Spirituality and Mental Health- Applying SOPHIE as a Therapeutic Reflexive Tool

Ontological explorations into the personal sense of “being and becoming” are key for learning and practicing person-centered care. It allows practitioners to engage with philosophical reasoning associated with the meaning to self and others. Humanistic psychological perspectives based on existential approaches are also effective in articulating an understanding of the purpose and meaning in life to promote resilience and post-traumatic growth. However, incorporating spirituality, developing spiritual care competencies, and integrating transformative ontological perspectives into healthcare education and practices remains challenging. Recognizing the centrality of ontological development to this area, the author has developed a reflective framework for mental health practitioners and educators about spirituality, which also addresses existential and cultural issues within a broadly humanistic framework: Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential Expressions (SOPHIE). This paper presents case studies showcasing SOPHIE's application in diverse global contexts, where participants across different community settings found it helpful in addressing and reflecting upon their existential and spiritual care needs. Participants reported a personal sense of hope and loss through meaning making using art and blog writing as narrative inquiry methods to develop reflexivity. An integrated and spiritually competent holistic care approach is highly recommended to embrace transformative care philosophies in education and professional practices.

DOI upon publication: 10.1080/14623943.2025.2452566