Occupational Therapy and Spirituality

Spirituality is an important aspect of occupational therapy theory and practice, yet it remains little understood. This timely book adds to the current debate by exploring the meaning of spirituality within occupational therapy and by outlining evidence which supports this area of practice. Beginning with the three stances surrounding spirituality for the common good and the theology of occupation, throughout its 10 chapters the book goes on to cover topics such as: Spirituality of caring; Theories of spiritual development; Definition of spirituality from occupational therapy literature; Differences between assessing spirituality and religion; Spirituality and ethics; Spiritual and cultural diversity in the occupational therapy clinic; Therapeutic self. By the end of the volume the reader will have the toolset required to consider spiritual concepts and their application to health principles. Occupational Therapy and Spirituality is written in an accessible format and is designed for occupational therapy and occupational science academics, researchers, and graduate students.

About the Author

Barbara Hemphill is Associate Professor Emeritus at Western Michigan University. Dr. Hemphill was appointed to the State of Michigan Ethics Board for Occupational Therapist and was elected Chair of the Ethics Commission to the American Occupational Therapy Association in 2009.