Spiritual Care in Bereavement

05 September 2025

Bereavement disrupts all aspects of human experience, but how this disruption is understood, and thus how bereavement care is offered, can vary. The evidence supporting today’s bereavement models tends to come from selected populations (counselling clients, for example), is largely developed by professionals to inform their practice, and thus reflects the disciplinary interests of those professionals (in particular, psychoanalysis and psychology are strongly represented). Providing spiritual care in settings shaped by these bereavement care models can involve both complementing and challenging aspects of their approach to care.

Framework for Young Children's Spiritual Capabilities

19 September 2025

Research shows that children who feel connected thrive. This sense of connectedness—central to spirituality—fosters resilience, wellbeing, and protective factors that support lifelong growth. But how can professionals intentionally nurture this vital aspect of development? Drawing on over 20 years of groundbreaking research, this webinar looks at the recently published "", which equips educators and healthcare professionals with the tools to support children’s spiritual development. Authored by leading experts in early childhood spirituality, this work bridges the gap between theory and practice, presenting evidence-based strategies to nurture spirituality in children aged 0–8. This essential guide offers an accessible approach to nurturing the whole child. By cultivating a sense of connection, you can help children flourish spiritually, emotionally, and developmentally.

Forest Therapy: Biophilia Research for Spiritual Care

03 October 2025

Forest therapy, or “Shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing), originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to the increasing stress and urbanization of modern life. The practice involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, engaging the senses to experience the natural world fully. Over time, scientific research has supported the benefits of this practice, linking it to improved mental and physical health. The concept of biophilia—the innate human connection to nature—underpins forest therapy. Exploring the latest research in Forest Therapy, this webinar introduces you to some Forest Therapy interventions, offering a unique and enriching way to enhance your spiritual care pracitce and interventions. Recognised by the Australian Counselling Association, Forest Therapy Victoria’s PD workshops are designed to be both informative and restorative.

The journey of dementia and the role of Spiritual Care

17 October 2025

Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. In this webinar, Carmen will briefly address an understanding of dementia and the consequences of damage to the brain. She will deal with communication techniques to encourage and support those with dementia. She will then look at how Spiritual Care Practitioners can adapt their skills and knowledge to best address these needs, and practice self care in the process.

Reflective Believing: a new way of speaking about an old art

31 October 2025

Learnings from the frontline: Insights from Ambulance Chaplaincy for multi-sector Spiritual Care

14 November 2025

In this webinar, Paul will share learnings from 20 years on the front line as a chaplain with NSW Ambulance.  Ambulance staff regularly dealt with events that challenged their world view, and staff deal with a lot of death and dying.  Working with people whose"bucket was full, and it tipped over" from a combination of professional and personal stress, Paul's frontline work has been with first responders, call centre staff and the publicThis multifaceted view and key insights can be translated into many sectors of Spiritual Care. "Society often talks about physical and mental health, but spiritual health doesn't get talked about a lot." 

Editorial

20 August 2025

Spiritual Care Australia’s 2025 Conference offered a wonderful opportunity for so many practitioners and other aligned members to gather and celebrate the richness of spiritual care in Australia. We were treated to Professor John Swinton’s wisdom and wit over the three days we were together In June, enjoying the delights of Bendigo. Our conference also featured many other presenters and panels, exploring the spread of themes and learnings of interest to our profession.

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Best of Care Award

20 August 2025

Profile Rohan Souter At the recent Spiritual Care Australia National Conference, Rohan Souter Bendigo Health’s Spiritual Care Practitioner in Mental Health, was awarded  “Best Of Care”  as the outstanding Spiritual Care Practitioner for 2025.

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Strategic plan

20 August 2025

Spiritual Care is at a critical juncture in Australia. As the peak body for Spiritual Care Practitioners in Australia, we are committed to ensuring all people and communities living in Australia have access to meaningful, individual, and safe spiritual care. 

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Missed a message?

01 March 2024

SCA News Archive now available

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