SPIRITUALITY AND

SOCIAL WORK
 WHAT IS
SPIRITUALITY?
 Spirituality is a broad concept with room for
many perspectives. In general, it includes a
sense of connection to something bigger than
ourselves, and it typically involves a search for
SPIRITUALITY meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human
experience—something that touches us all.
People may describe a spiritual experience as
sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of
aliveness and interconnectedness.

HOW DOES SPIRITUALITY

HELP US?
01 PHYSICAL
WELL-BEING
functional ability, strength/fatigue,
sleep/rest, overall physical health,
nausea, appetite, constipation, and
aches and pains

02 SOCIAL
WELL-BEING
family distress, roles/relationships,
affection/sexual function,
appearance, employment, isolation
and finances

03
PSYCHOLOGICAL
WELL-BEING
control, anxiety,
enjoyment/leisure, pain distress,
happiness, fear, and
cognition/attention
04
SPIRITUAL
WELL-BEING
meaning of illness, uncertainty,
hope, religiosity, transcendence,
and positive change

SPIRITUAL AND
SOCIAL WORK
SPIRITUALITY- Its importance in Practice

"Social workers should be alert...that their clients may have

significant religious or spiritual beliefs...and be familiar with the
commonalities... Failure to explore this area prevents social workers
from understanding a major area of strength and a potential area for
some others."

Boyle, Hull, Mather, Smith, and Farley (2009)

SPIRITUALITY- Its importance in Practice

The social work profession is predominantly focused on promoting

social justice for individuals and communities. This takes many
forms, ranging from advocacy to counseling, but all efforts point to a
common theme of helping people live healthy, socially adjusted
lifestyles. This often means engaging every facet of a person’s
identity, including spirituality.
SPIRITUALITY

Its importance in Practice

-helping clients to explore the spiritual aspect of their person and

help them along a journey of personal discovery that can promote
healing and healthy living.
SPIRITUALITY

Its importance in Practice

It also improves decision-making abilities. Spiritual people make decisions

according to their values. Their overarching goal is to develop trust and
retain faith. So, they become closer to others by recognising the shared
human experience and compassion. Therefore, spirituality is as vital for
social workers as for their clients
SPIRITUALITY

Its importance in Practice

Clients use their belief systems to practice resilience. Therefore,

a practitioner who understands the relevance of religion and
spirituality can help people facilitate change.
 ASSESMENT
GAINING INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUAL AND INFLUENCES
IN A PERSON'S LIFE

SPIRITUALITY- ONE OF THE SYSTEM IN A PERSONS LIFE

-KEY INFLUENCE IN A PERSON'S LIFE
ASSESMENT

CATEGORIES FOR SPIRITUAL ASSESSMENT

-Client's spiritual beliefs

-
-Significant spiritual practices

-Denominational affiliation

 ASSESMENT
It is important to determine if spirituality holds significant meaning,
serves as a coping skill in the person's life, and how the individual
defines spirituality.
Questions to Ask
Is religion or faith an important part of your life?

How has faith influenced your past and present?

Are you a part of a spiritual or faith community?

Are there any spiritual needs you would like to explore?

 ASSESMENT
Social Workers Can Assess Clients’ Spirituality and Incorporate the
Results into Treatment Objectives

 INTERVENTION
Cooperation with clergy, religious communities - "what
role has (church) played in your life?"
Developing or participating in ceremonies
Focused relaxation/Meditation & prayer
 INTERVENTION
Bibliotherapy- - Are there certain scriptures, writings you
have found helpful?
Journaling - What has God taught you
Teaching forgiveness - "we never recover until we forgive"
How do we enhance our focus on spirituality
as professionals and when providing services?
First, start with you. Explore your own definition of spirituality, if any, and the
ways spirituality may have impacted your life.

Second, determine if you have been fully present and proactive when exploring
spirituality during assessments, or if you have experienced feelings of hesitancy
and apprehension.
How do we enhance our focus on spirituality
as professionals and when providing services?
Third, enhance your knowledge. Seek out classes, workshops, seminars, and
professional articles that focus on methods of integrating spirituality into
practice.

Fourth, when an individual or entity to whom you are providing services

identifies spirituality as a dimension of their life or healthy coping skill, use
spiritually and culturally sensitive probing questions
Credits
https://slideplayer.com/slide/14871399/

https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/master-of-social-work/resources/spirituality-in-social-
work/#:~:text=Gaining%20knowledge%20about%20clients'%20spirituality,workers%20view%20their%20clients'%20stre
ngths.

https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/career-jobs/spirituality-social-work-practice-confronting-
apprehensions/#:~:text=Spirituality%20is%20often%20included%20as,how%20the%20individual%20defines%20spiritual
ity.
Thank you!