What is spiritual care?

Spiritual care is the process of enabling individuals to modify their systems of meaning in order to existentially integrate nonbeing into their understanding of life and reality. It is the art of being there in such a way as to facilitate the transitional process for those going through trauma. The primary task of spiritual caregivers is to enter the world of paradox that reflects the nature of the soul. One of the most essential processes in helping someone move forward is to go backward, to seemingly negate the very goal we wish to achieve. In this case, caring requires that we give up the desire to help an individual move forward and cease attempting to propel them into transition. Caring is being fully where the person is. Upon entering this process, it is helpful for spiritual caregivers to be aware of certain essential concepts.

From Siroj Sorajjakool, When Sickness Heals: The Place of Religious Belief in Healthcare (Philadelphia: Templeton Foundation Press, 2006), 88.