Journal_Article_Review

COUN 506 Integration of Psychology and Theology Journal Article Review Developing a Spiritual Assessment Toolbox: A Discussion of the Strengths and Limitations of Five Different Assessment Methods Liberty University Online COUN 506 Integration of Psychology and Theology Journal Article Review Developing a Spiritual Assessment Toolbox: A Discussion of the Strengths and Limitations of Five Different Assessment Methods Liberty University Online Summary This is an article review from an industry journal titled, Health and Social Work, 30(4), 314-323., that presents information regarding the development of five Spiritual Assessment Tools. The article covers the overall recognition of health care professionals in the fields of Psychology and Health Care of the need to address the spiritual aspects of a client’s life, especially when the client is deeply steeped in certain traditions and cultural influences. The author provides a descriptive analysis of each approach; he also generally discusses the strength and limitations of each of the five methods. The Five Spiritual Assessment Tools are comprised of: Spiritual Histories which is the only verbally based method and four pictorially based assessments, respectively, Spiritual Lifemaps; Spiritual Genograms; Spiritual Ecomaps; and Spiritual Ecograms. These five methods take a qualitative approach, rather than quantitative. The goal is to use a “best fit” principle for the client when selecting assessment tools. These tools help to provide the practioner with a window into the clients’ life and can expose their worldviews. The clients’ worldview in many cases is significant because it speaks to the core of their attitudes and behavior. Thereby, giving the practioner insight from which they can develop and customize a strategy and treatment plan. It should be noted that research has grown in this area as many industry professionals have come to realize the positive impact of spiritually within many of their clients’ lives. “…the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the organization that accredits most hospitals and many other health care providers in the United States, now recommends that a spiritual assessment be conducted (JCAHO, 2001).” In our eclectic society, cultural and spiritual diversity is a predominant force that should be recognized and captured. Interaction It has been my privilege to work with a diversity of people, socio-economic strata’s and age groups. Doing so infused my life with a knowing in my heart of my main purpose or calling in life. Helping, guiding and encouraging people to find their pathway to fulfilled and purposeful lives is my passion. My interest in the topic of assessments has been lifelong, even before I was born-again. About twelve years ago, I met a Christian clinical psychologist and ordained minister who had developed some spiritual assessment tools. I participated in the training program for certification in the use of these tools. They are similar in nature to the five methods discussed in this article which is what first drew me in. This article has provided me with greater insight around the strengths and limitations that each method has. It is my intent to study, not just these five methods, but, the other various methods mentioned throughout the article. My desire is to be a very competent and skilled practioner and to help as many people as I can in whatever situation they may find themselves in. Sir Francis Bacon, (1597) said that, “Knowledge is power.” In the case of selecting an appropriate assessment tool, it is an absolute necessity to be knowledgeable and current regarding available resources and tools. This should help give the client and practioner a foundation to build a strong mutual alliance. Knowledge leads to understanding; understanding leads to action and action (when appropriately taken) leads to freedom. Successful emotional healing and stability are the outcome if the match up of assessment tools, clients, and the health care professional are copacetic. Application Susanne has arrived at the church for her initial counseling session. I stand up and move forward to greet her, smiling and extending my hand in welcome. Susanne responds to this and relaxes some. I then lead her to the counseling room next to my office. This room is designed to provide an environment of comfort. We sit across from each other in overstuffed chairs. I open the session with a covering prayer asking the Lord to lead and guide the session according to His plan and desire as we submit ourselves to Him. Susanne is now completely relaxed and seems ready to move forward. It is at this point that I ask what is troubling her. Susanne is struggling with unforgiveness. Her step-father of twenty years left her mother to marry a woman who is a couple of years younger than her. Susanne’s story has another twist to it. The woman is the blood niece of her mother, therefore, Susanne’s first cousin. They played and grew up together. This situation was complex and emotionally convoluted. I realized that we needed to establish a foundation of trust before we could really take hurtful things apart and look at them with a Godly perspective. I introduced Susanne to the Spiritual History Approach, using the first set of questions referred to as the “Initial Narrative Framework”, explaining that this was necessary to the process of counseling. I also explained that we would have three or four more sessions and then reassess our strategy and plan. We prayed together as the close of this session asking the Lord to surround Susanne in His peace as she came to terms with the issues at hand. In the next session I used the second set of questions referred to as the “Interpretive Anthropological Framework”. These questions help identify Susanne’s spiritual reality. With this knowledge in place we can move forward to a place of healing and forgiveness. Reference Hodge, D. R. (2005). Developing a Spiritual Assessment Toolbox: A Discussion of the Strengths and Limitations of Five Different Assessment Methods. Health & Social Work, 30(4), 314 – 323. Retrieved 11/23/2012 from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx'direct=true&db=a9h&AN=18915649&site=ehost-live&scope=site Sir Francis Bacon, Religious Meditations, Of Heresies, 1597 English author, courtier, & philosopher (1561 - 1626)