Contemplative spaces in social work practice.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management January 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.10.004 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSocial workers are increasingly recognizing the importance of contemplative practices and spirituality in patient care. The profession's historical focus on the whole person and the roles of both social worker and patient in healing and coping with loss makes it essential for social workers to understand the place of contemplative practice in their own lives. This article establishes the context for this work and describes a program designed to enhance social workers' awareness and practice skills for engaging spirituality in the clinical relationship.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Social work Spirituality |
| Key finding | Social workers need to attend to their own understanding of contemplative practice to effectively engage spirituality in clinical relationships. |
Abstract
Exploring contemplative practices and spirituality in social work has developed a new impetus as the understanding of the importance of those variables in patient care has increased. Social work brings its historical attention to the whole person and the many ways the social worker and patient understand their respective roles in assisting in the process of healing and coping with loss. It is essential that social workers attend to their own understanding of the space for contemplative practice in their lives. This article sets the context for this important work and provides an example of a program designed to increase the social worker's awareness and practice skills that reflect the particular dynamics of engaging spirituality in the clinical relationship.