Social Work’s Role and Spiritually Transformative Experiences

Abstract

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that approximately 50% of Americans say that they have had a religious or mystical experience, defined as a moment of religious or spiritual awakening (Pew Research Center, 2009). Despite the evidence that reveals a large percentage of individuals have reported a spiritual experience, Canda (2002) states that many social workers lack the competence to deal with spiritual issues in treatment. The NASW Code of Ethics requires services that address spirituality to be culturally competent (NASW, 2018, Ethical Responsibilities to Clients), and that social workers should examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work (NASW, 2018, Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals).

This presentation will examine the findings of a qualitative study of licensed social workers who have worked with individuals who have experienced an STE. At the end of this presentation participants will have learned:

1. Assessment strategies to utilize when working with individuals who have experienced a STE
2. Treatment strategies to utilize when working with individuals who have experienced a STE

Presenter Bio

Michael Garbe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with individuals who would like to have spirituality integrated into their therapy. Having experienced, processed, and integrated, a spiritual crisis of his own, Michael has become an expert in assisting others through their spiritual challenges. Along with his clinical work, due to having had difficulty finding professional assistance during his spiritual crisis, Michael has dedicated himself to increasing spiritual competence within the helping professions. He is currently engaged in doctoral research at Rutgers University – DSW Program. He has authored a chapter in a social work textbook, which will be published in 2020, on the topic of spiritual emergency. His latest research has developed into a framework on how to assess and provide treatment for individuals who have experienced an STE.