Exploring the Spiritual Dimension of Social Work

Social work’s response to the rising levels of public and professional interest in spirituality poses some important questions: i.Why is this important to social work practice? ii.What do we mean by spirituality? iii.What are the obstacles posed by religious and spiritual traditions that must be overcome to honor social work values and wisdom? iv.What research is available to help us understand the value of spirituality to clients? v.How can spirituality help us to serve our clients? Based on research conducted as a Muttart Fellow, the writer uses these questions as a framework for exploring the role and significance of spirituality in social work. The article ends with specific, applied benefits that a credible spiritual perspective brings to social work practice