Spirituality and Holistic Spiritual Health by Lasair, Simon;

Short description:

Spirituality and Holistic Spiritual Health makes the case for the key role that spiritual care and chaplaincy work play in healthcare.

Long description:

Spirituality and Holistic Spiritual Health makes the case for the key role that spiritual care and chaplaincy work play in healthcare.

Chapters articulate an innovative approach to spirituality, spiritual health, and spiritual care that integrates concepts from healthcare research, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, theology, and religious studies. By engaging all these fields, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of spirituality and spiritual health while also describing clinical techniques and insights that can be used at the frontlines of care.

This book will be of interest to those researching chaplaincy and spiritual care practices, to professional Spiritual Care Practitioners/chaplains themselves, and to those who work in mental health and spirituality in healthcare more generally.

"Spirituality and Holistic Spiritual Health is an essential read for anyone invested in the future of spiritual care. With clarity and courage, Lasair shines a spotlight on the critical role of spiritual care in modern healthcare, bridging the sacred and the secular, and in doing so challenges the notion that it is merely an 'optional extra.' By addressing the difficult questions the profession has long avoided, Lasair offers invaluable insights and practical guidance for spiritual care providers, clients, scholars, and decision makers alike."

Shane Sinclair, PhD, University of Calgary, Canada

"Spirituality and Holistic Spiritual Health is an erudite and well-referenced work establishing an emergent theoretical foundation for contemporary spiritual care. It uniquely combines practical examples with theoretical insights, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding spirituality, needs, care, and development. This makes it invaluable for practitioners and researchers navigating both secular and religious contexts."

Richard Egan, PhD, University of Otago, New Zealand

"Lasair’s book is masterfully written and is a must read for spiritual care providers and students in secular and pluralistic contexts. Drawing on evidence-based, interdisciplinary research and case studies, Lasair provides theory for the therapeutic work of spiritual care. This book promises to inspire spiritual care practice for a new era!"

Pamela McCarroll, PhD, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto

"Lasair offers a critical and timely apologetic for the value of spiritual care as a profession in health institutions today. More than a convincing polemic, this book explores spirituality in fascinating and meaningful ways that enlarged my understanding and heart."

Wesley Fleming, DMin, BCC, hospital chaplain and author of The Moral Injury Experience Wheel

"An essential read for spiritual care practitioners who are interested in taking a deep dive into the spiritual, psychological and holy layers that contribute to the formation of a life-enhancing appreciation of holistic health care."

Jody Clarke, DMin, professor of pastoral theology, Atlantic School of Theology

Table of Contents:

1. Reality and Spirituality: Scoping the Territory in Healthcare  2. Framing Reality: Spirituality’s Fundamental Processes  3. Perceiving Reality: Bringing Awareness to Automatic Processes  4. Projecting Perceptions into Reality: Using Awareness to Build Openness  5. Working toward Neutrality: Facilitating Growth in Freedom and Wisdom  6. Committing to Truth: Wisdom, Silence, and the Emergence of Contentment  7. Fully in Relationship with Reality: Entering into Flourishing