Ethics and Boundaries: Meaning and Spirituality

This program explores the role of spirituality in mental health and the importance of recognizing its significance for clients. This program will also help providers recognize their own biases and beliefs while maintaining therapeutic boundaries.

Stress and anxiety are leading causes of physical illness and professional dysfunction in the United States. One effective approach for increasing resilience is finding meaning in day-to-day life. For many people, meaning is found through spirituality.

Recognizing the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs for our clients is an important component of a mental health assessment. Many providers are uncomfortable bringing up the topic of spirituality and are uncertain about the best ways to maintain therapeutic boundaries. 

This presentation is designed to increase sensitivity to the spiritual aspects of our clients’ lives and provide ideas on how to work with these often sensitive and personal issues. In addition, learning how to assess ourselves can prevent problems with poor performance, boundary crossings, and personal health.

Learning Objectives:    

• Investigate spiritual concerns and strengths in clients
• Discuss common boundary problems around spiritual issues
• Gain clarity in understanding how issues of spirituality are personal and require a focus on trust and interest on the part of the therapist

This program meets Wisconsin Ethics and Boundaries continuing education requirements for human service professionals.

Who should attend

Human service professionals such as social workers, professional counselors, therapists, and psychologists.

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  Dr. David Mays (MD, Ph.D.) is a forensic psychiatrist and directed the forensic program at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, WI for 13 years. He serves on the clinical faculty at UW–Madison. Dr. Mays is the recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, The Distinguished Service Award from the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Dane County, and the Exceptional Performance Award from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. He has treated patients in hospital and outpatient settings with co-morbid substance use problems for 20 years. He is a seasoned clinician and highly sought-after presenter.