Spirituality in HIV+ Patient Care

S p ir it u a li ty i n H IV + P a ti e n t C a re Spirituality in HIV+ Patient Care Joni L. Utley, MA & Amy Wachholtz, PhD, MDiv Volume 8 Issue 3 2011 Melia1 was a 39 year old, mother of 2 young children. She was actively involved in her church and had strong Christian beliefs. Melia was married to her husband for 15 years when her husband left her for another woman, and Melia discovered that her husband had given her HIV as a result of his affairs. When she disclosed her HIV status, she was shunned by many of her friends and family members. She was devastated and isolated. In therapy, she and her psychologist explored the topics of healing versus curing, holiness of the body, and using her spiritual resources as a source of strength and a means to begin rebuilding her life. These themes were woven into treatment alongside traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy practices to reduce depression and social isolation. By the end of therapy, Melia was no longer depressed and isolated. She was able to view HIV as part of her, but not the only thing that defines who she is as a person. She was able to recognize her other strengths and use those strengths to deal with the daily challenges of being a single mother with HIV.