Spirituality and Psychiatry: Improving therapeutic alliance and patient outcomes

Many patients want to discuss the spiritual and cultural influences on their mental health, yet clinicians can sometimes feel unsure about how to explore these areas appropriately and ethically.

In this session, Dr Chetna Kang explores the relationship between spirituality and psychiatry, offering practical guidance on distinguishing spirituality from mental illness and integrating conversations about spirituality into clinical practice. The session will consider how this approach can support therapeutic alliance, patient engagement and whole-person care.

Learning outcomes:

• Distinguish between illness and spirituality.
• Understand how aspects of spirituality may support mental health outcomes.
• Explore effective and ethical ways to discuss spirituality with patients.

Dr Chetna Kang is a Consultant Liaison and Integrative Adult Psychiatrist and a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group. She is also a theologian and teacher in the Vedic tradition of Bhakti Yoga, and has spent over 30 years exploring the relationship between modern medicine and ancient systems of healthcare. She is a regular broadcaster and public educator on mental health, spirituality and wellbeing.