Spiritual caregiving

By Harold George Koenig

Book Description

In today's healthcare environment, the spiritual needs of patients and caregivers often go unaddressed, creating a gap that affects healing and well-being on multiple levels. This thoughtful exploration presents a transformative approach to medical care that honors the spiritual dimension of both giving and receiving treatment.

Drawing from the real-world experiences of healthcare professionals across diverse religious backgrounds, the book weaves together personal stories from physicians, nurses, chaplains, therapists, psychologists, and administrators who have discovered ways to integrate spirituality into their daily practice. These authentic narratives reveal how medical professionals can nurture the spiritual health of those they serve while protecting and sustaining their own inner resources.

Rather than offering abstract theories, this practical guide provides concrete strategies and actionable insights for creating meaningful change within existing healthcare systems. Readers will discover how to become catalysts for transformation, learning to recognize and respond to spiritual needs in clinical settings while maintaining professional boundaries and effectiveness.

The authors envision a healthcare model where spiritual care becomes an integral part of treatment, supporting patients and families through their most vulnerable moments while helping caregivers find deeper purpose and resilience in their work. This resource speaks to anyone seeking to bring greater compassion, meaning, and spiritual awareness to the healing arts, regardless of their specific religious tradition or professional role.