Religiosity is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, being an essential part of the lives of the majority of the population. This theme is therefore indispensable when seeking to understand human experience, which is one of the main objectives of Psychology—whether as a science aimed at understanding the human being as a whole, or in its practical application in psychotherapy and clinical practice. In this sense, religio and spirituality often play a central role in how individuals construct meaning, cope with suffering, and interpret their life experiences.
However, academic curricula in psychology often remain distant from this topic, resulting in the training of professionals who may not be adequately prepared to deal with religious issues in their work. The present study aims primarily to understand how religious themes emerge in clinical psychology settings and whether psychotherapists trained in the 21st century feel equipped to address these issues in their clinical practice.
In addition, the research seeks to identify whether there are gaps in the academic training of psychologists regarding the handling of patients’ religiosity, and whether this lack impacts clinical management. To achieve its objectives, a quantitative study will be conducted in order to gather data on psychologists’ perceptions of religiosity in clinical practice.
The theoretical framework of the study is based on classical authors in the psychology of religion, such as Carl Gustav Jung and William James, as well as on contemporary publications. Based on the results obtained, the study aims to contribute to the debate on the need for greater inclusion of the psychology of religion in psychology training, ensuring that professionals are better prepared to deal with religious issues in clinical practice. Furthermore, the research may indicate pathways for improving academic curricula, with the goal of equipping future psychologists to provide more ethical, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive care.