Engaging in Psychotherapy with the Orthodox Jew: A Critical Review

The literature related to the unique issues of engaging in psychotherapy with Orthodox Jewish patients is critically reviewed. Various forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, couple, family, and group therapies, as conducted with Orthodox Jews, are discussed. The importance of examining transference and countertransference reactions with religious content is highlighted. Methods to help enable meaningful psychotherapeutic encounters with Orthodox Jewish patients that will be of benefit to both patient and therapist are suggested.