Inviting Spiritual Conversations: Incorporating Spirituality into Health and Social Care Practice

This book takes a fresh look at spirituality within health and social care practice. It begins by suggesting that spirituality is a capacity selected during evolution that has become integral to human flourishing. The authors argue that we are seeing the convergence of scientific evidence and spiritual wisdom and that practitioners need the skills to talk with clients about their spiritual experiences, beliefs, and practices.

The first half of the book provides a theoretical foundation and uses the concept of relational consciousness to define spirituality without reliance on religious frameworks. The spiritual journey is presented as a dynamic river, and mindfulness as a method for nurturing relational consciousness. In part two, the authors invite readers to engage in a deeper consideration of their own spiritual journeys. By participating in reflective exercises, practitioners will develop skills to work with clients in more inclusive and effective ways, acknowledging that spirituality is inextricably woven into all life challenges.

Practitioners are provided with an innovative framework for considering spirituality for themselves and their clients. Educators will discover a guided curriculum for teaching this important topic, and students will learn essential knowledge and skills for their future work. This book is an essential guide to navigating this challenging terrain and working respectfully with the spiritual aspect of a client’s identity.

Dominic Chilvers is the programme leader for social work at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand. He has been a social worker for over 30 years and held several leadership positions within the profession and in church contexts. Dominic’s current research is focused on spirituality, work-integrated learning, and supervision.

Nikki Kiyimba is a clinical psychologist and academic. She was in church leadership for 20 years and now runs a psychology practice in Aotearoa New Zealand offering training, supervision, consultancy, and treatment of PTSD. Nikki has published several textbooks and more than 50 peer-reviewed articles.