In Tan's framework, which type of integration is described as more overt and directly addressing spiritual and religious matters in counseling?

• A. Implicit
• B. Neutral
• C. Explicit
• D. Subtle

Answer: (C)

In Tan's framework, how spirituality is woven into counseling can range from direct and intentional to indirect or not present at all. The most overt approach is explicit integration, where the counselor consciously and openly addresses spiritual and religious matters as part of the therapeutic process. This means actively assessing a client's spiritual beliefs, incorporating them into treatment goals and interventions, and offering spiritual resources or conversations when appropriate, all with the client's informed consent. It’s not about pushing beliefs; it’s about making spirituality a recognized and actively used part of therapy. Other modes involve spirituality shaping the work more indirectly (implicit or subtle) or avoiding it altogether (neutral), which is why explicit integration best fits the description of being more overt and directly addressing spiritual and religious matters.