An introduction to the integration of spirituality in group therapy with an emphasis on identifying and mastering the basic principles of integration. Upon completion the student will be able to define spirituality and discuss methods of integrating spirituality in small group therapy. Along with readings and essay assignments, the student will lead a small group from weeks five through six. The student will be supervised by a licensed therapist.
There are two ditches that therapist slide into during the process of therapy. One the one hand the therapist takes the position that because he/she is a Christian then ipso facto the therapy they are providing is spiritually based. The ditch on the other side of the journey is for the therapist to “spiritualize” every issue that is presented as a therapeutic concern. Upon completing this course the student will be able to define spiritual caring and give effective examples that the student has studied. The student will be able to demonstrate at least two therapeutic instances in which the student provided spiritual care under supervision
As stated earlier, these courses will equip the student to have an understanding of spirituality as the theories and practice of providing spiritual care. The master’s level course will provide depth and experience beyond that of the under graduate course.
Romans 15:14 “And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
This course will equip and prepare the student to provide the healing presence of Christ to damaged emotions and unhealed memories
The students will be experiencing and trained to bring spiritual care within the context of the clinical experience.
Students will have the skills to listen, analyze, synthesize and evaluate and address spiritual and counseling dynamics across cultural relationships.
The course includes a practicum.
The students will both experience and provide spiritual care in the clinical setting.
