"You Don't Have to Carry it Alone": Christian Clients' Experiences of Praying in Therapy

This study sought to understand Christian clients’ experiences of praying in therapy. Currently, there is little research in this area, which may reflect the fact that praying in therapy is often regarded as ethically contentious. This thesis, thus, seeks to fill a gap in the literature by asking: what are Christian clients’ lived experiences of praying in therapy sessions? A hermeneutic phenomenological research approach (van Manen, 1990, 2014) was used to understand the meaning of praying in therapy. Five Christian women were interviewed. Eight themes emerged: seeking support; therapist guidance and support; following and participating in prayer; the sanctuary of prayer; acknowledging and encountering God; letting go and leaning on God; clarity through prayer; and journeying on. Participants shared that praying was part of their path to healing and was a relational and spiritual experience. These findings support that praying can be meaningful for and beneficial to clients.