Palliative Social Work

The focus of palliative care social work has grown over the years, however there continues to be a scarcity in the literature on specific techniques used by social workers to engage with, assess the needs of, and incorporate spirituality with clients throughout end-of-life care, as well as clinicians’ experiences and observations working in the field. The research in this text review clinicians' observations and the importance of: a) assisting clients to find spirituality in the life they have lived, b) use of self by reflecting on countertransference, as well as one’s own spirituality, and c) collaboration with clergy and providers as effective methods of incorporating spirituality into end-of-life care.