As clinicians, developing competency in addressing spirituality in therapy is necessary to best serve our clients. In this workshop, we will explore how the spiritual beliefs of clients can lead to positive therapeutic outcomes. You will learn the benefits of spiritual practices, and how to have conversations with clients about spirituality. We will also explore the role of spirituality in our own lives. This will be an experiential workshop, with journaling and small group discussion. Please be sure to have a notebook on hand.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the differences between spirituality and religion
- Define the role & importance of spirituality in mental health
- Gain competency in introducing spiritual-based themes to clients
- Assist clients in accessing spiritual resources
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Defining Spirituality and Religion
- Distinguish spirituality as a subjective connection with the sacred or meaningful
- Understand religion as a structured system of belief, ritual, and communal practice
- Clarify how spirituality and religion may overlap yet serve different roles in personal identity
- Explore definitions from psychological, cultural, and counseling perspectives
Objective #2 The Impact of Spirituality on Mental Health
- Review statistics on spirituality and religious identity in the U.S.
- Discuss evidence linking higher spirituality/religiosity to lower levels of depression, suicidality, substance use, PTSD, and anxiety
- Introduce findings from researchers such as Dr. Lisa Miller and studies from Fetzer Institute and Gallup
- Emphasize spirituality as a protective factor and a source of resilience and meaning
Objective #3: Clinician Self-Reflection and Competency
- Explore the ethical responsibility to invite spiritual discussion in therapy when appropriate
- Recognize the impact of clinician’s own spiritual background and biases
- Address religious trauma and implicit bias among providers
- Engage in journal prompts for clinician self-awareness and personal inquiry
Objective #4: Introducing Spiritual Themes to Clients
- Explore intake questions to assess identity, belief system, and values
- Discuss methods for exploring hope, meaning, transcendence, and spiritual connection
- Present client-centered questions related to sacred experiences, Higher Power, and spiritual coping
- Integrate spirituality into assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing therapeutic dialogue
Objective #5: Helping Clients Access Spiritual Resources
- Review ethical considerations: informed consent, boundaries, client welfare, supervision
- Support clients in connecting with resources beyond the self: spiritual community, Higher Power, nature
- Recognize transcendence as a therapeutic component: awe, inspiration, gratitude, love, compassion
- Discuss contemplative practices as pathways to spiritual healing and emotional regulation
Objective #6: Conversations that Deepen Spiritual Exploration
- Engage clients with questions about faith, sacredness, soul, and purpose
- Invite reflection on transformative moments, spiritual practices, and artistic/spiritual inspiration
- Support exploration of identity through relationships with self, others, nature, and creative pursuits
- Encourage daily practices and mindful intention to connect with deeper values
Objective #7: Practical Integration in Clinical Work
- Identify how spiritual beliefs may influence symptoms and coping strategies
- Use implicit and explicit spiritual assessments in client sessions
- Recognize the role of transcendence and spirituality in fostering healing and psychological integration
- Assist clients in developing consistent and meaningful spiritual practices
Resources and Further Reading
- Suggested books: The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller, Spirit in Session by Russell Siler Jones, and others
- Introduce free video and multimedia content for client and clinician education
- Reinforce spirituality as a therapeutic tool grounded in evidence-based practice and human connection
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: September 16, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com