Women's journeys towards wholeness: an exploration of spirituality in recovery

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to research the aspect of the whole person known as the "spirit," and to identify women's spirituality as an important component in their recovery from abuse or adversity. The research has been done in the Christian context, collecting life stories of Christian women who have faced extreme trials in their lives and have found healing through their spirituality. The subject of spirituality has been and still is a controversial subject and not often researched. It was the intention of this thesis to challenge some preconceived notions about spirituality particularly in relation to social work practice. This thesis examines Christian women's claims about God's activity in their lives. Seven women have spoken of their lives, sharing intimate details of loss and abuse which they suffered. They have identified individuals and shared spiritual experiences, which have helped them to overcome their losses and emerge victorious. The methodologies employed in the research are feminine methodologies which place value on feelings and emotions and approach the research participants as equals. The researcher is a significant participant in the study, including her story with six other women. The conclusions in this thesis identify three areas of behaviour, which have influenced the women's lives and have contributed to their recovery from adversity. The first is the benefit of forgiveness in healing and health. The second is the vital role that relationships play in restoring one to health. And the third area is that of restoration and the claim that new life is possible after abuse and loss. The thesis concludes with an examination of spirituality as a component in good Social Work practice and the importance of being sensitive to a client's spirituality in planning and implementing intervention.