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On-Demand

The Two Pursuits: Ethically Addressing Spirituality in Clinical Counseling

John Dyben, DHSC, MCAP, CMHP
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Information

Recorded

  • -

Description

The concept of spirituality has, for the course of recorded history, been integral to understanding all aspects of humanity regardless of each individual’s religious faith or lack thereof.  In modern society, spiritually focused ideas have often been relegated to religious sects or too vague quips put on t-shirts and bumper stickers that seem meaningful at first glance, but which few can explain.  As a domain of human existence that is demonstrably relevant to overall quality of life, might mental health professionals sometimes be missing an important element that we should be addressing?  This presentation begins by providing an overview of clinical ethics, presents the case that professional counselors are ethically obligated to address patients’ spirituality, and supplies a clear definition of spirituality that can be operationalized by anyone on practical levels.  Once a definition of spirituality is presented, we explore how this relates to addiction, mental health, and overall quality of life.  Finally, we look at practical applications of these concepts in the work of the professional counselor, therapist, or other helping professional. 

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this presentation is for participants to develop a structure for contextualizing the domain of spirituality that is ethical, practical, and operational and be able to assess and support clients in this domain.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Provide professionally operational definitions of the terms ethics, counseling, spirituality, and recovery.

  • Explain the ethical obligations of counselors to address issues of patient spirituality in the context of clinical counseling, using addiction counseling as a prime example.

  • Define spirituality in a context that is clinically practical, culturally competent, and ethically sound.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

John Dyben, DHSC, MCAP, CMHP
Dr. John Dyben is a nationally recognized clinical executive, educator, and therapist with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment. He currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for the Hanley Foundation, where he leads the design and implementation of innovative clinical programming, research initiatives, and professional education to ensure the highest standards of evidence-based care. Known for his ability to bridge science, ethics, and spirituality, John brings a uniquely holistic voice to the field of behavioral health. John’s academic training includes a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) from Nova Southeastern University as well as master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT), Conflict Management (MA), and Business Management (MS). A frequent author and public speaker, John has contributed to professional publications including Counselor, Social Work Today, and Today’s Geriatric Medicine. John speaks regularly to national audiences on a wide range of topics related to ethics, mental health, and spirituality and has presented lectures at Fordham University, the University of Texas, and the University of North Carolina. Beyond his executive and clinical work, John is deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. He served for more than a decade as adjunct faculty in Human Services at Palm Beach State College and has trained countless professionals in ethics, clinical practice, and integrated models of care.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Hanley Center