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. 2019 Feb 16;4(1):e000465. doi: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-000465

Table 2.

Examples of spiritual health interventions3

Therapeutic communication techniques
  1. Compassionate presence

  2. Reflective listening, query about important life events

  3. Support patient’s sources of spiritual strength

  4. Open-ended questions to illicit feelings

  5. Inquiry about spiritual beliefs, values and practices

  6. Life review, listening to the patient’s story

  7. Continued presence and follow-up

Therapy
  1. Referral to a trained spiritual care professional

  2. Progressive relaxation or guided imagery

  3. Breathing practice or contemplation

  4. Meaning-oriented therapy

  5. Referral to spiritual care provider as indicated

  6. Use of storytelling

  7. Dignity-conserving therapy

Self-care
  1. Massage

  2. Reconciliation with self or others

  3. Spiritual support groups

  4. Meditation

  5. Sacred/spiritual readings or rituals

  6. Yoga, tai chi

  7. Exercise

  8. Art therapy (music, art, dance)

  9. Journaling