Spirituality As an Essential Healing Tool
Psychosocial oncology professionals understand that the cancer experience is more than a physical experience, and studies have clearly established that spiritual well-being during a cancer experience lead to better quality of life, including lower levels of depression and less anxiety and overall distress. Yet not all patients understand the importance of spiritual well-being (whether one is religious or not), and many professionals are uncomfortable broaching the topic. This interactive presentation will explore the integration of spiritual support into more familiar interventions. We will begin with an expanded definition of spiritualty and review of the significant impact of spiritual support. Then together we will explore the barriers that prevent spiritual support from the perspective of the patient and the professional. We will examine assessment tools, and discuss an array of cultural and spiritual beliefs surrounding illness and how those beliefs may impact diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
- Participants will identify different types of healing and recognize how spiritual healing enhances all healing.
- Participants will acquire practical approaches and patient resources to help patients explore spirituality as a means to healing from their cancer experiences.
- Participants will consider how to integrate spiritual support into their practice with patients of different faiths and cultures.