The problem of the readiness of psychologists and psychotherapists to cooperate with clergy.

This article attempts to analyze the readiness of practicing psychologists and psychotherapists to collaborate with clergy. The research object consists of practicing psychologists and psychotherapists belonging to various methodological traditions. The subject of the study is the degree and direction of their readiness to cooperate with clergy. The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that in recent decades, psychological science has recognized the significance of religiosity and spirituality as a powerful helping resource and an important aspect that must be taken into account in psychology and psychotherapy. However, theoretical acknowledgment does not automatically mean that psychologists and psychotherapists are ready to transition this issue into a framework of cooperation with church representatives, even though such dialogue is extremely important for religious clients and patients. The method of data collection was semi-structured interviews. Twenty-two practicing specialists were surveyed. The method of processing the collected material was thematic analysis. It was found that at the theoretical level, the overwhelming majority of respondents demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between psychology and religion and recognize the potential for such partnership based on a common goal of helping individuals. However, empirical data reveal a significant gap between declared readiness and its practical implementation: only half of the surveyed specialists have relevant experience. A fundamental difference was identified between practicing specialists with experience in interaction and those without such experience. Participants with collaboration experience clearly formulate the goals of interaction, which are categorized into two overarching groups: educational activities (increasing literacy on mental health issues) and practical helping activities (providing therapeutic assistance considering religious worldviews). Additionally, a one-sided nature of cooperation was identified: psychologists apply their competencies in a religious setting but do not show initiative to gain knowledge from clergy and deepen their own religious competence, which limits the potential for dialogue. The study reveals a systemic gap between the awareness of the need for collaboration and its practical embodiment. The article highlights and analyzes key barriers that hinder the transition from theoretical consensus to real interaction. It concludes that targeted work is necessary to overcome the identified practical and worldview obstacles to activate collaboration.

psychologist, psychotherapist, clergyman, cooperation, degree of readiness, religion, helping resource, religiosity, interprofessional interaction, religious component of worldview