Spiritual Care & Psycho-spiritual Therapy in a Pandemic

This course will focus on spiritual care and psycho-spiritual therapy in a pandemic and will engage in experiential/practical learning opportunities to build spiritual care competence within the present context of the pandemic. The course will include case studies, small group discussion, reflection and integration groups, guest speakers, content-based lectures and will be focused around the development of peer support circles facilitated by each student. We will utilize online resources from leading spiritual care organizations. Themes to be explored through the context of pandemic will include the following: spiritual care in pandemics though history; moral, existential and spiritual distress and care in a pandemic; crisis management and debriefing skills; use of ritual and spiritual practice for individuals and groups online in pandemic; religious traditions and their approaches to pandemic care; caring for the caregiver; group process and facilitation, among others. Guest speakers from diverse sectors of spiritual care and psycho-spiritual therapy will share their experiences of serving through the pandemic. Case studies will all focus on different angles and contexts of care in a pandemic, related to weekly themes. Students will each be responsible for creating and facilitating a peer support circle which they will engage weekly throughout the course.