The Integrated Self: A Holistic Approach to Spirituality and Mental Health Practice - Softcover

Louis F. Kavar

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846949041 ISBN 13: 9781846949043

Publisher: Psyche Books, 2012

Synopsis

Contemporary research supports the importance of spirituality for mental health. Counselors, social workers, psychologists and other therapists wonder how to include spirituality in treatment. Mental health training and current treatment models do not equip clinicians to adequately address the topic of spirituality. The Integrated Self presents a model for identifying and assessing spirituality within the client’s own life and experience. By operationally defining spirituality as a dimension of the client’s experience, The Integrated Self explores the role of culture, values, beliefs, and lifestyle for understanding the spiritual dimension of the person. Using case studies, clinicians learn how to implement the model of the integrated self within their existing theoretical orientation. The Integrated Self also includes discussions on the approaches for spiritual assessment and ethical issues related incorporating spirituality in mental health treatment. While other books focus on religious beliefs, spiritual practices, or formulations of a general kind of spirituality, The Integrated Self provides a model for a holistic approach that can be adapted in both mental health and health care settings.

About this title

About the Author:

Louis F. Kavar, Ph.D., an ordained minister and professor of psychology, holds graduate degrees in spirituality and counseling. Having lectured internationally, he is the author of six books.

Review:

As Dr. Kavar has done so well in his previous writing, he's created a really thoughtful conversation around how we integrate our spirituality and our clinical work. Having known Lou for a few years now, I "hear" his voice as he communicates his thoughtful insights about the integration of self and practice. As he embraces his own empirical nature, he talks clearly and effectively about the 'methodology' of spiritual assessment. I believe clinicians, clergy, and practitioners of pastoral care can benefit from reading this insightful and thoughtful book! (Dr. Wm. David Chapman, Psy.D., Dean, Harold Able School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN)

About this edition

• Publisher: Psyche Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1846949041
• ISBN 13: 9781846949043
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 95