Similarities Between Spiritual Care And The National Association Of Social Work

Spiritual care and the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of ethics has some similarities and some contrasting values and goals. One similarity is that spiritual care and NASW both provide a way for an individual make their decisions. For instance, with spiritual care an individual has a higher power or a universal connection that they value and have a relationship with that may reflect on their actions (Senreich, 2013). The spiritual connection that an individual has will allow them to meditate and pray about their problems and concerns, which will help them come to a decision on how to move forward in their life (Senreich, 2013). With the NASW code, it is a way for social workers to have set values, principles, and standards

that helps them reflect on their actions during their daily practice within this profession (NASW, 2016). The contrasting difference within this similarity is that within spiritual care, this is an unknown entity that is unique to each individual person. In regard to NASW, this is a known professional organization that has grown since its establishment in 1955 (NASW, 2016). Within this difference, it is important for social workers to understand that if their client believes in an unknown entity through their own perspective of existence, the NASW value on the importance of relationships will help them to strengthen this relationship that their client has in order to promote a healthy well-being (NASW, 2016).
Another very important similarity that spiritual care and the NASW code have in common is that they both a set of values and beliefs that are integrated in their life.

Senreich (2013) discuss that an individual may have certain spiritual belief systems that becomes their definition of spirituality, which gives them different viewpoints and morals to live by on a daily basis. The NASW code gives social workers core values and six specific purposes that will direct and guide their decisions and behaviors while working with clients. This similarity is a key for social workers to understand, because as they have these codes to direct their daily practice, it does not guarantee that all of their actions will be ethical, however, they must strengthen these values to ensure that the most ethical decisions are made (NASW, 2016). Therefore, when a client is struggling with physical or mental health issue and their behaviors wavier from their spiritual belief systems, it is important for the social worker to acknowledge their client’s spiritual strength and help them overcome their issues. The NASW value of dignity and worth of the person will allow the social worker to be mindful of the client’s unique differences and perspectives in order to help give them the opportunity to address the psychical and mental issues they are experiencing (NASW, 2016). Overall, spiritual care and the NASW codes have a few differences, however, the many similarities that both possess can give social

workers an opportunity to understand, relate, and incorporate their client’s spiritual beliefs in their treatment process.