Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice: The Heart of Helping

In Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice, Edward R. Canda and Leola Dyrud Furman introduce their breakthrough work on the importance of spirituality in social work teaching and practice. In this long-awaited textbook these leaders in social work education offer a first-of-its-kind integrated framework for dealing with the issues that professional helpers face. Designed for classroom use and as a reference for social workers already in the field, the book will revolutionize the way helping professionals explore the rich variety of religious and spiritual concerns of the individuals, families, and communities they serve.

The authors integrate existentialist, transpersonal, and holistic systems theories with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Judaic, and Shamanistic traditions of helping. They provide the knowledge, ethical guidelines, and practical skills and techniques that all social workers can follow, regardless of their particular theoretical approach. Stories, practice examples, insights from a national survey of social workers, and learning exercises support the reader's professional and personal growth.