Bracha showed up late to her job late that morning on September 11, 2001. To her shock, nothing was left of her coworkers and acquaintances. Everything was destroyed by the terrorists. By the time Bracha made her way to my office 10 years later, it was still a struggle to even leave her residence.

In addition to teaching Bracha coping tools of how to manage her PTSD symptoms, a main healing factor was her developing a belief perspective about the trauma. During her therapeutic journey, we identified that a major cause of her disturbance was the belief that the entire incident was senseless. Over time, we developed and adopted the belief that every person in those buildings was supposed to be there on that day and at that time. Bracha renewed and strengthened her belief that G-d orchestrates every detail of our lives with exacting precision. The events of 9/11 were no longer senseless and cruel to her, even if they still weren’t completely understandable. I am happy to say that this year’s 9/11 anniversary was meaningful and purposeful for Bracha.

Belief is a broad term with multiple implications and meanings. I refer here to the belief that events and circumstances are orchestrated and directed by some Higher Power. Needless to say, therapy without this kind of belief is also effective. However, it behooves the clinician to assess existing strengths and belief systems and to build upon them, in order to optimize therapy effectiveness. The strengths perspective utilized in psychotherapy means building upon existing strengths that clients already possess. It’s logical to strengthen tools and mechanisms that are already working.

Jews and gentiles and even atheists usually have a spiritual or belief system, such as Karma or “what goes around comes around.” When assessing clients’ strengths and supports, they almost always express surprise when I ask questions such as: “Do you have a spiritual or belief system? Is belief in G-d a support for you? Is praying or speaking to your higher power one of your strengths?” Often the response is: “Wow, I never thought of that as a strength,” and yet it has been there for them the whole time.

Couples find their way to my office complaining about their spouse and seeking resolution. Usually, their conception of that resolution means working to change their spouse. At the right moment, I may encourage them to ponder the possibility that maybe it’s not a mistake that this seemingly mix-matched pair was put together. It’s important to direct them to consistently ask the question: “How should I grow from this situation?” The couple can learn the perspective that everything happens in their lives for a reason and for their ultimate best, including their marital partner and associated difficulties. They can both then learn to cultivate their capacity to respond to these difficulties by growing and changing from them.

We often can’t very well control our life situations. Try as we may, we seem to come up against a brick wall when trying to bring about desired improvements. But the one thing we can always change is our perspective, to view the situation with belief. Consider the following case:

John originally presented with anxiety and suicidal ideation. Soon in the therapy, we identified that his symptoms and disturbance were driven by a basic lack of confidence, based on childhood historical factors. We spent time working to correct the childhood distorted thinking patterns, resulting in great improvements. John began one session expressing his desire to never feel insecure and unconfident again. My response to him was: “When you discover that, please let me know.” I explained that regression is expected and normal, such as when faced with increased stressors. I offered to him that an enduring solution is to develop his belief by opening up a more consistent dialogue with G-d and to rely on His confidence. John is achieving his treatment goals and gaining mastery.

A belief perspective can enhance treatment of even psychotic disorders:

Dave had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. One of his coping mechanisms for coping with his paranoia was to pray that he arrive safely to his destination, without incident. This, however, was only minimally effective. During his sessions, we were able to upgrade and improve on the content of his prayers. For example, Dave learned to pray for the clear awareness that every bullet flying through the air is actually directed by exacting divine providence. He could then calmly say: “I only have to worry about those bullets if G-d wants them to penetrate and hurt me.” His praying in this way reduced anxieties and paranoia, and led to his increased functioning.

The few examples presented here demonstrate how belief can be an effective ingredient in therapeutic work. Irrelevant of the therapist’s religion or ideology, building upon clients’ existing strengths in this way enhances and optimizes treatment success.

Kalman Canant is a licensed clinical social worker. He practices psychotherapy at the Interborough Clinic in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and maintains a private practice in Ditmas Park. Kalman Canant can be contacted at [email protected]. You can follow him on twitter @Kalman_LCSW, and learn more about his approaches at kalmancanantlcsw.blogspot.com.