Author: Laura Honori Malit (University Of Iringa, Tanzania), Vincent Cosmas, PhD (Mkwawa University College of Education, Tanzania) and Dorothy Lubawa, PhD (University Of Iringa, Tanzania)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of counselling provided by religious organizations to psychologically affected clients. An exploratory research design was used. The study involved a population of psychologically affected clients aged seven and above who received counselling and the providers of counselling services in religious organizations in Arusha City, Tanzania. Purposive sampling technique was employed to obtain a sample of 42 respondents from 22 religious organizations. The data collection tools were interview and questionnaire. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data while quantitative data was analyzed through the statistical package for social sciences descriptive statistics. The study established that counselling services provided by religious organizations to psychologically affected clients were effective, which was indicated by the fact that there is a low level of psychological distress among respondents. Respondents were satisfied with the counselling services as they managed to solve their conflicts, thus meeting their goals. Counselling provided was also significant in improving the lives of the psychologically affected individuals. The study recommends that religious organizations should have sources of referral and networking to refer clients with psychological distresses for further assistance. Religious organizations are also advised to increase centres for counselling and provide further education opportunities for their counsellors to enhance their services.