Bridges-Templeton Foundation Grant

Funded in 2017 by the John Templeton Foundation (www.templeton.org), the Bridges Enhancing Practice-Based Evidence for Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies three-year international grant competition awarded approximately 1.8 million dollars to 19 research teams around the world. The funded research teams used practice-based evidence research designs to monitor treatment processes and outcomes of spiritually integrated treatment approaches at over 60 mental health treatment facilities located in 8 countries.

Purpose of the Project

The funding from the Templeton Foundation enabled us to address several key research questions: (1) What spiritual approaches and interventions do mental health professionals implement during treatment? (2) When and how frequently do mental health professionals apply spiritual approaches and interventions in treatment? (3) Do spiritual approaches and interventions enhance treatment outcomes? During the three-year grant project, research teams and treatment sites worldwide collaborated to create the most comprehensive data set currently in existence on spiritually integrated treatment approaches. The project’s findings and publications shared below are helping ensure that religious and spiritual resources for therapeutic change will never again be overlooked in the healthcare professions. Spiritually committed individuals around the world have greater access to mental health services that are both effective and respectful of the healing resources from their spiritual worldviews and communities. Below are links to the Bridges Capstone Conference video presentations from the research teams that describe their fascinating, ground-breaking research findings and a list of books and journal articles published about the project’s findings.

Project Leadership Team

  • Project Director, P. Scott Richards, Brigham Young University
  • Project Co-Director, Daniel K. Judd, Brigham Young University
  • Project Co-Director, G. E. Kawika Allen, Brigham Young University
  • Project Co-Director, Peter W. Sanders, Brigham Young University
  • Project Manager, Janice Freij, Brigham Young University
  • External Contractor, Jason McBride, Brigham Young University
  • Senior Software Developer, Fred Sanders, LifeSeasons, Inc

Scientific Advisory Board Members

  • Everett L. Worthington, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • William Hathaway, Regent University
  • Len Sperry, Florida Atlantic University
  • Ken Pargament, Bowling Green University
  • Lisa Miller, Columbia University
  • Michael Barkham, University of Sheffield, UK
  • Joshua Hook, University of North Texas
  • Nathaniel Wade, Iowa State University
  • Steven Sandage Boston University, Danielson Institute
  • Rev. George Handzo, Healthcare Chaplaincy, New York City
  • Tyler VanderWeele, Harvard University

Bridges Capstone Conference

The Bridges Capstone Conference was held on March 19 & 20, 2020. Click on the video links below to hear the funded research teams discuss the groundbreaking results of their research studies and hear about their plans and recommendations for future research needed on spiritually integrated psychotherapies.

Capstone Conference Keynote Speaker: Harold G. Koenig, M.D.
Keynote Address: Integrating Religion/Spirituality into Clinical Practice

Dr. Harold Koenig completed his undergraduate education at Stanford University, medical school at the University of California (San Francisco), and geriatric medicine, psychiatry, and biostatistics training (MHSc) at Duke University. He is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University. He directs Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health and has done so since its founding in 1998 (spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/).

Conference Presentations

A Multi-Site Study of Christian-Based Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy: Focus on East Asian Canadians by Dr. Alan Fung, University of Toronto
Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy: Theory, Practice, and Research, by Dr. Fahad Khad & Dr. Carrie M. York, Khalil Center and The Alkaram Institute
More Than Mindfulness in Contemplative Counseling: Initial Findings and Implications, by Dr. Jordan Quaglia, Naropa University
Evaluating Spiritually-Oriented Therapies in a University Counseling Center, by Dr. Peter W. Sanders, Brigham Young University
A Semiotic Approach to Measuring and Analyzing the Use of Spirituality in Counseling and Psychotherapy, by Dr. Frederick D. Boley, Central Methodist University
A Practice-Based Approach to Understanding the Role and Impact of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Interventions on Client Outcomes, Dr. Stephanie Daniel, Wake Forest University
Religious and Spiritually Integrative Psychotherapy Provided to Affirmatively Observant Latter-Day Saint University Students: Initial Findings, by Dr. Stevan Lars Nielsen, Brigham Young University
Attachment to God in Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies: A Practice-Based Evidence Investigation by Dr. Joseph Currier, University of South Alabama
Integration of the Heart-Centered Paradigm of Sufi Psychology in Contemporary Psychotherapy Practice, by Dr. Saloumeh Bozorgzadeh, Sufi Psychology Association
Spiritual Psychotherapy for Inpatient, Residential, and Intensive Treatment, by Dr. David H. Rosmarin, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Psychotherapy and Religious/Spiritual Interventions in Correctional Settings, by Dr. Jesse Owen, University of Denver
Jewish Spirituality–Integrated Psychotherapies in Israel, by Dr. Ofra Mayseless, University of Haifa, Israel
The Role of Client Preferences and Expectations in Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, by Dr. Joshua K. Swift, Idaho State University
Task Analysis of a Christian Integrated Psychotherapy Framework, by Dr. Elena Kim, Fordham University
Bringing Back the Spirit by Dr. Shannon Johnson, The Catholic University of America
Findings from the First Wave of Data from a Culturally Informed, Religiously-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral Mental Health Treatment Offered in a Religious Institution, by Dr. Amy Weisman de Mamani, University of Miami
Grace Examined: Evaluating Gestalt Pastoral Care Spiritually Integrated Strategies for Clinical Effectiveness, by Dr. Michael Crabtree, Washington and Jefferson College
Search for Meaning: A Spiritually Integrated Approach for Treating Veterans with PTSC, by Dr. Vincent R. Starnino, Indiana University
International Process and Outcome Study of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, Dr. Wonjin Sim, Chatham University
Spiritually Integrated Couples Therapy, by Dr. Jennifer Ripley, Regent University
Presentations by the Bridges Scientific Advisory Board and Concluding Remarks by the Project Director

Publications from Bridges Grant Project

Books

Richards, P. S., Allen, G. E. K., & Judd, D. K.  (2023).  Handbook of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies. American Psychological Association:  Washington, D. C. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/handbook-spiritually-integrated-psychotherapies

Chapters 1 – 22 in Handbook of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies

Introduction: Bringing spiritually integrated psychotherapies into the health care mainstream. Richards, P. Scott; Pargament, Kenneth I.; Exline, Julie J.; Allen, G. E. Kawika, pp. 3-29

Culturally informed therapy: An intervention that addresses the psychological needs of religious individuals of diverse identities. Weisman de Mamani, Amy; Altamirano, Olivia; Lopez, Daisy; McLaughlin, Merranda Marie; Maura, Jessica; Martinez de Andino, Ana; Ahmad, Salman Shaheen; Hafner, Laurinda; Lund, Sarah Griffith, pp. 33-55

Providing a secure base: Facilitating a secure attachment to God in psychotherapy. Hollman, Suzanne Nortier; Marmarosh, Cheri, pp. 57-75

Relational spirituality model in psychotherapy: Overview and case application. Sandage, Steven J.; Stavros, George S., pp. 77-97

Postsecular, spiritually integrated gestalt therapy. Brownell, Philip; Doric, Jelena Zeleskov, pp. 99-118

Shaken to the core: Understanding and addressing spiritual struggles in psychotherapy. Pargament, Kenneth I.; Exline, Julie J., pp. 119-133

A spiritually inclusive theistic approach to psychotherapy in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Berrett, Michael E.; Hardman, Randy K.; Richards, P. Scott, pp. 135-156

SPIRIT: Spiritual psychotherapy for inpatient, residential, and intensive treatment. Salcone, Sarah; Rosmarin, David H., pp. 157-172

Religiously accommodative and integrative rational emotive behavior therapy. Nielsen, Stevan Lars; Abegg, Dane D. B.; Brown, Brodrick T.; Erekson, David M.; Hamilton, Rachel A.; Lindsey, Sarah E., pp. 173-190

Theoretical foundations and clinical applications of traditional Islamically integrated psychotherapy. Khan, Fahad; Keshavarzi, Hooman, pp. 193-212

Gospel-centered integrated framework for therapy: Foundation, description, research findings, and application. Kim, Elena E.; Cha, Judy; Keller, Timothy, pp. 213-230

Gestalt pastoral care: An opening to grace. Norberg, Tilda; Janvier, David L.; Craner, Wanda; Barrett, Lyn; Crabtree, Michael; Zechner, Michelle; Thomas, Mark, pp. 231-248

Spiritually integrated psychotherapy among Catholics: A practice-based international investigation. Hwang, Jeong Yeon; Sim, Wonjin, pp. 249-265

Jewish forms of spiritually integrated psychotherapy in Israel. Mayseless, Ofra; Ruah-Midbar Shapiro, Marianna; Rice, Aya; Zucker, Liat, pp. 267-283

Sufi psychology: A heart-centered paradigm. DeGood, Saloumeh, pp. 285-299

Christian-based spiritually integrated psychotherapy for East Asian Canadians and findings from the CSPEARIT study. Fung, Wai Lun Alan; Yip, Purple; Stevens, Sheila; Wong, Tat-Ying; Yoo, Yeun-Hee Natalie; Ross, Nancy; Noh, Helen K.; Tang, Taryn, pp. 301-324

A Polynesian perspective for navigating the spiritual connections in psychotherapy practice. Mikahere-Hall, Alayne; Conklin, Hoku; Allen, G. E. Kawika, pp. 325-343

Spiritually integrated couple therapy. Worthington Jr., Everett L.; Ripley, Jennifer S.; Chen, Zhuo Job; Kent, Vanessa M.; Loewer, Elizabeth, pp. 347-363

REACH forgiveness in couple, group, and individual psychotherapy. Worthington Jr., Everett L., pp. 365-380

Search for Meaning: A spiritually integrated approach for treating veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Angel, Clyde T.; Sullivan, John E.; Starnino, Vincent R., pp. 381-401

Spiritually focused, multiculturally oriented psychotherapy in the criminal justice detention system. Gafford, Jennifer; Agorsor, Courtney; Davis, Don; Hook, Joshua; DeBlaere, Cirleen; Sinha, Sree; Coleman, Jeremy; Porter, Emma; Owen, Jesse, pp. 403-420

Training opportunities and resources for spiritually integrated psychotherapists and researchers. Richards, P. Scott; Currier, Joseph M.; Jones, Russell Siler; Pearce, Michelle; Stephens, Douglas, pp. 423-447

Journal Articles: 2025

Currier, J. M., McDermott, R. C., Sanders, P., & Richards, P. S. (2025). Spiritual struggles drive psychological distress in psychotherapy: Replication of findings using a practice-research network. Psychotherapy. Advance online publication.

Kim, E., & Currier, J. M. (2025). Appraisals of God’s role in suffering and spiritual struggles among Christians seeking spiritually integrated psychotherapies. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000394

Journal Articles: 2024

Currier, J. M., McDermott, R. C., Sanders, P., Barham, M., Owen, J., Saxon, D., & Richards, P.S. (2024). Practice-based evidence for spiritually integrated psychotherapies: Examining trajectories of psychological and spiritual distress. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 71(4), 291 303. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000727

Currier, J. M., Swift, J. K., Sanders, P., & Richards, P. S. (2024). Preventing dropout in spiritually integrated psychotherapies: What are the effective methods of attending to clients’ spirituality? Psychotherapy, 61(3), 184-190. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000530

Currier, J. M., Stevens, L. T., McDermott, R. C., Hinkel, H. M., Salcone, S., Davis, E. B., Lacey, E. K., & Park, C. L. (2024). Exploring the roles of god representations in spiritual struggles among Christians seeking spiritually integrated psychotherapies. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 11(2), 160–172. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000302

Agorsor, C. F., Owen, J., Coleman, J. J., Reese, R. J., DeBlaere, C., Davis, D. E., Sinha, S., Porter, E. F., & Gafford, J. (2024). The effectiveness of psychotherapy in jails with spirituality informed care: A benchmark comparison. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 11(4), 408 418. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000333

Marmarosh, C., Nguyen, J., Williams, M., Flanagan, M., & Rosmarin, D. H. (2024). Members’ feedback after a Spiritual Group Psychotherapy for Inpatient, Residential, and Intensive Treatment (SPIRIT). International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 74(3), 304–329. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207284.2024.2361239

Mayseless, O., & Ruah-Midbar Shapiro, M. (2024). Veiling and unveiling: Caution in explicitly integrating Jewish spirituality in psychotherapy in Israel. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000373

McLaughlin, M. M., Ahmad, S. S., Saenz Escalante, G., & Weisman de Mamani, A. (2024). A pilot evaluation of collectivistic behaviors in distress reduction during group therapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 55(6), 511–520. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000591

Trujillo, S., Roe, C., & Owen, J. (2024). The Elephant in the Room: Utilizing multicultural orientation as a framework to address religion and spirituality in psychotherapy. Counseling and Values, 69(3), 337-346.

Coleman, J. J., Drinane, J. M., Owen, J., Sinha, S., Porter, E. F., Agorsor, C., DeBlaere, C., & Davis, D. E. (2024). Psychotherapy with clients who are incarcerated: Therapists’ multicultural orientation, alliance, and outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 55(1), 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000522

Journal Articles: 2023

Khan, F., Keshavarzi, H., Ahmad, M., Ashai, S., & Sanders, P. (2023). Application of Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) and its clinical outcome on psychological distress among American Muslims in outpatient therapy.Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000350

Weisman de Mamani, A., Lopez, D., McLaughlin, M. M., Ahmad, S. S., & Altamirano, O. (2023). A pilot study to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a transdiagnostic, religiously/spiritually-integrated, culturally informed therapy. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 10(3), 233-244.  https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000308

Fraire, A., Tiwari, D., Hinger, C., Leeper, E., Agorsor, C., Hughitt, R., Coleman, J., Sinha, S., Porter, E. F., DeBlaere, C., Davis, D. E., & Owen, J. (2023). Observer and client perceptions of therapist multicultural orientation in a jail setting. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 33(4), 368–383. https://doi.org/10.1037/int0000316

Journal Articles: 2022

Johnson, S. K., Galan-Cisneros, P., & Heaton, L. R. (2022). Outcomes of a practice-based evidence study of spiritually integrated psychotherapy in a mental health setting. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 41(4), 437–453. https://doi.org/10.1080/15426432.2022.2107969

Special Section of APA’s Psychotherapy journal (2022, Vol. 59, issue 3, Sept.) on Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies

Richards, P. S., & Barkham, M. (2022). Enhancing the evidence base for spiritually integrated psychotherapies: Progressing the paradigm of practice-based evidence. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 303–306. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000438

Captari, L. E., Sandage, S. J., & Vandiver, R. A. (2022). Spiritually integrated psychotherapies in real-world clinical practice: Synthesizing the literature to identify best practices and future research directions. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000407

Quaglia, J. T., Cigrand, C., & Sallmann, H. (2022). Caring for you, me, and us: The lived experience of compassion in counselors. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 321–331. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000412

Trusty, W. T., Swift, J. K., Black, S. W., Dimmick, A. A., & Penix, E. A. (2022). Religious microaggressions in psychotherapy: A mixed methods examination of client perspectives. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 351–362. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000408

Kim, E. E., & Chen, E. C. (2022). Task analysis of a Christian-integrated psychotherapy framework. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 363–373. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000406

Rosmarin, D. H., Pirutinsky, S., Schuttenberg, E. M., & Silveri, M. M. (2022). Why is Spiritual Psychotherapy for Inpatient, Residential, and Inpatient Treatment (SPIRIT) more effective when provided by nonreligious clinicians? Psychotherapy, 59(3), 374–381. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000400

Ripley, J. S., Worthington, E. L., Jr., Kent, V. M., Loewer, E., & Chen, Z. J. (2022). Spiritually incorporating couple therapy in practice: Christian-accommodated couple therapy as an illustration. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 382–391. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000411

Swift, J. K., Bird, M. O., Penix, E. A., & Trusty, W. T. (2022). Client preference accommodation for religious/spiritual integration and psychotherapy outcomes in naturalistic practice settings. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 392–399. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000386

Thomas, M., Crabtree, M., Janvier, D., Craner, W., Zechner, M., & Bussian, L. B. (2022). Bridging religion and spirituality with gestalt psychotherapy to improve clinical symptoms: Preliminary findings using gestalt pastoral care. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 400–404. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000425

Bozorgzadeh, S., & Grasser, L. R. (2022). The integration of the heart-centered paradigm of Sufi psychology in contemporary psychotherapy practice. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 405–414. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000414

Sim, W., Li, X., Hwang, J. Y., Hill, C. E., An, M., & Kim, D. H. (2022). The process and outcome of spiritually integrated psychotherapies: A cross-cultural study in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 415–430. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000409

Konichezky, A., Gliksberg, A., & Reicher-Atir, R. (2022). Mindfulness in psychotherapy: The experience of psychotherapists who incorporate mindfulness into their practice. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 332–338. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000394

Roesler, C., & Reefschläger, G. I. (2022). Jungian psychotherapy, spirituality, and synchronicity: Theory, applications, and evidence base. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 339–350. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000402

Journal Articles: 2021

Rosmarin, D. H., Salcone, S., Harper, D. G., & Forester, B. (2021). Predictors of patients’ responses to Spiritual Psychotherapy for Inpatient, Residential, and Intensive Treatment (SPIRIT). Psychiatric Services, 72(5), 507–513. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202000331