ABSTRACT
Grounded theory was selected as a way to develop a theory about the potential adjunctive use of energy healing in the form of healing touch (HT) along with counseling on a bereaved population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted twice with clients and once with the counselors and HT practitioners. Results indicated that the participants agreed that both counseling and HT operated well together to provide bereavement support. The themes of trust, openness, intention, and spirituality within the holistic context seemed to make this model possible. Potential ethical concerns are discussed, as well as areas for future research and clinical applications.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Christine Ciecierski Berger
Christine Ciecierski Berger is an Assistant Professor of Counseling in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
Sharon Cheston
Sharon Cheston is a Professor of Pastoral Counseling in the Department of Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.
Joseph Stewart-Sicking
Joseph Stewart-Sicking is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Counseling in the Department of Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.