The use of prayer beads in psychotherapy

Abstract

The history and the varieties of positive thinking interventions in psychotherapy are discussed. It is suggested that the measures used to install positive self statements are limited. Until now there are no reports of using prayer beads for this purpose. The use of prayer beads in different cultures and religions is described and three cases of using prayer beads in therapy are presented. The promising results are understood in terms of ritual. Further directions of research are proposed. The very process of preparing prayer beads benefits the therapeutic relationship, creating an opportunity for playful and creative interaction between client and therapist.

Keywords:

• prayer beads
• psychotherapy
• ritual
• positive thinking
• healing

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the helpful comments of two anonymous reviewers on earlier versions of this manuscript.