Spirituality and Social Work Practice: Tips for Confronting Apprehensions

by Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW

     Throughout the years, I have noticed the role spirituality has filled in the lives of many. For example, it influences whether someone receives a vaccination; is a motivating factor underlying several advocacy movements; and affects food choices, style of clothing, and which schools are attended. It is built into the names of organizations (e.g., Baptist Children Services, Catholic Social Services) where I have been employed. Spirituality influences values, self-perception, and life decisions. Spirituality is also used as a lens through which to interpret behaviors and impacts how a person understands and navigates the world. However, why is spirituality important to social work practice?

     Let us reflect on the NASW Code of Ethics. This guiding document promotes the professional responsibility of practicing cultural humility. Culture is vast, dynamic, and can play a significant role amongst the populations and entities to whom social workers provide services. Assessing the role and function of cultural dynamics is critical when planning services. Through what is often referred to as the biopsychosocial assessment, the intent is to gain insight about the various dimensions of the individual’s life to plan the next steps (e.g., intervention). Spirituality is often included as an area of assessment. In alignment with our ethical responsibility of practicing cultural humility, 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.

     Spirituality generally focuses on where a person may find their meaning and purpose in life, whether through what has often been referred to as a higher being or power, something created by the individual such as an activist group; volunteering, or other methods that may contribute to the lives of others. Spirituality may occur individually or within a sense of community. This sense of community may serve as a type of support system that aids in interpreting and processing life challenges and major decisions. In addition, many may perceive spirituality and their religion as one in the same, or even as their ethnic identity. Overall, social workers need to understand the unique meaning of spirituality to that individual, and the ways in which spirituality supports the person in both interpreting and navigating life.

     In consideration of the above, how do we enhance our focus on spirituality as professionals and when providing services? Here are a few insights I have gained throughout my experiences.

     First, start with you. Explore your own definition of spirituality, if any, and the ways spirituality may have impacted your life. Has spirituality been a positive or negative experience in your life? Do you believe there are various forms of spirituality? Starting with self-reflection is critical to decrease chances of countertransference when engaging in social work practice. Gaining insight about your personal beliefs in relation to spirituality can strengthen your personal cultural awareness.

     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. If you have experienced apprehension, engage in self-reflection to determine the underlying root of the apprehensiveness. For example, was there self-doubt about your professional abilities in exploring spirituality with clients? Did you wonder how to integrate spirituality as part of the intervention?

     Third, enhance your knowledge. Seek out classes, workshops, seminars, and professional articles that focus on methods of integrating spirituality into practice. Engage in supervision and consultation to explore steps for further growth in this area and methods that would be beneficial for the client populations you serve. In addition, ensure that you thoroughly navigate the NASW Code of Ethics, agency handbooks, and other critical guiding documents to inform you of how to engage in spiritual assessment in an ethical and legal manner, and to ensure professional boundaries are maintained.

     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 to explore further. For example, after collecting assessment information, explore the person’s definition and meaning of spirituality. Tune in to the unique themes the person shares about their spiritual experiences. For example, are there themes of purpose, meaning, and hope? What types of coping skills are influenced through the spiritual practices?

     Assessment is a critical skill during social work practice that provides insight into a person’s experience at that point in time. Assessments support us in gaining knowledge about the whole person. This information aids in developing interventions that are specific to the individual’s or entity’s unique needs. As social workers, we are always in a state of learning and evolving. Overall, determine ongoing ways that you can enhance your cultural awareness about spirituality in relationship to social work practice, and take appropriate steps to strengthen your ability to provide services.

Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW, is a Professor of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Hardy is a social justice advocate, professional consultant, author, and mentor to new social workers and junior faculty members. She is the creator of The Social Work Lounge, a mentorship group facilitated via Facebook.