Integration of spirituality into the practice of social work and other helping professions

Abstract

Currently, spirituality continues increasingly going beyond the «secular-religious» juxtapositions.
Moreover, the problem of spirituality acquires a new sound in the context of its integration into the practice
of helping professions, and social work. Analyzing the concept of spirituality, the authors of the article turn
to overview of the most common points of view on its content and determine the main subject of discussions.
Religious, cultural, and political contexts of spirituality can be distinguished, and it can also be considered the
most important factor influencing the results of interventions in the system of helping professions (medical
practice, clinical psychology, psychiatry). At the same time, spirituality, the search for the meaning of life, and
religion can act as protective and healing determinants, and turn out to be a factor in increasing vulnerability
and risks.
Studies show that spirituality is a proven and effective practice in cases of suicidal compulsion, addiction,
severe trauma, oncology, and psychiatric diseases. The article suggests that it is important for a social worker
to have competence in the field of spirituality, to understand the problems associated with it in relation to an
individual client, and to be ready to face spirituality in professional activity.
The article presents the results of a sociological survey of students studying under the «Social Work»
educational program. According to their opinions, a social worker acts as a guide and assistant in finding the
meaning of life for his /her clients, and the starting point of spiritual and practical activity is his / her personal
views and life principles.
One of the important conclusions that researchers of spirituality come to in the context of helping professions
is the urgent need to study spirituality in the framework of training specialists in social work and other helping
professions.