Publication Date

2009

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Social service-Religious aspects, Social workers-Religious life, Psychologists-Religious life, Psychiatrists-Religious life, Spirituality, Meditation-Theraputic use, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Psychotherapy-Religious aspects, Transpersonal psychotherapy, Psychotherapist and patient, Religion, Clinical practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to elicit clinicians' perspectives and practices with religion and spirituality in clinical practice. Recent social work researchers note the roots of social work in spirituality and believe it can reinvigorate social work practice. Four focus groups were conducted in three different geographical locations with clinicians who included social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. It was found that the clinicians believed that including spirituality in practice benefits the client either in secular or sectarian ways. The application of spiritual practices varied widely. The majority of participants in this study reported the use of mindfulness and meditation based clinical modalities in their practice. All emphasized the importance of the therapeutic relationship for effective healing. A minority of participants reported formal education and training on the use of religion and spirituality in clinical practice; this indicated more training and education is needed. Suggestions are made on how a broader base of clinicians can be provided with a framework and lexicon for the therapeutic process of transformation and transcendence described by focus group participants. The development of guidelines for clinical supervisors in addressing religious and spiritual issues with supervisees and using spiritually based supervision techniques are indicated.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 94 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 78-84)

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