Faith Questions & Spiritual Struggles
An inclusive worksheet for exploring spiritual struggles, including doubts, anger at the divine, community conflict, fear-based teachings and religious harm, with space for meaning and support.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Spiritually integrated
- Approach / concern
- Faith & Spiritual
- Technique
- Spiritually integrated
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Faith Questions & Spiritual Struggles?
Religious and spiritual struggles include divine struggles (anger or distance from God), interpersonal struggles with religious communities, moral struggles, doubt and questions of ultimate meaning. They can be distressing but are also associated with opportunities for growth.
Why it works
Spiritual struggles are associated with psychological distress and are measurable and clinically important (Exline et al., 2014). Spiritually integrated approaches address struggles respectfully and according to client preferences (Pargament, 2007).
When to use it
- Doubts or crises of faith
- Religious trauma or harm
- Leaving or changing faith communities
- Grief and illness challenging beliefs
How to use it in session
- Create a non-judgemental, client-led space.
- Identify which struggles apply.
- Explore in the client’s own words.
- Clarify what they want to keep, release or explore.
- Identify safe supports and specialized resources.
Clinician tips
- Avoid imposing either religious or secular views.
- Treat religious abuse as trauma and prioritize safety.
- Consult culturally relevant colleagues as appropriate.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to be angry at God?
Yes. Anger at God is a common spiritual struggle, especially after loss or suffering.
Can therapy help with religious trauma?
Yes. Trauma-informed therapists can help, and some specialize in religious trauma.
References
Exline, J. J., Pargament, K. I., Grubbs, J. B., & Yali, A. M. (2014). The Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale: Development and initial validation. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6(3), 208-222.
Pargament, K. I. (2007). Spiritually integrated psychotherapy: Understanding and addressing the sacred. Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
