Synopses & Reviews
In
Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice, Edward R. Canda and Leola Dyrud Furman introduce their breakthrough work on the importance of spirituality in social work teaching and practice. In this long-awaited textbook these leaders in social work education offer a first-of-its-kind integrated framework for dealing with the issues that professional helpers face. Designed for classroom use and as a reference for social workers already in the field, the book will revolutionize the way helping professionals explore the rich variety of religious and spiritual concerns of the individuals, families, and communities they serve.
The authors integrate existentialist, transpersonal, and holistic systems theories with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Judaic, and Shamanistic traditions of helping. They provide the knowledge, ethical guidelines, and practical skills and techniques that all social workers can follow, regardless of their particular theoretical approach. Stories, practice examples, insights from a national survey of social workers, and learning exercises support the reader's professional and personal growth.
Review
Michael J. Sheridan, Ph.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work
The most scholarly and up-to-date treatment....It will quickly become the preferred text in the field.
Review
Elizabeth D. Smith, D.S.W.
National Catholic School of Social Service, The Catholic University of America
Canda and Furman present the social work profession with a profound and moving book addressing the spiritual diversity that colors our everyday experience. This splendid text should be adopted by every school of social work and read by all practicing clinicians.
Review
Robin Russel
Associate Professor, University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Social Work
We are finally recognizing that our clients come to us with spiritual and religious issues and that we ourselves are called to this work out of a sense of mission and are sustained by our spiritual practice. This textbook honors the spiritual dimensions of practice and honors that force that called us to this profession.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 319-350) and index.
About the Author
Edward R. Canda, Ph.D., Professor of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas and founder of the Society for Spirituality and Social Work, has written widely on this topic. He is co-author of
Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work. Table of Contents
CONTENTSAcknowledgments
A Note to the Reader
INTRODUCTION
The Heart of Helping
Principles That Guide the Writing of This Book
A Comparative Educational Approach
Preview of Chapters
Exercises
PART I CENTRAL VALUES AND CONCEPTS FOR SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE SOCIAL WORK
CHAPTER ONE: COMPASSION, THE CALL TO SERVICE, AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES FOR SOCIAL WORK
Introduction
The Virtue of Compassion in Professional Social Work
Symbols of Compassion in Religious Traditions
A Common Heart of Compassion
Ethical Principles for Spiritually Sensitive Social Work
Summary
Exercises
CHAIR TWO: THE MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SPIRITUALITY
Introduction
The Challenges of Defining Spirituality
An Open Conceptualization of Spirituality
Responding to the Spirituality Debate
Summary
Exercises
PART II EXPLORING SPIRITUAL DIVERSITY FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
CHAPTER THREE: HUMAN DIVERSITY, SPIRITUALITY, AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Introduction
History of Spiritual Diversity in the United States
History of Connections Between Spirituality and Social Work
Ethnic Diversity and Spirituality
Women and Spirituality
Homosexuality, Sexual Orientation Diversity, and Spirituality
Summary
Exercises
CHAPTER FOUR: RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL SERVICE AND THEIR INSIGHTS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Introduction
Buddhism and Social Service
Christianity and Social Service
Hinduism and Social Service
Islam and Social Service
Judaism and Social Service
Shamanism and Social Service
Summary
Exercises
CHAPTER FIVE: NONSECTARIAN SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES, COMPARISONS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR AN INCLUSIVE APPROACH
Introduction
Existentialism and Social Service
Transpersonal Theory and Social Service
Comparison of Spiritual Perspectives on Service
Engaging in Dialogue and Cooperation Across Spiritual Perspectives
Summary
Exercises
PART III SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE SOCIAL WORK IN ACTION
CHAPTER SIX: CREATING A SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE CONTEXT FOR PRACTICE
Introduction
The Helping Relationship and Process
A Holistic Approach to Social Work Practice
Summary
Exercises
CHAPTER SEVEN: UNDERSTANDING AND ASSESSING SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Spiritual Development and Everyday Life
Spiritual Emergence and Emergencies
Spiritual Emergence Throughout the Life Cycle
Assessment over the Life Span
Topics for Assessment of Transpersonal Experiences
Summary
Exercises
CHAPTER EIGHT: UNDERSTANDING AND ASSESSING THERAPEUTIC PROCESS, SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES, AND ETHICAL ISSUES
Introduction
Social Work Practice as a Transformational Process
Ethical Guidelines for Using Spiritually Based Activities
Assessing Spiritual Propensity
Assessing Psychosocial Impacts of Participation in Spiritual Groups
Summary
Exercises
CHAPTER NINE: SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE PRACTICE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Multicultural Teamwork for Spiritually Sensitive Practice
Spiritual Growth-Oriented Helping Techniques
Spirituality and Managed Care
Spirituality and Community-Involved Practice
Summary
Exercises
APPENDIX A: DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR ASSESSING SPIRITUAL PROPENSITY
APPENDIX B: METHODOLOGICAL SUMMARY FOR NATIONAL SURVEY OF NASW MEMBERS ON SPIRITUALITY IN PRACTICE
References
Further Information on Spiritual Diversity in Social Work
Index