findings offer robust scientific grounding for such policy priorities (Thai Ministry of Public Health).
Historically, Thailand’s fusion of psychology and spirituality can be traced to late-20th-century reforms in medical education and the emergence of temple clinics specializing in counseling for emotional disorders. Recent years have seen broader acceptance of meditation and mindfulness in schools and hospitals, yet until now, there was a lack of large-scale international data to reinforce their effectiveness. The new research directly counters earlier skepticism—echoes of Freud’s view of religion as mere “illusion”—demonstrating that evidence-based spiritual care not only aligns with Thai tradition but outperforms secular care for many.
The momentum of this mainstreaming movement is visible beyond research papers. The project’s founder has compiled findings into the “Handbook of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies,” published by the American Psychological Association in 2023, while a new resource hub, the Bridges Institute for Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies, provides ongoing training for professionals and open access to materials for the public. The ripple effect is global: as mental health clinicians seek culturally sensitive ways to address the unique needs of each client, the toolkit of spiritual interventions continues to grow, and universities worldwide—including those in Thailand—are adapting their training curricula accordingly.
Looking ahead, the mainstreaming of spirituality in mental health faces both opportunities and challenges. As societies become more religiously diverse, therapists must respect clients’ individual worldviews and avoid “one-size-fits-all” solutions. There remains a need to train future Thai therapists in evidence-based spiritual interventions drawn from local Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and animist traditions. The research project’s findings provide a gold standard template for how to conduct such integration responsibly, emphasizing rigorous outcome assessment and continuous adaptation to each client’s evolving needs.
For Thai readers—health professionals, patients, educators, and families—the takeaways are both practical and empowering. Recognize that spiritual beliefs and practices, far from being peripheral, can be central to psychological healing. Seek mental health providers who honor and inquire into your values, and do not hesitate to discuss spiritual struggles or strengths within therapy. Thai policymakers and clinical leaders should accelerate training in spiritually attuned care, especially in settings serving rural, religious, or minority communities, where spiritual healing traditions are strong.
In summary, the latest research underlines a truth long held in Thailand: spiritual wisdom and psychological science are not rivals but partners in the quest for well-being. By building new bridges between these traditions, global and local mental health care can become more compassionate, effective, and contextually relevant—for the benefit of all.
Sources: Psychology Today, American Psychological Association, Thai Ministry of Public Health