assignement course hero 1
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Walden University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
6051
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
5
Uploaded by MegaSnow12946
1
INCORPORATING RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN PRACTICE
Diversity, Hum Rights, Soc J: SOCW-6051-18
Dr. Sherlina L. Thomas, PhD, MSW
October 22, 2023
As a mental health professional in my community, I recognize the importance of approaching
discussions about religion with sensitivity and respect. This is important, as religion and
spirituality often play a significant role in people's lives and can impact their mental and
2
emotional well-being. My approach to discussing religion with clients is to build trust,
understand their beliefs, and promote that they can open dialogue without feeling any approach
to being judged.
•
Active Listening:
The foundation of my approach is active listening. I aim to create a
safe, non-judgmental space where clients can freely express their religious or spiritual
beliefs. To initiate the conversation, I would ask, "Can you tell me about your religious or
spiritual beliefs and how they influence your life?" This question allows clients to share
their perspectives and experiences (Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S.
,2021).
•
Exploration and Understanding:
My approach involves exploring the client's religious
or spiritual background. To do this, I would ask questions such as, "How has your
religious or spiritual background influenced your values and daily life?" This question
helps me better understand the client's perspective and how their beliefs intersect with
their mental health concerns (Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. ,2021).
I base my approach on principles and insights from the Reading Resource, such as cultural
competence, person-centered therapy, and ethical considerations.
•
Cultural Competence:
Based on the reading resource, cultural competence is essential,
which includes understanding clients' cultural and religious backgrounds. This approach
aligns with the ethical principle of respecting clients' autonomy and promoting their well-
being. By actively listening and understanding a client's religious beliefs, I can tailor my
3
interventions to align with their values, enhancing the therapeutic relationship and the
effectiveness of treatment (Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. ,2021).
•
Person-Centered Therapy:
Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy underlines the
significance of empathetic understanding and unconditional positive regard. When
discussing religion with clients, I aim to integrate these principles. By asking open-ended
questions and truly listening to clients, I provide them with a nonjudgmental, empathetic
environment where they can explore their beliefs and feelings. This approach fosters trust
and openness (Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S.,2021).
My cultural upbringing and learning skills make me reasonably comfortable and familiar with
religion and spirituality. However, I recognize that there is always room for growth and
development, particularly in serving my community's diverse religious and spiritual populations.
To better serve specific religious and spiritual populations, seek additional training and education
on different religious beliefs, practices, and their impact on mental health. Understanding various
faith traditions and their nuances can help me be more culturally competent in my practice. I
would also strive to remain open to learning and adapting. This includes consulting with
religious leaders or experts from various faiths to gain insights and cultural sensitivity. I would
also build relationships with religious leaders and community organizations that can help me
connect with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds and understand their needs more
comprehensively. Additionally, I would regularly examine my biases and beliefs that might
affect my interactions with clients. This self-awareness can enhance my ability to provide
unbiased and respectful care.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
References
5
Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. (2021).
Diversity, oppression, and change:
Culturally grounded social work
(3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Chapter 3, “The Intersectionality of Race and Ethnicity With Other Factors” (pp. 46–64)
Chapter 13, “Culturally Grounded Community-Based Helping (pp. 273–284)