Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health from edX

Are you a mental health provider who wants to more effectively work with the increasing spiritual and religious diversity in your clients? Do you know how to help clients who encounter spiritual and religious distress? Or how to harness clients’ spiritual resources to support positive therapeutic outcomes? If so, this course is for you!

Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health is a program designed to train mental health providers in basic spiritual and religious competencies. Taught by instructors who are experts in the field of religion/spirituality and mental health, this course will equip providers with greater confidence and competence helping clients with religious and spiritual issues. The program focuses on core spiritual competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) that underlie effective mental health care and are common to mental health disciplines and therapeutic orientations. Basic competency in spiritual and religious issues in mental health is an ethical requirement for most professional boards and associations related to mental health clinical practice. Yet, few of us received this training in our graduate programs. This program bridges the current training gap.

The program consists of eight modules and takes about six to eight hours to complete. The modules consist of engaging learning activities, such as watching brief videos, reading text screens, listening to audio clips, and completing short reflection questions and knowledge check questions.

Mental health professionals (MD, PhD, Master’s level, and trainees) of all disciplines are welcome to participate. Therapists who complete the program will be eligible for 6 CE credits.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to integrate spirituality and religion into clinical practice
Common stereotypes about religion/spirituality (rs)
The diversity of rs expressions (e.g., spiritual/religious beliefs, practices, and experiences)
Why it is important to address rs in treatment

The importance of the therapist’s own rs attitudes, beliefs, and practices
How to assess rs in clinical practice
How to help clients access rs resources
How to respond to rs problems that arise in treatment.

How to integrate spirituality and religion into clinical practice
Common stereotypes about religion/spirituality (rs)
The diversity of rs expressions (e.g., spiritual/religious beliefs, practices, and experiences)
Why it is important to address rs in treatment
The importance of the therapist’s own rs attitudes, beliefs, and practices
How to assess rs in clinical practice
How to help clients access rs resources
How to respond to rs problems that arise in treatment.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction and Orientation

We’ll begin by answering the question, "What is spiritually integrated mental health care?" Then, we’ll learn important reasons for integrating spirituality into therapy. We’ll conclude by exploring what's involved in putting spiritually integrated therapy into practice.

Module 2: Understanding Spirituality

We distinguish between spirituality and religion. We then survey the core beliefs and practices of major religious traditions to explain individual differences in spirituality. We’ll also learn about key spiritual developmental processes and forces that shape spiritual development.

Module 3: Guiding Principles for Spiritually Integrated Mental Health Care

We will learn about inappropriate therapist orientations that should be avoided. Then, we’ll look at approaches to establish an effective orientation to spiritually competent care. Finally, we focus on the influence of therapists' spiritual orientation and biases.

Module 4: Questions to Distinguish Spiritual Experiences from Psychopathology

We begin by discussing spiritual beliefs and practices that facilitate psychological/emotional well-being. Then, we explore forms of spirituality that conversely can contribute to a problem. We also examine types of spiritual problems and their interplay with mental illness.

Module 5: Assessing Spirituality in Mental Health Care

We’ll be introduced to the concept of spiritual assessment. We will provide language for you to use in your assessments with clients and also explore a four-step model of spiritual assessment.

Module 6: Mobilizing Spiritual Resources

We’ll review the general guidelines for integrating spiritual resources in mental health care. Then, we explain how you can cultivate and mobilize spiritual resources in therapy and provide some examples to illustrate these processes.

Module 7: Addressing Spiritual Problems

We will identify common mistakes we make when attempting to address clients' spiritual problems. We learn about five different ways that therapists can address spiritual problems. Finally, we summarize the most challenging aspects of spiritually integrated mental health care.

Module 8: Putting it All Together, Challenges, and Future Directions

We will explore the five key ethical challenges and questions that can come up when conducting spiritually integrated therapy. You will have the opportunity to synthesize and apply your knowledge from all eight modules by completing a comprehensive case study.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores core spiritual competencies, which are common to mental health disciplines and therapeutic orientations

Taught by instructors who are experts in the field of religion/spirituality and mental health

Helps therapists integrate spirituality into their clinical practice

Provides CE credits for completion

Covers key topics such as assessing spirituality in clinical practice and addressing spiritual problems

Provides guidelines for integrating spiritual resources in mental health care

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health with these activities:

Review Basic Theology and Religious Studies

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Reviewing foundational concepts from theology and religious studies will help strengthen your understanding of spiritual and religious issues.

Browse courses on Theology

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Read a textbook or overview of theology.
Attend a lecture or workshop on a religious tradition.
Discuss religious concepts with a friend or family member.

Practice Spiritual Assessment Techniques

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Practicing spiritual assessment techniques will enhance your ability to effectively assess clients' spiritual needs.

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Review different spiritual assessment tools.
Role-play spiritual assessment interviews.
Seek feedback from a supervisor or mentor.

Take Online Courses on Spiritual Competency

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Taking online courses specifically designed to enhance spiritual competency will provide you with structured guidance and insights.

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Search for online courses on spiritual competency.
Enroll in a course that aligns with your learning goals.
Complete the course modules and assignments.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Join a Spiritual Support Group

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Participating in a support group provides a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others.

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Research different spiritual support groups in your area.
Attend a meeting to see if it's a good fit.
Participate regularly in group discussions.

Write a Personal Reflection on Spirituality

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Writing a personal reflection allows you to explore your own beliefs and experiences, deepening your understanding of spirituality.

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Take some time to reflect on your spiritual journey.
Write down your thoughts and feelings.
Share your reflection with a trusted friend or mentor.

Volunteer at a Religious or Spiritual Organization

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Volunteering allows you to witness and participate in spiritual practices, broadening your perspectives.

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Identify organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training or orientation sessions.
Participate in volunteer activities.

Create a Resource Guide on Spirituality

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Compiling a resource guide will provide you with a valuable tool for ongoing reference and sharing with clients.

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Research different resources on spirituality.
Organize the resources into a logical format.
Create a user-friendly guide.

Career center

Learners who complete Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chaplain

Chaplains are spiritual and religious counselors who provide support and guidance to individuals in settings ranging from prisons to hospitals. The core spiritual competencies you will learn from this course will build a foundation for your work supporting people through life's most challenging moments.

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Minister

Ministers provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and families. The skills and knowledge you gain in this course can be directly applied to your work as a Minister.

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Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach courses on religion and spirituality. This course can provide Religious Studies Professors with the up-to-date knowledge and skills they need to teach about the role of spirituality in mental health.

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Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors work with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Spirituality can be an important factor in recovery, so it's helpful for Substance Abuse Counselors to have training in spiritual competency. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will help you provide more effective care to your clients.

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Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselors are entrusted with leading individuals through the recovery process from substance abuse and addiction. Techniques to acknowledge and incorporate the patient's spiritual and religious views on life can greatly facilitate recovery. Taking Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health can provide you with the skills to take a holistic approach to patient care.

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Grief Counselor

Grief Counselors help individuals and families cope with the death of a loved one. Spirituality can be a source of comfort and support during this difficult time, so it's important for Grief Counselors to be able to address spiritual issues. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will give you the skills you need to provide compassionate and effective care to your clients.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors work with individuals and families to address a variety of mental health issues. Understanding the role of spirituality in mental health can assist Mental Health Counselors in providing more effective care. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health can provide you with the skills you need to help your clients explore their spirituality and use it as a resource for healing.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help individuals and families cope with a variety of challenges, including mental health issues. Many clients will present with spiritual or religious concerns, so it's important for Social Workers to be able to address spiritual issues in a competent and compassionate way. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will help Social Workers provide more effective care to their clients.

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Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Spirituality can be an important factor in mental health, so it's important for Psychiatrists to be able to address spiritual issues with their patients. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health can provide Psychiatrists with the skills they need.

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Counselor

Counselors work with individuals and groups to help them overcome mental health challenges and achieve their goals. Spirituality often plays an important role in a person's mental health, so being able to address spiritual issues can be a valuable skill for Counselors. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will help you provide more comprehensive care to your clients.

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School Counselor

School Counselors work with students to help them succeed academically and socially. Spirituality can be an important factor in a student's well-being, so it's helpful for School Counselors to have training in spiritual competency. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will help you provide more effective care to your students.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and Family Therapists work with couples and families to improve their relationships. Spirituality can be an important factor in relationships, so it's helpful for Marriage and Family Therapists to have training in spiritual competency. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will help you provide more effective care to your clients.

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Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists work with a wide range of clientele in settings including private practice, hospitals, and schools. Many clients will present with spiritual or religious issues, meaning that it's often helpful for Clinical Psychologists to have training in spiritual competency. Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health will help you help your clients explore the role of spirituality in their mental health.

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Physician

Physicians who wish to provide more holistic care to their patients may find value in taking Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health. This course may be particularly helpful to Physicians who work in hospice or palliative care, as spirituality is a common concern for patients facing end-of-life issues.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists work with patients to ensure they receive the medications they need. While not always obvious, spirituality may affect a patient's adherence to their medication regimen. As a Pharmacist, knowledge of spiritual competency can help improve patient outcomes.

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