MSW665 Spiritual Diversity in Clinical Practice (3 cr.)

This course provides a framework to promote culturally competent, ethical, and spiritually-sensitive practice that recognizes diverse expressions of spirituality. The spiritually-sensitive approach affirms a multitude of expressions of religion and spirituality, including the formal and informal ways that we find purpose and meaning in life.  The course explores the ways in which religious and spiritual identities  impact all dimensions of biopsychosocial identity. Students will explore implications for clinical treatment, including assessment, trauma-informed intervention, and collaborative practice with spiritual support systems. Consideration regarding the impact of spiritual and religious systems in relation to diversity (e.g. by gender, social class, ethnicity and culture, and sexual orientation) will be included.

Student Learning Objectives: 

1. Students will explore religious and spiritual diversity through the lens of culturally-sensitive practice. (G1a, G2a)
2. Students will develop a framework for spiritually sensitive practice that is consistent with professional ethics, self-determination and issues of justice. (G1a, C2b)
3. Students will recognize inclusion of the spiritual dimension in the biopsychosocial model as important in developing a holistic understanding of individuals throughout the treatment process. (G7c, C7b)
4. Students will develop skills necessary to assess the role of spirituality in the lives of clients. (G7c)
5. Students will explore ways to incorporate spirituality in the intervention process, including intentional collaboration with spiritual support systems. (G8b, C8d)
6. Students will become familiar with the research on the relationship between spirituality and coping, loss, healing and other aspects of well-being. (G4d)
7. Students will identify the supportive and oppressive role that religion and spirituality have historically played regarding issues of diversity, inclusion, exclusion and trauma. (C2f, C2a)