Faith as the Anchor of Patient Care: Analyzed Research and Treatment Outcomes

Course overview

Including spirituality, religion, and a person's faith in their medical and mental health care has been widely studied, but practical steps are needed to do this well and ethically. In this workshop, participants will focus on how to integrate faith-based approaches into the care of patients and clients from a wide range of religious backgrounds, as well as how to thoughtfully approach patients and clients who do not identify with any faith. Emphases will be placed on clinical and scientific reasons for incorporating spirituality into treatment, the process of taking a thorough spiritual history, and the importance of understanding the language patients or client use to express their faith. Psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders will explore appropriate ways to incorporate religious practices into care, support patients or clients' beliefs, and encourage engagement in spiritual activities when desired. Both the positive and potential negative outcomes of integrating faith into clinical practice will be discussed along with strategies to maintain professional boundaries.