Pentingnya Konseling dalam Menumbuhkan Sikap Moderat Beragama

Abstract

This study aims to examine in depth how counseling can contribute to fostering moderate religious
attitudes in the community. The research method in this study is a qualitative method with a
phenomenological research type, this research will explore the counselor's experience in helping
counselees develop a balanced, tolerant, and inclusive understanding of religion. In addition, this
study will also explore the challenges and obstacles faced by counselors in implementing counseling
approaches related to religious issues. Factors such as cultural background, personal values, and
counselor competence will be the focus of the study. In addition, to understand the role of counseling
in fostering moderate religious attitudes, this study will use a qualitative approach. The results of this
study indicate that counselors can apply various techniques to support counselees to be more open
and tolerant of religious diversity. These techniques include building a sense of security and trust,
exploring the religious background of the counselee, encouraging critical reflection, providing
balanced information, exploring commonalities between traditions, facilitating dialogue between
religious believers, and encouraging the counselee to have direct interfaith experiences. The
application of these techniques proved to be effective in helping counselees to become more open,
tolerant, and appreciative of religious perspectives that differ from their own. The findings provide
practical implications for counselors in facilitating the development of religious moderation and
enhancing social cohesion in religiously diverse communities.