Exploring the Experiences of Social Workers Using Spirituality in Their Practice
Date
2022-04
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Abstract
Despite decades of discussion, spirituality remains a neglected area of social work education and practice. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of seven social work practitioners in Alberta who are actively incorporating spirituality into their practice through qualitative interviews. The findings indicated the ways these practitioners are using spirituality in their direct work with clients, the relationship between their own personal spirituality and their work, and the ways in which their specific practice context influences their use of spirituality in practice. Despite a lack of guidance with respect to spirituality in their social work education and training, participants were drawing on their own experiences and resources to inform their use of spirituality in practice. While this highlighted the resourcefulness of the participants, it also raised ethical questions about the implications of this more broadly within the social work profession. Implications for social work education, practice, and policy and recommendations for future research are also outlined.
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Keywords
social work, spirituality, religion
Citation
Ciesielski, J. (2022). Exploring the experiences of social workers using spirituality in their practice (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.