1

A Plan for Spiritual and Psychological Health

Tanya Stewart

Purdue Global

Creating Wellness - Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing

HW420-01

Dr. Krystal Alto

October 23, 2023

 2

A Plan for Spiritual and Psychological Health

Questions that Explore Different Aspects of an Individual's Spiritual and Psychological

Well-Being

1. Do you engage in a regular spiritual practice?

This question seeks to understand whether the individual has established routines that

nurture their spiritual health, a cornerstone of holistic well-being. Regular spiritual practices can

anchor an individual, providing a sense of purpose, guiding values, and often a community of

support.

2. How do you cope with stress and unforeseen challenges?

Coping mechanisms are critical to psychological resilience, impacting how an individual

navigates hardships, stress, and emotional upheaval. By understanding their strategies, one can

assess the healthiness of these mechanisms and the need for developing more effective,

constructive methods (Bożek et al., 2020). This insight is vital in building a plan that enhances

mental endurance and emotional intelligence.

3. What activities do you find most fulfilling or meaningful?

Activities that provide fulfillment often align with an individual's core values, passions,

and spiritual beliefs, contributing to a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Understanding what

these activities are can highlight pathways for growth and exploration, encouraging the

individual to cultivate these aspects of their lives.

4. Do you feel that your life is in balance?

This question assesses the individual's perception of equilibrium in different life facets,

which is crucial for mental health and contentment. An imbalance can lead to stress,

dissatisfaction, or a sense of loss, affecting spiritual and psychological states.

 3

5. How often do you engage in reflection or self-assessment?

Regular self-reflection signifies a commitment to personal growth and awareness, which

is crucial for both spiritual and psychological development. This question reveals if they are in

tune with their inner dynamics, recognize areas needing change, and are willing to adapt.

6. Do you feel connected to a community or support network?

Connection to a larger group provides social support, a sense of belonging, and an

external resource during personal trials, all vital for mental health. This question gauges the

individual's level of social integration and identifies potential feelings of isolation or

disconnection.

7. How do you view the connection between your mind and body?

This question directly probes into the concept of mind-body connectedness, which is

essential for holistic health practices. Understanding their perception allows for the exploration

of practices like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness, which reinforce this connection.

8. Have you recently experienced a moment of peace or wonder?

Experiences of wonder or tranquility can be profound, contributing significantly to

spiritual well-being and psychological relief. This inquiry brings awareness to the frequency of

these powerful experiences and encourages the individual to seek or recognize these moments,

fostering a mindset of gratitude and present-moment awareness.

9. Do you have goals related to your personal development?

Goal-oriented individuals are often more proactive about their spiritual and psychological

health, but the nature of these goals and the steps taken to achieve them can vary widely. This

question identifies if they are setting realistic, constructive goals and if they are applying

effective strategies for reaching them.

 4

10. How do you approach forgiveness with others or with yourself?

Forgiveness is a complex, deeply emotional process often linked to spiritual teachings

and psychological freedom. Understanding their approach to forgiveness reveals their ability to

move past hurt, reduce emotional baggage, and promote inner peace.

Findings from the Interview

One of the most striking disclosures was Alex's absence of a regular spiritual practice.

This signifies a lack of touch with the community (Captari et al., 2023). At the same time, it

hinted at a potential gap in their support system, a void that often acts as a source of strength and

comfort during troubling times. The inconsistency in the spiritual routine might be contributing

to a sense of aimlessness or lack of grounding in principles that guide resilience and perspective

in challenging periods. When confronted with stress or unexpected setbacks, Alex retreats into

isolation or seeks refuge in physical activities like running. While physical exercise is a healthy

coping mechanism, the tendency to bottle up stress suggests a lack of adequate emotional release

outlets or strategies to process feelings constructively (Davis et al., 2015). This method of

handling stress raises concerns about the sustainability of the coping mechanisms and the

potential risk of burnout or emotional fatigue. Besides, fulfillment for Alex comes from altruistic

engagements, such as volunteering at the animal shelter, and creative expressions found in

painting. These activities suggest a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the world and

affirm their identity and values through creativity (Posluns & Gall, 2020). However, a significant

tension exists in his life balance, with excessive work hours encroaching on personal time. This

imbalance seems to erode Alex's sense of contentment and ability to engage in activities that

nourish their spirit and emotional well-being.

 5

Despite the fast-paced nature of his lifestyle, moments of self-reflection in Alex's life are

sparse. He confessed a near-constant state of motion, with little time dedicated to introspection or

self-assessment. This continuous outward focus could potentially stunt his self-awareness growth

(Posluns & Gall, 2020). In turn, this could impede his ability to recognize internal shifts and

proactively respond to emotional or spiritual needs. A sense of detachment marks Alex's social

interactions, indicating a limited connection with the community or support network. While

maintaining a few close friendships, the feeling of disconnection, compounded by a hectic

schedule, poses a threat to psychological health. Social support is a buffer during crises; without

it, Alex is at a higher risk of worsening stress and isolation.

Alex demonstrates insightful awareness of the mind-body connection, noting a tangible

impact on their mental state due to physical health changes. This acknowledgment is a

foundation upon which further holistic health strategies could be built (Posluns & Gall, 2020).

He recounted a recent experience of peace during a sunrise run, indicating an openness to

moments of transcendence and wonder, essential for spiritual nourishment. Regarding personal

development, Alex expressed intentions to evolve, underlining aspirations like better stress

management and more serious engagement with meditation. These goals, however, faced

obstacles in the form of an unrewarding job and a struggle with forgiveness. Alex acknowledged

the challenge of releasing grudges or self-criticism, a barrier to emotional freedom and,

subsequently, to psychological and spiritual well-being.

Creating a Spiritual and Psychological Growth Development Plan from the Interviewee's

Answers

Given Alex's sporadic meditation, I would suggest establishing a regular, perhaps daily,

practice that suits their lifestyle. This consistency can create structure and offer regular moments
 6

of introspection and calm. Introducing different forms of spiritual practices, such as guided

meditations, nature walks, or mindfulness exercises, could assist in discovering what resonates

most with Alex (de Diego-Cordero et al., 2023). Besides, Alex's tendency to bottle up stress until

it overflows necessitates the introduction of healthier coping strategies. For this reason, I would

incorporate techniques such as journaling, professional counseling, or joining support groups that

could provide emotional outlets. Stress management workshops or resources can offer tools and

techniques, ensuring Alex has a well-equipped coping toolkit (Shateri et al., 2019). Nonetheless,

to address the imbalance affecting their personal life, I would encourage Alex to set boundaries

at work and advocate for their well-being. Time management strategies and assertiveness

training could empower Alex to negotiate a more flexible schedule or reduced hours, prioritizing

time for restorative activities.

Ethical Considerations I Would Consider

I would consider the boundary of my professional expertise to avoid overstepping into

areas where I am not certified, such as clinical psychology or medical advice. This is crucial

because providing guidance on issues or areas beyond my knowledge could lead to

misinformation and potentially harm Alex. For instance, if Alex requires psychological

intervention due to deep-seated forgiveness issues or shows signs of a health condition, it is my

ethical responsibility to refer them to a clinical psychologist or a medical doctor. Offering

services or advice, I am not qualified to give can compromise Alex's safety and wellness journey.

I would also prioritize cultural competence and sensitivity throughout our interactions

and in developing the wellness plan. This means understanding and respecting Alex's cultural,

spiritual, and personal beliefs or practices (Shateri et al., 2019). The reason is that imposing ideas

that resonate with my cultural perspective but conflict with Alex's beliefs could cause discomfort
 7

or alienation. For example, if Alex comes from a background where certain meditation practices

are not culturally acceptable, insisting on these methods could be disrespectful and

counterproductive (Mazzula, S. L., & Li Vecchi, P., 2018). Instead, I would explore alternative

practices that align with their cultural comfort and acceptance. I will ensure that the strategies

employed are practical and respectful of Alex's cultural identity.

Addition to the Inventory

From the interview with Alex, I would add questions on community and belonging.

Specifically, I would add, "How do you feel about your current level of connection with a

community or support system?" and "Are there groups or communities you wish you could

connect with or know more about?" Alex expressed feelings of social disconnect. Specific

questions about community involvement could explain further how isolated he feels and his

desire for social integration. It is essential to understand the current state of their social

connections and their aspirations in this area, as this can guide strategies to enhance their sense

of belonging.
 8

References

Bożek, A., Nowak, P. F., & Blukacz, M. (2020). The relationship between spirituality, health-

related behavior, and psychological well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1997.

Captari, L. E., Sandage, S. J., Vandiver, R. A., Jankowski, P. J., & Hook, J. N. (2023). Integrating

positive psychology, religion/spirituality, and a virtue focus within culturally responsive

mental healthcare. InHandbook of Positive Psychology. Religion, and Spirituality, 413-

428.

Davis, D. E., Ho, M. Y., Griffin, B. J., Bell, C., Hook, J. N., Van Tongeren, D. R., ... &

Westbrook, C. J. (2015). Forgiving the self and physical and mental health correlates: a

meta-analytic review. Journal of counseling psychology, 62(2), 329.

de Diego-Cordero, R., López-Tarrida, Á. C., Linero-Narváez, C., & Galán González-Serna, J. M.

(2023, January). "More Spiritual Health Professionals Provide Different Care": A

Qualitative Study in the Field of Mental Health. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 3, p. 303).

MDPI.

Mazzula, S. L., & Li Vecchi, P. (2018). Dynamic and contemporary ethical issues. In Ethics for

counselors: Integrating counseling and psychology standards (pp. 71–90). Springer

Publishing

Posluns, K., & Gall, T. L. (2020). Dear mental health practitioners, take care of yourselves: A

literature review on self-care. International Journal for the Advancement of

Counselling, 42, 1-20.

Shateri, K., Hayat, A. A., & Jayervand, H. (2019). The relationship between mental health and

spiritual intelligence among primary school teachers. International Journal of School

Health, 6(1), 1-6.

9