Mental Health, Spirituality and Well-Being: A Practical Handbook for Those Providing and Using Health, Social Care, Education and Allied Support

Mental Health, Spirituality and Well-Being: A Practical Handbook for Those Providing and Using Health, Social Care, Education and Allied Support

Author: Hilary Garraway

Publisher:

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 9781914010620

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This ground-breaking handbook explores the nature of spirituality and its relevance to the mental health and well-being of people coming into contact with health, social care, education and allied support services. Incorporating the perspectives and experience of over 35 leading academics and practitioners in the field, the book offers a practical guide that includes the contemporary context, details of relevant demonstration projects and therapeutic interventions, and issues for services, staff, managers, leaders and trainers. Opportunities for reflection and practice pointers and offered throughout. The book pays due attention to the current climate of the covid-19 pandemic and the trauma and mental health needs linked to it (both for patients and staff), black and minority ethnic and trans-gender issues, and the voice of mental health experts by experience. Organized into thematic sections, it offers an update to previous publications in the field, including a consideration of spirituality and the new landscape going forwards.


Book Synopsis Mental Health, Spirituality and Well-Being: A Practical Handbook for Those Providing and Using Health, Social Care, Education and Allied Support by : Hilary Garraway

Download or read book Mental Health, Spirituality and Well-Being: A Practical Handbook for Those Providing and Using Health, Social Care, Education and Allied Support written by Hilary Garraway and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This ground-breaking handbook explores the nature of spirituality and its relevance to the mental health and well-being of people coming into contact with health, social care, education and allied support services. Incorporating the perspectives and experience of over 35 leading academics and practitioners in the field, the book offers a practical guide that includes the contemporary context, details of relevant demonstration projects and therapeutic interventions, and issues for services, staff, managers, leaders and trainers. Opportunities for reflection and practice pointers and offered throughout. The book pays due attention to the current climate of the covid-19 pandemic and the trauma and mental health needs linked to it (both for patients and staff), black and minority ethnic and trans-gender issues, and the voice of mental health experts by experience. Organized into thematic sections, it offers an update to previous publications in the field, including a consideration of spirituality and the new landscape going forwards.


Handbook of Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health

Handbook of Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health

Author: David H. Rosmarin

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2020-04-21

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 012816767X

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Research has indicated that spiritual and religious factors are strongly tied to a host of mental health characteristics, in both positive and negative ways. That body of research has significantly grown since publication of the first edition of this book 20 years ago. The seconnd edition of the Handbook of Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health identifies not only whether religion and spirituality influence mental health and vice versa, but also how, why, and for whom. Hence 100% of the book is now revised with new chapters and new contributors. Contents address eight categories of mental disorders, as well as other kay aspects of social, emotional, and behavioral health. Provides an authoritative, comprehensive, and updated review of the research on positive and negative effects of spirituality/religion on mental health Contains dedicated chapters focused on the relevance of spirituality/religion to mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, psychotic, eating/feeding, alcohol/substance use, behavioral addictions, and pain-related disorders, as well as marriage/family life, suicidality, and end-of-life-care Reviews the research on spiritually integrated psychotherapies, and provides basic clinical guidelines for how to effectively address spiritual/religious life in treatment Reviews the neurobiology of spiritual/religious experiences as they pertain to mental health Covers all major world religions, as well as spiritual identites outside of a religious context


Book Synopsis Handbook of Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health by : David H. Rosmarin

Download or read book Handbook of Spirituality, Religion, and Mental Health written by David H. Rosmarin and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-04-21 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research has indicated that spiritual and religious factors are strongly tied to a host of mental health characteristics, in both positive and negative ways. That body of research has significantly grown since publication of the first edition of this book 20 years ago. The seconnd edition of the Handbook of Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health identifies not only whether religion and spirituality influence mental health and vice versa, but also how, why, and for whom. Hence 100% of the book is now revised with new chapters and new contributors. Contents address eight categories of mental disorders, as well as other kay aspects of social, emotional, and behavioral health. Provides an authoritative, comprehensive, and updated review of the research on positive and negative effects of spirituality/religion on mental health Contains dedicated chapters focused on the relevance of spirituality/religion to mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, psychotic, eating/feeding, alcohol/substance use, behavioral addictions, and pain-related disorders, as well as marriage/family life, suicidality, and end-of-life-care Reviews the research on spiritually integrated psychotherapies, and provides basic clinical guidelines for how to effectively address spiritual/religious life in treatment Reviews the neurobiology of spiritual/religious experiences as they pertain to mental health Covers all major world religions, as well as spiritual identites outside of a religious context


Spirituality and Mental Health Care

Spirituality and Mental Health Care

Author: John Swinton

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Published: 2001-01-01

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 1853028045

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In this thoughtful book, Swinton explores the connections between mental health or illness and spirituality and draws on these to provide practical guidance for people working in mental health. He analyses a range of models of care provision that will enable carers to increase their awareness of aspects of spirituality in their caring strategies.


Book Synopsis Spirituality and Mental Health Care by : John Swinton

Download or read book Spirituality and Mental Health Care written by John Swinton and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was released on 2001-01-01 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this thoughtful book, Swinton explores the connections between mental health or illness and spirituality and draws on these to provide practical guidance for people working in mental health. He analyses a range of models of care provision that will enable carers to increase their awareness of aspects of spirituality in their caring strategies.


Spirituality in Mental Health Practice

Spirituality in Mental Health Practice

Author: Miriam Jaffe

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-06-04

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 1000057038

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This key text presents an accessible and diverse exploration of spirituality in mental health practice, broadening the definition of spirituality to comprise a variety of transcendent experiences. Chapters include a brief history of the tensions of spirituality in mental health practice and consider a range of emerging topics, from spirituality among the elderly and energy work (Reiki), to spirituality in addiction recovery, incarceration, and hospice work. The book offers a close examination of the limits of the medical model of care, making a case for a more spiritually sensitive practice. Rich case examples are woven throughout, and the book is paired with podcasts that can be applied across chapters, illuminating the narrative stories and building active listening and teaching skills. Suitable for students of social work and counseling at master's level, as well as practicing clinicians, Spirituality in Mental Health Practice is an essential text for widening our understanding of how spiritual frameworks can enrich mental health practice.


Book Synopsis Spirituality in Mental Health Practice by : Miriam Jaffe

Download or read book Spirituality in Mental Health Practice written by Miriam Jaffe and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-06-04 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This key text presents an accessible and diverse exploration of spirituality in mental health practice, broadening the definition of spirituality to comprise a variety of transcendent experiences. Chapters include a brief history of the tensions of spirituality in mental health practice and consider a range of emerging topics, from spirituality among the elderly and energy work (Reiki), to spirituality in addiction recovery, incarceration, and hospice work. The book offers a close examination of the limits of the medical model of care, making a case for a more spiritually sensitive practice. Rich case examples are woven throughout, and the book is paired with podcasts that can be applied across chapters, illuminating the narrative stories and building active listening and teaching skills. Suitable for students of social work and counseling at master's level, as well as practicing clinicians, Spirituality in Mental Health Practice is an essential text for widening our understanding of how spiritual frameworks can enrich mental health practice.


Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness

Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness

Author: Henry Lamberton

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 1136398325

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Learn to respond effectively and appropriately to spiritual needs in a health care setting Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness: An Introductory Guide for Health Care Professionals explores the principles of spiritual care as applied to clinical practice. This book focuses specifically on the significance of spirituality in clinical settings with practical suggestions on how to apply these principles in the healing process. With chapters that begin with clear objectives and end with guided questions, this valuable textbook provides a framework that will aid health care facilities in addressing spiritual needs in a clinical setting and help faculty in mentoring students in the field. This practical guide will help you learn when and how to address spiritual issues in health care with patients for whom illness creates a crisis of faith as well as those for whom it provides support. Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness highlights not only the importance of health care professionals in providing emotional, mental, and spiritual care, but the necessity for them to address their own spirituality as well. The book includes the experiences and case studies of skilled authorities mostly from the Judeo-Christian or Judaic tradition who identify principles that they found to be important in working with patients from a wide diversity of spiritual traditions. Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness provides you with detailed information on: “Ministryhealing”—a model of wholeness and healing that incorporates an integrated view of humanity through the four domains: spiritual, emotional, physical, and social the physiological impacts of humor and hope on mood, the neuroendocrine hormones, and the immune system spiritual coping with trauma—an overview of the research literature and how to address the spiritual coping needs and concerns of patients the role of faith in providing meaning to physical illness and the importance of the role of the health care professional in first understanding, and then assisting the patient in their struggle to find meaning the key components of spiritual care to increase the efficacy of spiritual caregivers the bereavement process with regard to religious, cultural, and gender variations, and the role of the healthcare professional in providing support This book shows you not only how to meet the spiritual needs of patients from a diversity of faith traditions, but how to overcome challenges to your own spirituality, such as “difficult” patients and patients whose cultural outlook is so different from your own it causes discomfort. Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness will help all health care professionals who want to bring spirituality into their medical, dental, nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy practice.


Book Synopsis Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness by : Henry Lamberton

Download or read book Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness written by Henry Lamberton and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn to respond effectively and appropriately to spiritual needs in a health care setting Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness: An Introductory Guide for Health Care Professionals explores the principles of spiritual care as applied to clinical practice. This book focuses specifically on the significance of spirituality in clinical settings with practical suggestions on how to apply these principles in the healing process. With chapters that begin with clear objectives and end with guided questions, this valuable textbook provides a framework that will aid health care facilities in addressing spiritual needs in a clinical setting and help faculty in mentoring students in the field. This practical guide will help you learn when and how to address spiritual issues in health care with patients for whom illness creates a crisis of faith as well as those for whom it provides support. Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness highlights not only the importance of health care professionals in providing emotional, mental, and spiritual care, but the necessity for them to address their own spirituality as well. The book includes the experiences and case studies of skilled authorities mostly from the Judeo-Christian or Judaic tradition who identify principles that they found to be important in working with patients from a wide diversity of spiritual traditions. Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness provides you with detailed information on: “Ministryhealing”—a model of wholeness and healing that incorporates an integrated view of humanity through the four domains: spiritual, emotional, physical, and social the physiological impacts of humor and hope on mood, the neuroendocrine hormones, and the immune system spiritual coping with trauma—an overview of the research literature and how to address the spiritual coping needs and concerns of patients the role of faith in providing meaning to physical illness and the importance of the role of the health care professional in first understanding, and then assisting the patient in their struggle to find meaning the key components of spiritual care to increase the efficacy of spiritual caregivers the bereavement process with regard to religious, cultural, and gender variations, and the role of the healthcare professional in providing support This book shows you not only how to meet the spiritual needs of patients from a diversity of faith traditions, but how to overcome challenges to your own spirituality, such as “difficult” patients and patients whose cultural outlook is so different from your own it causes discomfort. Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness will help all health care professionals who want to bring spirituality into their medical, dental, nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy practice.


Spirituality, Religiousness and Health

Spirituality, Religiousness and Health

Author: Giancarlo Lucchetti

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2019-09-03

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 3030212211

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This book provides an overview of the research on spirituality, religiousness and health, including the most important studies, conceptualization, instruments for measurement, types of studies, challenges, and criticisms. It covers essential information on the influence of spirituality and religiousness (S/R) in mental and physical health, and provides guidance for its use in clinical practice. The book discusses the clinical implications of the research findings, including ethical issues, medical/health education, how to take a spiritual history, and challenges in addressing these issues, all based on studies showing the results of incorporating S/R in clinical practice. It contains case reports to facilitate learning, and suggests educational strategies to facilitate teaching S/R to health professionals and students.


Book Synopsis Spirituality, Religiousness and Health by : Giancarlo Lucchetti

Download or read book Spirituality, Religiousness and Health written by Giancarlo Lucchetti and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-09-03 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an overview of the research on spirituality, religiousness and health, including the most important studies, conceptualization, instruments for measurement, types of studies, challenges, and criticisms. It covers essential information on the influence of spirituality and religiousness (S/R) in mental and physical health, and provides guidance for its use in clinical practice. The book discusses the clinical implications of the research findings, including ethical issues, medical/health education, how to take a spiritual history, and challenges in addressing these issues, all based on studies showing the results of incorporating S/R in clinical practice. It contains case reports to facilitate learning, and suggests educational strategies to facilitate teaching S/R to health professionals and students.


Spirituality, Values and Mental Health

Spirituality, Values and Mental Health

Author: Peter Gilbert

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Published: 2007-11-15

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9781846427299

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Spirituality, religious belief and inclusive faith communities are important for mental well being but mental health practitioners have few guidelines for acknowledging these issues when working with service users. Spirituality, Values and Mental Health gathers together personal and professional contributions from mental health professionals, carers and mental health service users and survivors. It addresses the stigma that can surround both mental health and spirituality and explores the place of the spiritual in mental health care, teasing out its implications for research, education, training and good practice. This book is a welcome source of ideas and common-sense that is essential reading for mental health practitioners, carers and service users, chaplains, faith leaders, faith communities, as well as students and professionals working in the field of spirituality and mental health.


Book Synopsis Spirituality, Values and Mental Health by : Peter Gilbert

Download or read book Spirituality, Values and Mental Health written by Peter Gilbert and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was released on 2007-11-15 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spirituality, religious belief and inclusive faith communities are important for mental well being but mental health practitioners have few guidelines for acknowledging these issues when working with service users. Spirituality, Values and Mental Health gathers together personal and professional contributions from mental health professionals, carers and mental health service users and survivors. It addresses the stigma that can surround both mental health and spirituality and explores the place of the spiritual in mental health care, teasing out its implications for research, education, training and good practice. This book is a welcome source of ideas and common-sense that is essential reading for mental health practitioners, carers and service users, chaplains, faith leaders, faith communities, as well as students and professionals working in the field of spirituality and mental health.


Spirituality in Healthcare: Perspectives for Innovative Practice

Spirituality in Healthcare: Perspectives for Innovative Practice

Author: Fiona Timmins

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-05-17

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 3030044203

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This book provides a condensed but comprehensive up-to-date overview of spirituality and its application to health care. The need for healthcare workers to provide spiritual care or meet patients’ spiritual needs is gaining increasing importance in nursing and midwifery policy at local, national and international level. Internationally, there is a growing belief in spirituality as a valid dimension of care. The book highlights a range of examples and case studies facilitating the practical application of the recommendations discussed. In addition to presenting new psychological perspectives, various activities throughout will encourage readers to form their own opinion on the issues covered. The suggestions for further reading and useful websites will also help readers interested in exploring specific areas in more depth. Combining contributions by authors from various disciplines, the book offers a valuable tool for qualified professional healthcare workers in practice, including nurses, social workers, doctors and chaplains. With its handy format, this practical pocket guide offers a faithful companion for practitioners.


Book Synopsis Spirituality in Healthcare: Perspectives for Innovative Practice by : Fiona Timmins

Download or read book Spirituality in Healthcare: Perspectives for Innovative Practice written by Fiona Timmins and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-17 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a condensed but comprehensive up-to-date overview of spirituality and its application to health care. The need for healthcare workers to provide spiritual care or meet patients’ spiritual needs is gaining increasing importance in nursing and midwifery policy at local, national and international level. Internationally, there is a growing belief in spirituality as a valid dimension of care. The book highlights a range of examples and case studies facilitating the practical application of the recommendations discussed. In addition to presenting new psychological perspectives, various activities throughout will encourage readers to form their own opinion on the issues covered. The suggestions for further reading and useful websites will also help readers interested in exploring specific areas in more depth. Combining contributions by authors from various disciplines, the book offers a valuable tool for qualified professional healthcare workers in practice, including nurses, social workers, doctors and chaplains. With its handy format, this practical pocket guide offers a faithful companion for practitioners.


Mental Health and Your Church

Mental Health and Your Church

Author: Emmanuel James

Publisher: Jstone Publishing

Published:

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 1923238396

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Mental Health and Your Church In a world where mental health struggles are becoming increasingly prevalent, faith communities have a unique and vital role to play in providing support, understanding, and healing. "Mental Health and Your Church" is a groundbreaking resource that seeks to bridge the gap between spiritual care and mental health support, empowering church leaders and congregations to embrace mental health awareness and create an inclusive, compassionate environment for all. "Mental Health and Your Church" is an essential resource for faith communities seeking to better understand, support, and address mental health issues within their congregations. This comprehensive guide explores the vital role that churches can play in fostering mental well-being, providing pastoral care for mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Included in this book-- Church mental health support groups Faith-based mental health resources Pastoral care for mental health Spiritual approaches to mental well-being Mental health awareness in religious communities Addressing mental health stigma in churches Mental health inclusion in worship services Christian perspectives on mental health Mental health training for church leaders Church-based mental health outreach programs Understanding the importance of mental health awareness in religious communities, this book delves into Christian perspectives on mental health, offering biblical insights and theological reflections that can inform and guide church leaders and members in their approach to mental health. The book emphasizes the need for churches to create safe, inclusive worship services and activities, ensuring that all members feel welcome and supported regardless of their mental health status. Recognizing the power of connection and community, "Mental Health and Your Church" provides practical guidance on establishing church mental health support groups and developing faith-based mental health resources. These initiatives can help individuals experiencing mental health challenges find solace and encouragement within their faith communities, while also promoting understanding and empathy among all members of the congregation. To address mental health stigma in churches, the book offers strategies for fostering open and honest conversations about mental health and encouraging a culture of compassion and understanding. This includes tips on how to integrate mental health topics into sermons, teachings, and other church programming, as well as guidance on creating church-based mental health outreach programs that serve the broader community. "Mental Health and Your Church" also emphasizes the importance of pastoral care for mental health and provides resources for church leaders to develop their skills in this area. By offering spiritual approaches to mental well-being, such as prayer and meditation, pastors and other faith leaders can play a crucial role in supporting the emotional and psychological health of their congregations. Finally, "Mental Health and Your Church" highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing mental health needs. This includes guidance on identifying and working with local mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, as well as advice on integrating mental health professionals into church programming and developing a referral network for mental health services. With its comprehensive approach, "Mental Health and Your Church" serves as an invaluable resource for faith communities looking to better support the mental health and well-being of their members.


Book Synopsis Mental Health and Your Church by : Emmanuel James

Download or read book Mental Health and Your Church written by Emmanuel James and published by Jstone Publishing. This book was released on with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mental Health and Your Church In a world where mental health struggles are becoming increasingly prevalent, faith communities have a unique and vital role to play in providing support, understanding, and healing. "Mental Health and Your Church" is a groundbreaking resource that seeks to bridge the gap between spiritual care and mental health support, empowering church leaders and congregations to embrace mental health awareness and create an inclusive, compassionate environment for all. "Mental Health and Your Church" is an essential resource for faith communities seeking to better understand, support, and address mental health issues within their congregations. This comprehensive guide explores the vital role that churches can play in fostering mental well-being, providing pastoral care for mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Included in this book-- Church mental health support groups Faith-based mental health resources Pastoral care for mental health Spiritual approaches to mental well-being Mental health awareness in religious communities Addressing mental health stigma in churches Mental health inclusion in worship services Christian perspectives on mental health Mental health training for church leaders Church-based mental health outreach programs Understanding the importance of mental health awareness in religious communities, this book delves into Christian perspectives on mental health, offering biblical insights and theological reflections that can inform and guide church leaders and members in their approach to mental health. The book emphasizes the need for churches to create safe, inclusive worship services and activities, ensuring that all members feel welcome and supported regardless of their mental health status. Recognizing the power of connection and community, "Mental Health and Your Church" provides practical guidance on establishing church mental health support groups and developing faith-based mental health resources. These initiatives can help individuals experiencing mental health challenges find solace and encouragement within their faith communities, while also promoting understanding and empathy among all members of the congregation. To address mental health stigma in churches, the book offers strategies for fostering open and honest conversations about mental health and encouraging a culture of compassion and understanding. This includes tips on how to integrate mental health topics into sermons, teachings, and other church programming, as well as guidance on creating church-based mental health outreach programs that serve the broader community. "Mental Health and Your Church" also emphasizes the importance of pastoral care for mental health and provides resources for church leaders to develop their skills in this area. By offering spiritual approaches to mental well-being, such as prayer and meditation, pastors and other faith leaders can play a crucial role in supporting the emotional and psychological health of their congregations. Finally, "Mental Health and Your Church" highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing mental health needs. This includes guidance on identifying and working with local mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, as well as advice on integrating mental health professionals into church programming and developing a referral network for mental health services. With its comprehensive approach, "Mental Health and Your Church" serves as an invaluable resource for faith communities looking to better support the mental health and well-being of their members.


The Soul of the Helper

The Soul of the Helper

Author: Holly K. Oxhandler

Publisher: Templeton Foundation Press

Published: 2022-02-28

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 1599475928

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There are many kinds of helpers in our world, the caregivers among us. They are the social workers who serve the vulnerable, the nurses and doctors who treat the ill, the teachers who instruct the young, the first responders who rescue the imperiled, the faith leaders who comfort the congregation, the volunteers who support the community. And whether or not it is our professional calling, each of us is likely to serve as a caregiver at some point in our lives, as a parent raising a child, for instance, or as a loved one caring for an aging relative. These and many other efforts to serve are among the most noble pursuits we can imagine, but they come with a danger worth recognizing. In their devotion to the well-being of others, caregivers routinely put their own well-being last and can unintentionally burn themselves out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their self-neglect, paired alongside a deep desire to help others, has the potential to stir up feelings of anger and resentment, leading to a sense of guilt and shame. They often believe that if they were to grant themselves any rest or grace, they would be at risk of failing in their duty. In The Soul of the Helper, Dr. Holly Oxhandler shows caregivers and fellow helpers a more self-compassionate way to cope with their overwhelming responsibilities and to attend to their own needs, particularly when it comes to their mental health and spiritual journey. She invites them to pause and realize that if they let their personal resources run dry, they cannot possibly care for others as fully as they wish. In fact, their efforts are likely to cause more harm than good. With a background in spiritually-integrated mental health, Dr. Oxhandler teaches helpers a seven-step process to slow down and reconnect with the stillness within themselves. It is in this space of stillness that Oxhandler guides helpers to reconnect with the “sacred spark” within their soul. By allowing themselves to enter that stillness, caregivers will recognize that they, too, are worthy of care. And with that realization, they will see anew the sacred spark that dwells inside everyone else, especially within those they’re helping. As a social worker, researcher, and person of faith, Dr. Oxhandler writes in a warm and welcoming style, shares many relatable stories, and widens her scope to include believers of all faiths and spiritual traditions. Her book is for caregivers everywhere who sense the sacred spark within them saying, in effect: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”


Book Synopsis The Soul of the Helper by : Holly K. Oxhandler

Download or read book The Soul of the Helper written by Holly K. Oxhandler and published by Templeton Foundation Press. This book was released on 2022-02-28 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are many kinds of helpers in our world, the caregivers among us. They are the social workers who serve the vulnerable, the nurses and doctors who treat the ill, the teachers who instruct the young, the first responders who rescue the imperiled, the faith leaders who comfort the congregation, the volunteers who support the community. And whether or not it is our professional calling, each of us is likely to serve as a caregiver at some point in our lives, as a parent raising a child, for instance, or as a loved one caring for an aging relative. These and many other efforts to serve are among the most noble pursuits we can imagine, but they come with a danger worth recognizing. In their devotion to the well-being of others, caregivers routinely put their own well-being last and can unintentionally burn themselves out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their self-neglect, paired alongside a deep desire to help others, has the potential to stir up feelings of anger and resentment, leading to a sense of guilt and shame. They often believe that if they were to grant themselves any rest or grace, they would be at risk of failing in their duty. In The Soul of the Helper, Dr. Holly Oxhandler shows caregivers and fellow helpers a more self-compassionate way to cope with their overwhelming responsibilities and to attend to their own needs, particularly when it comes to their mental health and spiritual journey. She invites them to pause and realize that if they let their personal resources run dry, they cannot possibly care for others as fully as they wish. In fact, their efforts are likely to cause more harm than good. With a background in spiritually-integrated mental health, Dr. Oxhandler teaches helpers a seven-step process to slow down and reconnect with the stillness within themselves. It is in this space of stillness that Oxhandler guides helpers to reconnect with the “sacred spark” within their soul. By allowing themselves to enter that stillness, caregivers will recognize that they, too, are worthy of care. And with that realization, they will see anew the sacred spark that dwells inside everyone else, especially within those they’re helping. As a social worker, researcher, and person of faith, Dr. Oxhandler writes in a warm and welcoming style, shares many relatable stories, and widens her scope to include believers of all faiths and spiritual traditions. Her book is for caregivers everywhere who sense the sacred spark within them saying, in effect: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”