how does spirituality affect treatment physical therapy

It is possible that by the inclusion of spirituality in a physical therapy intervention, the older adult may have an increased potential of recovering from his or her injury. This will also decrease a potential barrier to the elderly patient in receiving physical therapy interventions. Add to Bookmarks

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What can therapists do about spirituality in therapy?

Therapists who are aware of therapeutic strategies based in spirituality, such as spiritual journaling or forgiveness protocols, may also be able to provide people in therapy with resources on these topics, whether or not they are able to address them personally.

How does spirituality affect physical health?

Physical Health In patients with deeper spirituality and religiousness, enhanced physical health and a better ability to perform daily tasks, was reported. Additionally, the experience of less physical symptoms of cancer and side effects from treatment was apparent.

Why is there a lack of research on spirituality in therapy?

These differences in viewpoint may contribute to the lack of research on spirituality. The beliefs and training experiences of practitioners may also influence whether and how spirituality is incorporated into therapy.

Can a therapist's spiritual beliefs affect the process of healing?

But research suggests a therapist's inclusion of an individual's spiritual beliefs may assist in therapy and in the process of healing. What Is Spirituality? What Is Spiritual Wellness?

How does spirituality affect physical health?

Some research shows a connection between your beliefs and your sense of well being. Positive beliefs, comfort, and strength gained from religion, meditation, and prayer can contribute to well being. It may even promote healing. Improving your spiritual health may not cure an illness, but it may help you feel better.

How does spirituality affect patient care?

There is also evidence to suggest that better treatment decisions are made when spirituality is a factor in decision making. A study on end-of-life outcomes showed that spiritual support from a patient's medical team resulted in greater hospice utilization, less aggressive interventions, and fewer ICU deaths.

What role does the therapists spirituality play in the treatment of his or her patients?

According to the authors investigated, religion and spirituality may support the process of counseling by infusing both the client and the therapist with a set of values and principles that strengthen their relationship and improve the therapeutic process.

How do you incorporate spirituality into therapy?

Integrating religious and spiritual themes into psychotherapy may range from asking the questions about a client's beliefs, values, and practices to making specific values based recommendations and recommendations for engaging in particular religious activities and practices such as meditation or prayer.

What is the importance of providing spiritual care to patients?

Spiritual care has positive effects on individuals' stress responses, spiritual well-being (ie, the balance between physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of self), sense of integrity and excellence, and interpersonal relationships (1).

Why is spirituality important in recovery?

For many people in recovery, accepting personal responsibility is painful. Practicing spirituality can provide healing from past mistakes. Spiritual healing often involves forgiveness, reconnecting with others and finding a sense of belonging. Some people promote healing by journaling regularly.

What is spirituality in therapy?

Spiritual therapy is a form of counseling that attempts to treat a person's soul as well as mind and body by accessing individual belief systems and using that faith in a higher power to explore areas of conflict in life.

Does spirituality belong in therapy?

Religion and spirituality are often part of the client's problem, but can also be part of the client's solution. Because spiritual and religious values can play a major part in human life, spiritual values should be viewed as a potential resource in therapy rather than as something to be ignored.

Why is it important for counselors to integrate religion and spirituality into their therapeutic endeavors?

"Just being sensitive to a possible role of religion in a client's life can broaden your evaluation and provide different solutions," he explains. "Being able to help a person connect with the variable of spirituality in their lives can be a beneficial and important therapeutic accommodation."

How spirituality can benefit mental and physical health?

There are several ways that spirituality can support your mental health: You may feel a higher sense of purpose, peace, hope, and meaning. You may experience better confidence, self-esteem, and self-control. It can help you make sense of your experiences in life.

What are examples of spiritual therapy?

It might involve activities that help people clarify thoughts and feelings, like journaling, yoga, or meditation. People who belong to a religious faith often express their spirituality through their connection to their faith.

Why is religion important in therapy?

Religion has been shown to be a stabilizing factor for mental well-being. Research has demonstrated that people who have religious beliefs tend to have better mental health, physical health, and more satisfying relationships than those who do not have any religious beliefs.

Why should spirituality be included in physical therapy?

Content on the role of spirituality in physical therapy practice should be included in physical therapy curricula because of its relevance as a tool to reorganize life experiences, a coping mechanism and component of pain control, and as an aspect of wellness and cultural competence. The inclusion of the spiritual domain in the physical therapy plan of care reflects 2 core values of the profession: compassion/caring and professional duty. However, only a limited number of physical therapists receive formal training in the spiritual domain. Physical therapist students can improve their level of comfort with the spiritual domain through exposure to the concepts, discussion, and reflection regarding their own beliefs.

What is spiritual domain in physical therapy?

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of the spiritual domain—which includes the patient's spiritual and/or religious beliefs —in physical therapy practice; advocate for the inclusion of the spiritual domain in physical therapist curricula; and identify educational goals, content, and strategies used in teaching spirituality/spiritual domain in either postgraduate or professional doctor of physical therapy curricula.

What are the core values of physical therapy?

In 2007, APTA's House of Delegates endorsed the adoption of the Core Values. The document, which defines 7 core values, impact s physical therapy practice, research, and education. Two of the core values, compassion/caring and professional duty, particularly call educators to include the spiritual domain in physical therapy curricula. According to the document, compassion compels the physical therapist to understand the patient's/client's perspective and advocate for the patient's/client's needs while understanding the sociocultural, psychological, and economic influences in the individual's life and ultimately leads to an ethic of care. Physical therapists can demonstrate stronger adherence to their professional duty, defined as “the commitment to meeting one's obligations to provide effective physical therapy services…,” 36 (p6) by including the spiritual domain in their plan of care. Attention to the whole person is a beneficent act and, as such, reflects our professional duty to facilitate the patient's/client's optimal return to function, health, and wellness. Connecting with patients/clients on a spiritual level allows health professionals to develop trusting relationships and may enhance treatment outcomes. 11 (p93),37 The literature indicates that to be comfortable addressing spiritual needs, health care professionals must be able to recognize and be comfortable with their own feelings about the spiritual domain. 19,38 Physical therapists must be able to recognize their own biases, recognize the impact of these biases on the patient/client, and identify resources for their patients/clients as the need arises.

What is cultural competency in physical therapy?

Physical therapists must practice in a culturally competent manner, which includes attention to the spiritual domain, that is, the patient's/client's religious and/or spiritual beliefs. In the Blueprint for Teaching Cultural Competence in Physical Therapy Education 1, found on the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education's (CAPTE) Web site, culture is defined as “the integrated patterns of human behavior that include thoughts, communications, actions, beliefs, customs, as well as institutions of racial, ethnic, religious or social groups.” (p4)Religion is defined as rules, rites, and rituals (ie, the exoteric or external manifestation of beliefs) and may or may not be associated with spirituality depending on individual preference. 2 Spirituality is defined in many ways. 3-5 For some individuals, spirituality is the esoteric or internal manifestation of religion, which is referred to later in this paper as religious spirituality. For others, it is totally separate from religion and is secular in nature; referred to later as secular spirituality. For the purpose of this paper, Scandurra's 6 definition is used: “Spirituality is the fundamental life process through which wellness is experienced. It involves a connectedness to oneself, others, nature, and to a larger meaning or purpose.” (p104)

What is spiritual domain?

Knowledge of the spiritual domain is a necessary component of patient-centered care, wellness, cultural competence, and building trusting relationships. Spirituality is recognized by The Joint Commission as critical to comprehensive care. 35 Attention to spirituality and the spiritual domain can provide the patient/client with strategies to cope with life-altering events and assist in the patient's/client's restructuring of life following injury. The physical therapist's level of comfort with the spiritual domain informs his or her ability to address the patient's spiritual and/or religious needs in the plan of care.

How does spirituality affect people in therapy?

One recent study found the spiritual beliefs of people in therapy impacted their levels of worry, stress, and tolerance of uncertainty. Those participants who trusted in a higher power were found to be more trusting and to have lower levels of worry, stress, and intolerance.

How is spirituality related to health?

Spirituality and health are connected. Just as physical wellness describes health in the body, spiritual wellness describes health in the spirit. Spiritual wellness can relate to religious belief. Some people link their spiritual wellness to the natural world. Others define it by their relationships to others.

What are some examples of spiritual abuse?

Examples of spiritual abuse include: 1 Using faith or spiritual beliefs to extort money, goods, or services 2 Using a person’s spirituality to shame them 3 Insulting a person’s spiritual practices 4 Forcing a person to make a choice against their spiritual or religious beliefs 5 Parents not allowing children to make their own choices about religion

What does it mean when you feel ashamed of your beliefs?

People made to feel ashamed by their beliefs or their actions, who aren’t allowed by a partner or family member to practice their beliefs, or who are being manipulated or controlled as a result of their spirituality may be experiencing abuse. Another sign of spiritual abuse is single-minded thinking.

Why is sensitivity important for spiritual therapy?

Spiritual practices can: When a person who is religious or spiritual seeks treatment, sensitivity on the part of a therapist may be beneficial to treatment because it may lead to a broader evaluation of the person seeking treatment and allow the therapist to explore a wider variety of treatment solutions.

What is spiritual support?

Spiritual Support. Spirituality is typically defined as the search for transcendent meaning or as a belief in a greater existence outside of humankind. It can be linked to religion, but the practice of spirituality is generally considered to go beyond religion and connect individuals with something larger, such as the universe itself.

How do others define spiritual wellness?

Others define it by their relationships to others. Still others may nurture spiritual wellness by living a fulfilling life according to their personal values. However spiritual wellness is defined, it involves a connection between people and something greater than themselves.

What is the role of spirituality in cancer?

Spirituality and religiousness play a key role in the health and well-being of cancer patients . According to a new study, spirituality plays a key role in the health and well-being of patients going through cancer.

Is religion a positive aspect of mental health?

Emotional aspect of religion and spirituality in patients were strongly linked with positive mental health (more than behavioral or cognitive aspects of religion and spirituality).

How does trauma affect spirituality?

Relationship of Trauma to Spirituality. Evidence suggests that trauma can produce both positive and negative effects on the spiritual experiences and perceptions of individuals (1). For example, depression and loneliness can lead to feelings of abandonment and loss of faith in God.

What is spirituality?

Spirituality is a personal experience with many definitions. Spirituality might be defined as "an inner belief system providing an individual with meaning and purpose in life, a sense of the sacredness of life, and a vision for the betterment of the world." Other definitions emphasize "a connection to that which transcends the self." The connection might be to God, a higher power, a universal energy, the sacred, or to nature. Researchers in the field of spirituality have suggested three useful dimensions for thinking about one's spirituality: 1 Beliefs 2 Spiritual practices 3 Spiritual experiences

What does trauma mean for others?

For others, trauma can be associated with loss of faith, diminished participation in religious or spiritual activities, changes in belief, feelings of being abandoned or punished by God, and loss of meaning and purpose for living.

What are the dimensions of spirituality?

Researchers in the field of spirituality have suggested three useful dimensions for thinking about one's spirituality: Beliefs. Spiritual practices. Spiritual experiences.

What percentage of psychologists believe in God?

For example, one study (2) indicated that only 66% of psychologists report a "belief in God.". These differences in viewpoint may contribute to the lack of research on spirituality.

Is spirituality a positive outcome?

Aspects of spirituality are associated with positive outcomes, even when trauma survivors develop psychiatric difficulties such as PTSD or depression. Research also indicates that healthy spirituality is often associated with lower levels of symptoms and clinical problems in some trauma populations.

Can trauma be spiritual?

Research suggests that for many trauma survivors, spirituality may be a resource that can be associated with resilience and recovery. However, for some, the circumstances of the trauma may lead to the questioning of important and previously sustaining beliefs. This can lead to spiritual struggle or even loss of faith.

Why are spiritual people so good?

Some studies indicate that those who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook and a better quality of life. For example, patients with advanced cancer who found comfort from their religious and spiritual beliefs were more satisfied with their lives, were happier, and had less pain (11).

What is healing in spiritual terms?

Healing can be experienced as acceptance of illness and peace with one's life. This healing, I believe, is at its core spiritual. Two examples illustrate ways to deal with questions related to meaning in life. Many studies have shown that people desire to be remembered (4).

What are the challenges physicians face?

One of the challenges physicians face is to help people find meaning and acceptance in the midst of suffering and chronic illness. Medical ethicists have reminded us that religion and spirituality form the basis of meaning and purpose for many people (3).

What is the power of a physician?

Physicians are in a position of power with patients. Most patients come to us in vulnerable times. If the physician suggests a certain religion/spiritual belief or ridicules a patient's belief, the patient might adopt that physician's belief or lack of belief out of fear of disagreeing with a perceived authority.

Can a physician lead a prayer?

Furthermore , a physician leading a prayer might lead a prayer from his or her tradition, which could be offensive or inappropriate for the patient. If the patient requests prayer, the physician can stand by in silence as the patient prays in his or her tradition or can contact the chaplain to lead a prayer.

How to embrace the spirituality of others?

As a first step in embracing the spirituality of others, we must first understand our own spirituality. 5 For those who have a religious affiliation, doing so may be straightforward; for those who do not have a formal affiliation, however, it could take some time, effort, and genuine introspection.

Why are critical care clinicians unable to interact with patients?

Much of the time, our patients are unable to interact with us due either to primary neurological dysfunction or to the medications they require to be comfortable on a ventilator.

Is critical care holistic?

Considered from a holistic perspective, critical care is not just about the body. As important as the body is, the holistic triad of body-mind-spirit cannot be overemphasized. As many have pointed out, the focus on body and mind is quite good, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nevertheless, an area that is often left unmanaged—much as ...

When addressing religious and spiritual issues in psychotherapy with clients, should psychotherapists be cognizant of the potential to

When addressing religious and spiritual issues in psychotherapy with clients, psychotherapists should be cognizant of the potential to move from the role of psychotherapist to the role of the clergy. This is especially relevant when integrating religious and spiritual practices into psychotherapy. Psychotherapists should also be cautious about imposing their values on clients and taking on a prescriptive approach in treatment.

How to integrate religious themes into psychotherapy?

Integrating religious and spiritual themes into psychotherapy may range from asking the questions about a client’s beliefs, values, and practices to making specific values based recommendations and recommendations for engaging in particular religious activities and practices such as meditation or prayer. The integration of spiritual and religious interventions into psychotherapy may include activities such as reading selected passages of scripture with the client in session and praying together with the client in session. Thus, a wide range of interventions exist, some of which may be appropriate with some clients (if informed consent was engaged in appropriately and the psychotherapist possesses the necessary clinical competence), while others may be inappropriate and even harmful.

What are ethical issues in psychotherapy?

A number of ethics issues are relevant to thoughtfully and appropriately addressing religious and spiritual issues, beliefs, and practices in psychotherapy. These include informed consent, clinical competence, consultation and collaboration with other professionals, boundaries and multiple relationships, imposition of one’s values on clients, integrating religious and spiritual themes into ongoing psychotherapy, and the use of a thoughtful decision-making approach to making decisions about each of these issues. While much has been written elsewhere about these important ethics issues, each will be highlighted briefly here [See also PowerPoint slides 15-19 ]:

What is decision making model in psychotherapy?

A number of decision-making models exist that may be helpful to the psychotherapist in making thoughtful and informed decisions about how and when to address religious and spiritual issues with clients and how and when, and when not to integrate religious and spiritual interventions into psychotherapy.

How to provide competent psychotherapy?

To be able to provide competent psychotherapy to their clients, psycho therapists must educate themselves about the major religions and spiritual beliefs and practices. Psychotherapists also should know the limits of their knowledge and clinical expertise, seeking consultation from expert colleagues and from members of the clergy when unsure of what knowledge they should have and when facing clinical situations outside their competence. Psychotherapists should ensure they receive comprehensive training and clinical supervision before attempting to integrate religious or spiritual practices into psychotherapy.

Do psychologists discriminate based on religion?

Further, in Standard 3.01, Unfair Discrimination, the Ethics Code states “In their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on … religion … or any basis proscribed by law” (p. 6).

Should a psychotherapist consult with clergy?

In general when faced with challenges and dilemmas, and with the client’s consent when sharing specific information about a client, psychotherapists should consult with knowledgeable colleagues and members of the clergy on an ongoing basis. At times it may be appropriate to collaborate with members of the clergy in a client’s treatment. Again, this should only be done with the client’s informed consent, but at times such collaboration may be in the client’s best interest and thus, should be considered.

What Is Spirituality?

What Is Spiritual Wellness?

• Spirituality and health are connected. Just as physical wellness describes health in the body, spiritual wellness describes health in the spirit. Spiritual wellness can relate to religious belief. Some people link their spiritual wellness to the natural world. Others define it by their relationships to others. Still others may nurture spiritual wel...

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