A Virtue Care Approach to Spiritually Sensitive Social Work
Channel: Dr. Ann M. Callahan
Date: 2021-06-20

Sensitivity to the importance of spirituality in social work practice has grown over thepast thirty years (Kvarfordt, Sheridan, and Taylor, 2017; Oxhandler & Pargament,2014). Research suggests that social workers often consider spirituality as anexpression of cultural diversity, if not inherent to being human (Barker, 2007; Kvarfordtet al., 2017; Lun & Wai, 2015). Depending on how spirituality is defined or experienced,spirituality can be a source of strength or exacerbate suffering, particularly when a clientis in crisis (Callahan, 2017). Social workers must be prepared to engage in spirituallysensitive social work (Cunningham & de Saussure, 2019; Callahan, 2017; Dudley,2016). Professional ethics provide an essential foundation (Hodge, 2005, 2006, 2016;Rice & McAuliffe, 2009; Sherr, Singletary, & Rogers, 2009; Sheridan, 2010). TheNational Association of Social Workers ([NASW], 2017) Code of Ethics outlinesprofessional values, principles, and standards. Additional NASW (2015) guidelinesinform cultural competence. While professional duties and anticipated consequencescan inform spiritually sensitive social work (Osma & Landau, 2006; Congress, 2000;Abramson, 1996), virtue ethics and ethics of care lend important insights as well (Banks& Gallagher, 2009; Chamiec-Case, 2007, 2013). This workshop will review ethicalguidelines that clarify how participants may address spirituality in social work practice. Avirtue-care approach will be the primary focus with opportunities for participants topractice application through case scenarios.