Spirituality and practice in socialwork, youth and family studies

Abstract

The academic fields of social work and family studies are two related, yet distinct, disciplines. Family Study practitioners consist of certified family life educators and marriage and family therapists (MFTs), though MFTs require a terminal degree and additional training. The field of social work includes various levels of licensed social workers. Across both fields, spirituality is viewed as a resource that is essential to physical and/or emotional healing and well-being. Social workers include spirituality as an essential component of practice in its personin- environment guiding framework. Of note, family studies scholars put forth a theory of the sacred acknowledge not only the importance of spirituality, but also cautioning its ability to help or harm people. Moving forward, both fields can be advanced through the production of a theory that aid practitioners with prevention, assessment, and intervention tools that can improve the functioning of individuals and families.