Introduction to Mental Health Coaching
Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.
Summary We will take a look at the role of a peer mental health coach and how this fits in a local church. A peer mental health coach can be a bridge between a family and the mental healthcare system that allows individuals to access resources easily, quickly and at virtually no cost. A peer mental health coach is therapeutically effective, as they help individuals manage their illness more effectively, while growing closer to God. The mental health coach will be a point on a continuum that currently does not exist in the mental healthcare system, to assist pastors to get the mentally ill the therapeutic and supportive intervention needed to recover more fully.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn what a Peer Mental Health Coach is. 2. Participants will learn the role of a Peer Mental Health Coach in the local church. 3. Participants will understand how to fill the void that exists in the mental healthcare system.
I.
Introduction A. What is a peer mental health coach? 1. Combination of a variety of skill sets that make up peer mental health coaching: • Lay counseling • Life coaching • Pastoral care • Case management • Advocacy • Family care B. Statistics 1. 1 out of every 5 individuals in the USA suffers with a mental health problem in a given year.
2. 1 out of every 25 individuals in the USA is dealing with a serious mental health disorder. •
Half of these individuals have the disorder in place by age 14.
•
75% of these individuals have the disorder in place by the time they are 24 years old.
C. Definitions 1. Mental Disorder: A clinically significant disruption of a person’s thoughts, moods, behaviors, or ability to relate to others, that is severe enough to require treatment or intervention to help the individual function normally. •
The majority of individuals with mental disorders receive no treatment. (1)
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Over 40,000 individuals die from suicide each year
Those who do seek treatment are more likely to seek out clergy than mental health providers.
D. The Role of Peer Mental Health Coaches 1. Act as a bridge between family and the mental healthcare system
2. Allow individuals with a serious mental disorder to access resources easily, quickly and at no cost 3. Allow individuals to manage their illness more effectively 4. Help individuals grow closer to God 5. Be a point on the healthcare continuum that currently does not exist 6. Assist church workers to get individual therapeutic and supportive intervention needed to recover more fully
II.
The Role of the Church A. Brief History of the Role of the Church 1. Historically, the church was involved in serving the mentally ill •
In the 13th century in Belgium, the church began caring for individuals who prayed for healing from madness
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Quaker movement and William Tuke, the York Retreat became the model for model for early psychiatric hospitals
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Bethesda communities out of the Lutheran church taught the gospel to the intellectually disabled in the late 1800s/early 1900s
B. The Church’s connection 1. The Church is already heavily involved and connected to the mentally ill population •
Prison ministry
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Homeless
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Addiction
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Human trafficking
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Natural Disasters
2. There is a void of Christ-centered care that focuses on serious mental illness
C. Mental Healthcare System
1. What is the problem with the system now? •
Individuals with mental illness are engaged in crisis, not at the beginning of symptoms
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No clear point of entry
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Difficulty to access
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There is not a continuum of care but a disjointed mess
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Stability of the individual is considered the best outcome
2. What can Mental Health Coaches offer?
III.
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Clear point of entry (the Church)
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Easy access
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Promote independence
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Provide long-term support
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Low cost
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Integrate the family into care
Treatment A. Treatment 1. Manage a chronic illness, not out of context of “sick” to “not sick”, but a process of recovery •
It is a lie to say someone cannot recover from mental illness
B. Recovery 1. Definition: a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential C. Steps for Recovery 1. Help individuals with a mental disorder develop hope 2. Help them acquire skills in self-management and self-care 3. Help build support network
4. Help take active role in the planning of their care 5. Move away from discussions that focus on illness pathology •
A mental illness does not define a person
6. Help individuals rediscover a sense of personal identity 7. Help them work towards participation in a local community 8. Help them develop a meaningful and satisfying life
IV.
Role of the Mental Health Coach A. A Mental Health Coach:
1. Someone who takes strengths-based approach to care 2. Not about fixing mentally ill individuals, about loving them 3. A guide them towards decision making 4. An advocate 5. Helps individuals develop mental healthcare plan •
To reach goals, overcome barriers, and manage the illness
6. Helps them develop supportive system 7. Points them to professionals in the mental healthcare system 8. Provides care at no cost
B. What the Church offers to the Mental Healthcare System
1. Hope that transcends circumstances •
Hope is a Person not a feeling
2. Holistic view of the person •
Body, mind, spirit and relationship
3. Accessibility •
Simple, shameless and easy access
4. Supportive therapeutic communities
C. Conclusion 1. Relieve suffering 2. Reveal Christ 3. Restore life
Role of the Mental Health Coach in the Church
Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.
Summary This presentation will take a deeper look at the role of a peer mental health coach in the local church. It looks at problems and myths surrounding people with mental health problems. The mental health coach is a conduit in the faith community to help the mentally ill and their families, preventing them from falling through the cracks. This ministry follows the steps of recognizing a mental disorder, referring the individual for care, relating to the individual by creating meaningful connections, and restoring by providing direction and support. Matthew Stanford walks viewers through where to start to establish the role of a mental health coach in a local faith community.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will look more at the role of a Peer Mental Health Coach in the local church 2. Participants will learn the 4 R’s of ministry 3. Participants will learn how to build a professional network 4. Participants will be able to break myths regarding individuals with mental illness
I.
The role of the mental health coach in the local church A. Gatekeeper Model 1. Gatekeepers: Individuals that are likely to engage someone with a mental healthcare problem first • These could be: pastor, nurse, teacher, police officer • The gatekeeper will recognize that the mental problem exists and that they will refer that person onto professional care • Problem: a gatekeeper often does not know how to open the gate or where to send people B. Statistics 1. 66% of pastors say they never talk about mental health issues
2. 25% pastors said they don’t want to work with mentally ill, take too much time
3. 30-40% of individuals with a mental illness encounter a negative interaction in a church •
Their illness is over-spiritualized and categorized as a spiritual issue like personal sin
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Mental health issues should be treated no different from other illnesses like cancer or diabetes
C. Where do the mentally ill go for help? 1. Most churches do not have equipped ministry staff and congregants that help people get the care they need in a place to grow spiritually and recover more fully. 2. Most individuals suffering from a mental disorder end up bouncing around from one ministry to the next 3. There must be a model in place to prevent the mentally ill from falling through the cracks
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If a person’s issue is mental health related or more than a church staff member or congregant can handle, the mental health coach should be contacted
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All ministry leaders in the church should know how to contact the mental health coach
II.
The 4 R’s of ministry A. There are 4 things a mental health coach will be trained to do: 1. Recognize 2. Refer 3. Relate 4. Restore
B. Recognize 1. Evaluate •
Determine if the individual has a mental health care problem
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Determine how serious it is
2. Assess •
Assess for the possibility of danger – suicidal thoughts and risky behaviors
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Assess for level of distress - when to bring in professional provider
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Assess for level of functioning – self-care, problem solving, ability to maintain relationships
C. Refer 1. Establish a starting point for care •
Is professional care needed?
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Now or maybe later?
2. 4 Reasons to make a referral •
The person is a danger to themselves or others
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The person is actively misusing alcohol and/or drugs
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The person has an untreated mental disorder or mental health has declined significantly
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The needs go beyond your training of offering supportive care
3. The 3 A’s - Barriers to accessing professional care •
Accessibility – develop referral list within short distance of faith community/the individual’s home, Telehealth
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Affordability – insurance, check the church’s Benevolence Fund
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Acceptability – lots of stigma and shame associated with mental healthcare problems
4. Building a professional network •
Update a referral list at least once a month
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Be prepared
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Ask for recommendations from mental health care providers within the local church
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Contact the references
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Include a variety of facilities
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Collaboration
5. Collaboration •
A referral list should only contain professionals the mental health coach has met and vetted
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Ask questions: referral process, insurance, specialties, recommendations, clientele, payment, willingness to collaborate
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A human is a multi-faceted being, as is the care needed
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Have release of information on file
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The more people surrounding and supporting an individual with a mental disorder, the better
6. Where to refer to? •
Different situations call for one or more referrals
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Pastoral care
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Lay counseling ministry
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Mental health care professional
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Individual mental health coaching
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Specialized church ministries
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Support groups
D. Relate 1. Create a meaningful connection 2. Break stigmas and myths: • • • • •
Mental illness are not real illnesses Mental illnesses do not occur in the church People with mental disorders are violent and unpredictable Mental disorders are the result of personal sin and people can just snap out of it and pray more People with mental disorders do not need to take medication
3. Education church leaders 4. Remember the family 5. Mentality: not us and them, continuum not buckets
E. Restore 1. Provide spiritual direction and support 2. Develop healing community driven by grace, love and comfort 3. Reveal Christ in an effective way 4. Start with hope 5. Normalize mental health disorders 6. Encourage the church to be concerned about mental health issues
III.
Conclusion A. Recognize – evaluate and assess B. Refer – establish starting point for care C. Relate – create meaningful connections and break stigma D. Restore – provide direction and support, sanctification process
The Effective People Helper
Ian Jones, Ph.D.
Summary Transformational helping involves both a calling from God and the requisite skills. This session describes a model of Christian counseling—from understanding the human condition to essential counseling skills. Cognitive components include seeing the world through God’s eyes and basic principles of biblical people helping. Behavioral components include a sense of orientation for counselors and clients, as well as expressing Godly character and virtues.
Learning Objectives 1. Participants will apply the biblical model of counseling to an intervention plan. 2. Participants will examine their own spiritual development and maturation within a biblical reference to become fully equipped. 3. Participants will devise techniques and interventions that are based on character, spiritual principles, and helping skills.
I.
Understanding the Human Condition
A. The Modern-Day Philosophy of Naturalism 1. Know yourself and presume not the existence of God.
2. The world is a closed system, where humans are automated mechanical beings capable of change (behavioral, cognitive, or physiological-biochemical) through conditions of cause and effect. 3. People are motivated to help others by altruism, personal gratification, or survival of the species.
B. The Biblical Worldview 1. Knowing yourself requires first knowing God.
2. Man is made in God’s image. We reflect His image (Genesis 1). 3. Man has extreme value in the eyes of God. •
In Psalm 139:13-14, “knit together” or “woven” implies an intentional creation, but the word also implies protection.
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Sometimes we miss recognizing the value in people as seen from God’s eyes (Matthew 21:42).
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Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, “for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).
4. Man is fallen—the effect of sin and the curse have created separation from God (Genesis 1-3).
II.
The Model of Counseling A. The Genesis Model (Genesis 3) 1. “Where are you?” (Lost Condition)
2. “Who told you?” (Lost Authority)
3. “What have you done?” (Lost Behavior)
4. God’s counseling approach is vastly different from Job’s counselors (Job 16:1-5) •
“Miserable counselors” vs. words of encouragement, comfort, and relief
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Job’s frame of reference was disrupted by his experience
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The counselors were operating out of their own frame of reference through which they falsely located Job.
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God confronts them all and tells them where they are in relationship to Him.
B. A Christian Counseling Foundation 1. God’s love is perfect and redemptive. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8 2. Christian Counseling is driven by the greatest commandments: Love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31).
3. Sin is real but grace is more powerful.
4. It is through His grace that we seek to counsel others effectively. 5. The model of Jesus—He was perfectly prepared and equipped “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord…”—Isaiah 11:2
C. The Radical Nature of Christians Helping Others Scriptures tell us we are to love even our enemies. We are expected to: 1. Pray for their happiness (Matthew 5:44)
2. Treat them well (Luke 6:27) 3. Ask God to bless them (Luke 6:28) 4. Feed them if they are hungry and give them water if they are thirsty (Proverbs 25:21-22) 5. Be kind to them and do them favors (Luke 6:35)
D. A Key Principle from the Life of the Apostle Paul “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to
all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this of the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”—1 Corinthians 9:19-23
1. Empathy, not sympathy, is essential in order to communicate.
2. Paul believed that the greatest form of communication was telling others of the Gospel.
III.
Three Stages of Counseling
A. Present Situation and Condition of the Counselee 1. Assess where the client is located and evaluating their issues
2. Focus: Define the issues of control—personal, social, and spiritual 3. Consider three perspectives: •
How the client sees the situation
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How others see the situation
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How God views the situation
B. Goals and Expectations 1. Focus: Where are we headed in counseling?
2.
From three viewpoints: •
How the client sees the situation
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How others see the situation
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How God views the situation
C. Tools of Intervention 1. Focus: How do we reach our goal?
2. Techniques, tools, and resources from personal, social, and spiritual assistance
IV.
The Spiritual Development and Maturation of the Counselor A. Stage 1 Counselor: “What do I say next?” 1. Summary: I don’t want to appear foolish.
2. Focus: Self 3. Primary Attitude: Fear and Insecurity 4. Engagement Level: Mechanics
B. Stage 2 Counselor: “What does the counselee need from me?” 1. Summary: I want to be able to help.
2. Focus: Others 3. Primary Attitude: Concern and Information 4. Engagement Level: Techniques and Applied Theory
C. Stage 3 Counselor: “Where is God working in this situation and how does He want me to proceed?” 1. Summary: Counseling is a divine appointment. What is His Word for this moment?
2. Focus: God 3. Primary Attitude: Anticipation and Expectation
4. Engagement Level: Wisdom “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry out for discernment, lift your voice for understanding;…Then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding…”—Proverbs 2:2-6
D. Preparation and Process in Counseling (Galatians 6:1-4) 1. Be spiritually prepared
2. Restore in a spirit of gentleness (sensitivity) 3. Recognize the danger of personal temptation 4. Provide support for those people suffering under oppression or heavy loads 5. Examine one’s own strengths and limitations “True self-examination is not merely taking one’s spiritual pulse beat on a regular basis but rather submitting one’s thoughts, attitudes, and actions to the will of God and the mind of Christ revealed in the Holy Scripture.”—Timothy George
E. Practicing the Presence of God 1. You are God’s representative in a counseling encounter.
2. Your presence affects the counseling relationship and the outcome.
3. Recognize that God is present and empowering His Spirit in us and His Word.
F. The Spiritually Engaged Counselor 1. All Christians have the indwelling Counselor of heaven on earth. Our immediate Helper, who is called or summoned along our side, is our comforter, advocate, and intercessor: •
Our Eternal Helper and Spirit of Truth (John 14:16)
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Teaches and reminds us of His Word (John 14:26)
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Prompts us with the right words to say (Matthew 10:18-20; Luke 12:11-12)
2. The filling of the Spirit enables us to speak with spiritual authority, intercede with prayer to God, serve others, and maintain a Godly focus and joyful attitude.
3. Our spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit empower and equip us. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”—Hebrews 34:12
V.
The Christian Counselor’s Character and Skills Adapted from 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 A. Warns those people who are failing to act correctly (v. 14) 1. The gentle reminder
2. Provider of ideas
3. Dictator of truth
4. The navigator who assists someone in sailing through troubled waters
B. Encourages and supports in order to empower those who are reluctant to act (v. 14)
C. Helps and assists those who are not capable or strong enough to act alone (v. 14)
D. Remains patient with everyone (v. 14)
E. Intervenes to prevent retribution or repayment of evil for evil (v. 15)
F. Expresses kindness and goodness toward others (v. 15)
G. Continuously expresses joy and the fruit of the Spirit—an indication of the presence of God (v. 16)
H. Maintains an attitude of prayer at all times—an awareness and acknowledgement of the presence of God at all times (v. 17)
I.
Gives thanks to God that He is acting in all situations (v. 18)
J.
Does not ignore God or reject the guidance of His Spirit (v. 19)
K. Looks for the plan of God in all situations (v. 20)
L. Thoroughly evaluates everything and retains that which is good (v. 21)
M. Actively practices avoiding evil (v. 22)
N. Has a personal goal of growing in godliness (v. 23)
O. Recognizes that God alone is capable of producing this character (v. 24)
Seek God for direction, guidance, and comfort. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God.”—Philippians 4:6
VI.
Basic Principles of Counseling A. Listen Attentively 1. Carefully evaluate what is being said. •
Listen for the underlying issue.
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Listen for the client’s understanding of what is happening.
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Listen for your own view of the situation, what research says about it, and what the Scriptures say about it.
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Ask, how important is this issue to the person, to others, to me, to God?
2. Refrain from speaking too soon (Peter at the Transfiguration).
3. Maintain focus, giving the client your full attention.
4. Anticipate possible directions of the communication (thinking outpaces speech at a 4:1 ratio).
B. Locate the Counselee’s Readiness for Change 1. Assess the counselee’s attitude and level of motivation to change.
2. Five Possible Locations •
The counselee is uninterested in doing anything about the situation.
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The counselee cannot really describe what the issue is.
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The counselee has thought about the situation and is ready to do something about it.
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The counselee has actually started making some changes in his/her life and is seeking guidance to further develop what he/she is doing.
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The counselee is fully engaged, moving, and needs help with further assistance and direction.
3. Note how some chose to follow Jesus, some turned back, and others postponed their decision to follow Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22, John 6:60-70).
C. Treat Each Person as Unique and Valuable 1. Avoid a “cut and paste” counseling methodology.
2. Pay attention to the counselee’s temperament, abilities, values, beliefs, significant experiences, and social and spiritual support systems.
D. Observe Carefully and Holistically 1. Biblical Examples “You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing.”—Isaiah 42:20
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only
Caring For People God’s Way Revised Edition
a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’ ” —Mark 12:41-43
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” —1 Peter 2:12
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.”—Philippians 3:17
2. Nonverbal behaviors: facial responses, head movements, eye contact, clothing and personal attire, and body language (posture and movement)
3. Verbal behaviors: concrete vs. abstract words, “I” vs. “other” statements
4. Spiritual issues: awareness, maturity, spiritual struggle, health of faith, biblical perspective, spiritual support systems, personal strengths, and past experiences
5. Adjust responses of thoughts and speech to the person, the context, and the culture (the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9).
6. Recognize the value of silence. •
Note how little Jesus speaks, and how effective what He said was (John 8:1-11)
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The benefit of silence (Job 2:13)
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The danger of talking without listening (Proverbs 18:2, 13)
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7. Convey biblical hope and assurance (Romans 12:12). •
VII.
Recognize the importance of faith in counseling (Mark 5:34; Mark 9:26).
Five Basic Counseling Skills A. Questions 1. The Purpose of Questions •
Help elaborate
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Bring out specifics or concrete examples
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Needed for assessment
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Help identify goals
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Help steer the conversation
2. Consider your purpose in asking a question—for whose benefit?
3. Types of questions include open, closed, clarifying, and scaling.
4. Use few questions and make them count.
5. Ask one question at a time.
6. Be prepared for silence when you ask questions.
B. Active Listening 1. Active listening occurs when the counselor responds to the counselee in such a way that he/she is encouraged to elaborate on the subjects. 2. Rather than be passive, offer support sounds, gestures, and phrases that encourage
Caring For People God’s Way Revised Edition
the counselees to continue.
3. You can actively listen without interrupting or interfering with the direction of the conversation.
C. Attending (John 4) 1. Increases the likelihood that the counselee will talk more
2. Takes attention off the counselor and focuses on the counselee
3. Incorporates visual eye contact, measured vocalization, verbal tracking of the conversation, and body language that reinforces attentiveness 4. Active listening and active engagement with the will of God establishes the relationship that will help to produce effective change.
D. Providing a New Focus 1. Identify the client’s focus.
2. Explore a connection of the current focus and then shift the focus.
3. Select and assess the benefit of the new focus.
E. Influencing 1. Reframe the situation.
2. Look at the consequences.
Caring For People God’s Way Revised Edition
3. Give feedback (insight).
4. Influence through giving new ideas.
5. Provide directives (tasks, homework).
6. Provide self-disclosure.
F. Spiritual Interventions Unique Christian resources that can be integrated in counseling include: 1. Scripture reading and devotion
2. Prayer (prayer is central to all you do in counseling)
3. Church activities
4. Discipleship/mentorship
5. Accountability partners/prayer partners
6. Acts of service
7. Journaling and workbooks
Note: If you do not study Scripture, you will not be prepared to conduct effective biblical counseling. Pray to God and seek to know Him, for He controls all things.
Caring For People God’s Way Revised Edition
Bringing People into God’s Presence
Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min.
Summary Before real help is offered that has a biblical and Christ-centered foundation, caregivers must first understand who God is, His nature and the awesome power He can provide in the life of both the counselor and the counselee. This session shares how to value and rely on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in counseling ministry so that others can be led toward freedom and renewal.
Learning Objectives 1. Participants will identify reasons why people need God’s special presence that are applicable in a counseling setting. 2. Participants will examine the relational nature of God in the context of the Trinity and explore biblical examples that will help clients understand why God pursues the fallen. 3. Participants will be able to implement specific strategies for helping clients connect with the presence of God.
I.
Are We Always in God’s Presence? “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”—Psalm 14:2 A. God is sovereign.
B. God did not walk away from His creation. He is watching over us.
C. God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.
D. There is a special sense when we are in God’s presence. Counselors can be used by God as a channel of love and grace to bring people into the experience of God’s presence. 1. This is why it is important that Christians seek counseling from other Christians.
2. Understanding that God is a relational God transforms how we see being in the presence of God. 3. To bring people into the presence of God is one of the highest privileges that Christian counselors have. “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”—Psalms 61:1-4
II.
Why is God’s Special Presence Needed? A. Because of Where We Are 1. Our world is profoundly fallen.
2. As Christian counselors, we have the opportunity to understand and appreciate where clients are coming from. We do not minimize it, but understand they are living in a word of brokenness.
3. Counselors should function as channels for God to move through with His grace.
4. There are times when we need someone to guide and lead us, in a very special way to the “rock that is higher than we are.”
B. Because of Who We Are 1. Every living human being, in the core of his being, is an image bearer of God.
2. Coming into the presence of God is like coming home. Man is away from home when he is away from God. Part of us is always yearning for home, completion, restoration, and reconnection with the Father.
3. Because we are created in the image of God, we are intelligent, imaginative, and have the power of reason not only of what is, but of what might be. We suffer from “wandering-itis”—we wander away from God and imagine a better world, existence, and way—but we sink deeper in a world that is filled with brokenness. 4. What we need is someone to come along and lead us from where we are (in a profoundly fallen world) and out of who we are (profoundly damaged and broken) into the presence of God (a place of safety).
5. We as counselors help clients begin to resolve the reality that they have been cut off from the source of their being because of their decisions, thoughts, response to their own wounds, and satanic involvement.
C. Because of Who God Is 1. We want people to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the reality of who God is. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”—Luke 9:10
2. The Trinity •
God Himself exists within a community of intimacy and relationship and prays that we may be one just as He is One (John 17:20-23).
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The quest for intimacy and for connection is in the DNA of God.
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God has a passion to be connected with His creation.
3. Understanding God’s character helps us to understand why He pursues the fallen, broken, and wounded in the way that He does. 4. It also helps us to understand why God enlists us, because God wants an army of people who illustrate His heart and passion of bringing people into His presence. We serve as channels and vessels through whom God can speak His truth and grace.
5. We are an extension of the passion of God.
6. God says, “My people are bent to backsliding, but how can I give you up? How can I surrender? I will not surrender you! My love for you is enflamed and I will not give you up!” (Hosea 11:7-8).
7. Beneath all attributions of God is His love. (John 3:16)
8. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are committed to doing amazing work in the lives of people who are brought into the presence of God through the labor of counselors, ministers, worship leaders, and all who labor selflessly to bring people to God.
III.
How God Brings People into His Presence A. God chooses to use people to bring others closer to Himself. People like Hosea…and people like us as Christian counselors.
B. The Example of Hosea 1. God worked through Hosea in an amazingly, marvelous way, and He chose Hosea as a vessel through whom He was going to prove His love for Israel. 2. Hosea was called upon to provide Israel with a pictorial real life illustration of the inexhaustible, in-spite-of, imitative, insisting nature of the love of God. •
It is an Inexhaustible Love (goes back again).
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It is an In-Spite-Of Love.
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It is an Imitative Love (love just like the love of the Lord).
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It is an Insisting Love (demands for what you shall do and not do).
3. God is a God who has standards and gives commandments. But, God is also a God whose love is inexhaustible and who seeks to save those who are lost.
C. Our Role as Christian Counselors 1. It is our special privilege to be a channel through which God can express His love, grace, and message of redemption. 2. No one has the answer for everything, but we can bring people to the “rock that is higher” than they are, which brings peace and healing.
IV.
Connecting People to the Presence of God A. Before we start to seek to lead people to this Rock and bring people into the presence of God, we need to make sure we have experienced God ourselves. 1. It is difficult to give people something we don’t have.
2. We need to deepen our own experience with the presence of God in a very special way. 3. We need to be men and women of prayer, and we need to seek the presence of God as we build our relationship with Him.
B. We connect people to the presence of God through the Word of God. 1. As people read, memorize and personalize the Word, their minds will become clear to know and understand God’s will.
2. The Holy Spirit works through Scripture to reveal God’s truth to us.
C. We connect people by encouraging them to pray for wisdom that is not their own.
1. Solomon confesses feeling overwhelmed when preparing to become king. He felt unready to lead people (1 Kings 3).
2. Often times, it is a good idea for us and for those we are seeking to help to come to a point where we say, “We don’t know what the answer is or how to move forward, but God, You have wisdom and You said if anyone lacks wisdom they can ask of You and You will give it liberally.”
3. God wants to give us wisdom; we just have to ask for it.
D. We connect people through channeling God’s grace, love, and truth.
E. We connect people by instructing them in the spiritual disciplines for maintaining life in His presence. 1. Spiritual disciplines include reading the Word of God, prayer, meditation, solitude, fasting, and the practice of visualizing and personalizing His promises.
2. As mentioned earlier, there is a huge difference between trying and training.
3. There is a training program that is rigid and laid-out. We train daily and we repeat certain activities.
4. We need a willingness to be accountable. Hebrews 10 describes the life of the New Testament Church: •
Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.
•
Come together and consider one another, encourage one another, and provoke one another unto love and good works.
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”—Isaiah 6:5
F. Our experiences will be somewhat like Isaiah’s. But, it will be very, very different as well. When we start to feel a sense of fear, He will put His hand out to welcome us. We have nothing to fear because we are redeemed.
G. Think about getting out of bed in the morning as a wounded and damaged person, but going into the presence of God, because of what God Himself has done for us in Christ and through the Holy Spirit—it just doesn’t get any better than this!
Spirituality and Counseling: Resources and Personal Development
Ian F. Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Summary The spiritual development of both the counselor and counselee are important to the therapeutic process. Further, biblical aspects and resources should be applied to counseling. Scriptures form the basis of biblically based counseling, and the Scriptures need to be alive in the counselor in order to engage in biblically saturated counseling. The spiritual growth of an individual happens through the study of God’s Word. To incorporate Scriptures most effectively in counseling, one must follow certain guidelines as the Holy Spirit and Scriptures are purposed to empower the counselor and counselee. As a representative of Christ, the counselor must look for the hand of God in every counseling encounter and help others to see their situations from God’s perspective. Learning Objectives 1. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of spiritual growth and development. 2. Participants will examine the role of effective use of Scriptures, biblical meditation, prayer, and the Holy Spirit within counseling. 3. Participants will overview the biblical traits and spiritual disciplines in counseling.
I.
Spiritual Development A. The Counselor 1. Personal development: • Bring Scripture to life in the Christian counselor. 2. Practical application: • Apply biblical resources in counseling. B. History 1. Sometime in the year 386, Augustine and his friend Alypius were spending time in Milan. While outdoors, Augustine heard the voice of a child singing a song, the words of which were, "Pick it up and read it. Pick it up and read it." He thought at first that the song was related to some kind of children's game, but could not remember ever having heard such a song before. 2. Then, realizing that this song might be a command from God to open and read the Scriptures, he located a Bible, picked it up, opened it and read the first passage he saw. It was from the Letter of Paul to the Romans. Augustine read: “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”—Romans 13:13-14 “No further would I read, nor did I need; for instantly, as the sentence ended, —by a light, as it were, of security infused into my heart, —all the gloom of doubt vanished away.”—St. Augustine C. The Nature and Purpose of Scripture 1. AACC statement of faith: • “The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, inerrant and trustworthy Word of God, the complete revelation of His will for salvation of human beings, and the final authority for all matters about which it speaks.” 2. Scriptures form the basis of biblically based counseling. 3. The Scriptures need to be alive in you personally in order for you to engage in biblically saturated counseling.
D.
Spiritual Growth and Development 1. Christians are reborn spiritually. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”—2 Corinthians 5:17 2. We must deal with our sinful nature (Romans 6:1-14). 3. We need to grow spiritually, becoming transformed morally and spiritually. “That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”—Ephesians 4:22-24 4. Spiritual growth means studying the Word of God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16-17 5. Engage in a systematic study of God’s Word: • Examine (exegete) it. • Meditate on it. • Memorize it. • Apply it to our lives (James 1:22-25). 6. Functions of Scripture: • Convict us—exposes our sin. • Instruct us—teach us how to live like Christ. 7. The Word of God must: • Saturate or be active on our minds (Romans 12:1-2 and Ephesians 4:23). • Motivate or be active on our behavior (Romans 6:12-13 and 1 Timothy 4:7). 8. Our desire for God’s Word should be like a newborn baby. “Like newborn babies long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.”—1 Peter 2:2
II.
Making the Bible Come Alive A. Foundations 1. Read it.
•
• •
Devotional ➢ Macro—big picture ➢ Micro—meditation Exegetical Knowledge and memory “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” —Psalm 119:11
2. Engage it (conversation with God). 3. Meditate upon it (listening to God). • Prayer • The Practice of the Presence of God (book by Brother Lawrence) B. Requirements for Using Scripture Effectively in Counseling 1. Memorize the Word of God. 2. Translate Scripture into the language of the people. 3. Examine alternative views, commentaries, and translations of Scripture. 4. Exercise caution in the use of books on counseling. 5. Interpret Scripture. C. Tasks of Biblical Interpretation 1. Two tasks of biblical interpretation: • Exegesis • Hermeneutics 2. Exegesis: • Read the text carefully. • Ask the right questions: ➢ Context questions ➢ Content questions 3. Hermeneutics: • This normally refers to the whole field of interpretation. • Narrower sense: refers to contemporary relevance of the text. ➢ What does it mean for us now?
D. Biblical Meditation 1. Eric Johnson infers that Scripture has “soul-healing resources.” 2. Distinguish between: • Level one reading: Normal reading at an intellectual level; textbook reading; focus on meaning of themes and concepts. ➢ Essential for changing our thinking about God, the world, and our selfconcept. ➢ Knowing Christian truth intellectually is not enough; it needs to enter the heart (Hebrews 4:12,13). • Level two reading: Meditative, heart-level reading; being moved by it; needed for deeper soul transformation. ➢ Appropriating biblical meaning (received through level 1 reading) personally and experientially. ➢ It seeks to savor the truth. ➢ Foundation: recognizing that Christ himself is speaking into the soul through Scripture. ➢ Relational and prayerful, rather than just intellectual. 3. Why do level two reading? • Meditation is commended over 40 times in the Bible. • God designed the brains of humans to meditate and restore the soul. • The key difference to all other types of mediation is the focus on a triune God. “Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.” —Psalm 4:4 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”—Psalm 46:10 4. Four steps: • Prepare and “slow down” one’s mind and heart. • Read passages that touch your heart. • Understanding touches the heart. • Use Scriptural guided imagination. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”—Psalm 103:1-5
III.
The Power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit A. Scripture Empowers the Counselor “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”—Hebrews 4:12 1. Quick and powerful (ζῶν καὶ ἐνεργὴς): • Energes: active, energizing, effective, able to cause something to happen, powerful • Zoe: living (the word of the living God—Hebrews 3:12) 2. The power is personal (uniqueness of biblical power). • Living power (Hebrews 3:12) • God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) • The saving power and the spirit of power (Isaiah 11:2) 3. The effect of Scripture in the life of a Christian counselor can be profound. “When I share with my clients, I find Philippians finding its way into my words and dialogue as well as conversations with my friends and family…it just seems to come out.”—Jared B. The Holy Spirit “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”—John 14:26 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.”—John 14:16 1. Jesus revealed that God would provide “another Counselor/Helper” to be with us forever, the “Spirit of truth.” 2. Helper: parakletos—one called or summoned along the side of another to help; comforter; advocate; or intercessor. C. Characteristics of the Holy Spirit (John 14) 1. Comforter (advocate of Christ) 2. Counselor (intercessor)
3. Teacher 4. Reminder 5. Helper 6. Spirit of Truth 7. One who convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment D. Characteristics of the Filling of the Spirit 1. Evidence of faith • Galatians 3:2, 14 • John 7:39 2. Boldness and authority towards others • Acts 4:8 • Acts 4:29-31 • Acts 13:9-11 • Acts 9:17 3. Intercessory prayer to God • Romans 8:26-27 4. Service to others • Acts 6:3 5. Godly focus or divine perception (Stephen) • Acts 7:55 6. A joyful attitude • Acts 13:52 • John 4:27 • Philippians 4:7 • Colossians 3:15 7. Prompter and provider of speech • Matthew 10:18-20 • Luke 12:11-12
E. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) 1. Love, joy, and peace comfort and strengthen us. 2. Patience, gentleness, and goodness help us grow in our relationship with others. 3. Faithfulness, meekness, and self-control help us to become more like Christ in our actions. F. The Gifts of the Spirit 1. A message of wisdom 2. A word of knowledge and understanding 3. Wonder-working faith 4. Extraordinary powers of healing 5. Performing of miracles 6. Prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose) 7. The ability to discern and distinguish between the utterances of true spirits and false ones 8. Different kinds of tongues or languages 9. The ability to interpret tongues or languages 10. Service to others and helping 11. Teaching 12. Encouragement* 13. Giving 14. Leadership 15. Mercy 16. Apostleship
17. Missionary evangelism 18. Pastoring 19. Verses: • 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 • Romans 12:6-8 • 1 Corinthians 12:28 • Ephesians 4:11
IV.
Christian Character A. Relationship with God and Service to Others1 1. We develop godly qualities through: • Biblical traits o Biblically-identified manifestations of an inward faith in God • Spiritual disciplines 2. Classical church practices are revealed in Scripture and are designed to strengthen a person by the power and presence of God. B. The Biblical Traits in Counseling 1. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol • 1 Corinthians 13 • Galatians 5:22-23 2. Living by the Spirit • Galatians 5:16, 25 3. Longing for God • Psalm 10:17 • Psalm 73:25-26 4. Walking with the Lord • 1 John 1:7 5. Using the armor of God • Eph. 6:10-18
6. Knowledge of God's Word • Josh. 1:8 • Psalm 119 7. Work towards biblical goals • Matthew 6:31-34 • Luke 16:17 8. Giving God the glory • Numbers 14:11-20 • Philippians 1:11 9. Pure in heart • Matthew 5:8 10. Knowing self • Romans 12:3 11. Renewed mind • Romans 12:2 12. Thoughts obedient to Christ • 2 Corinthians 10:5 13. Wisdom • Proverbs • Colossians 3:16 • Ephesians 1:17 14. Discernment • Philippians 1:9-11 15. Prayerful attitude • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 16. Thankfulness • Colossians 3:12-17 17. Hope • 1 Corinthians 13:13
18. Humility • Philippians 2:3-5 • Ephesians 4:2 • Colossians 3:12 • 1 Peter 5:5 19. Self-giving • Philippians 2:5-11 20. Endurance • 2 Timothy 3:10-11 • 2 Timothy 4:5 21. Hunger and thirst for righteousness • Matthew 5:6 22. Biblical morality • James 1:22-25 23. Not practicing worldliness • Romans 12:2 24. Integrity • 1 Kings 9:4 25. Truthfulness • Ephesians 4:25 26. Acceptance • Romans 15:16 27. Respect • John 4:1-15 28. Compassion • Colossians 3:12 29. Meekness • Matthew 5:5 • Matthew 11:28-30 30. Merciful • Matthew 5:7
31. Empathy • Hebrews 4:15 32. Forgiveness • Ephesians 4:32 33. Ability to relate well to others 34. Approachable • 1 Timothy 3:1-3 35. Able to teach • 1 Timothy 2:24 • 1 Timothy 3:2 • 2 Timothy 1:13-14 36. Giving comfort and encouragement • 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 • Psalm 10:17 37. Avoiding quarrels • 2 Timothy 2:23-26 38. Peacemakers • Matthew 5:9 • James 3:18 39. Holding others accountable • Matthew 18:15, 16 40. Confrontation • Matthew 18:15-17 • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 41. An example to those served • 1 Timothy 4:12 C. The Spiritual Disciplines in Counseling 1. Prayer • Matthew 6:5-13 • 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
2. Listening prayer • Psalm 130:5-6 • 1 Samuel 3:8-10 3. Praise • Heb. 13:15 4. Scripture: counselor pro-active • 2 Timothy 3:14-17 • Colossians 3:16 5. Obedience • Philippians 2:5-8 • 1 John 5:3 6. Listening and guidance • Ecclesiastes 3:7 • Matthew 13:9, 13 • 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 • James 1:22 7. Being an example • 1 Timothy 4:12, 16 • 1 Peter 5:3 8. Maintaining purity • Romans 12:1-2 9. Thought life • Philippians 4:8 10. Discernment • 1 John 4:1, 6 • Hebrews 5:14 11. Confession/repentance • Psalm 51:1-3 • Acts 20:21 12. Accountability • James 5 • Hebrews 10, 13
13. Growth • Philippians 3:12 14. Wisdom • James 1:5 15. Agape love • 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 16. Compassion • Matthew 9:36 • Hebrews 13:16 • James 1:27a 17. Forgiveness • Ephesians 4:32 18. Service • Matthew 20:26-28 • 1 Peter 4:10 19. Caring • Luke 10:34-35 • 1 Timothy 3:5 20. Ministering to all needs • Matthew 25:31-46
V.
Shifting Your Focus A. Overview 1. What is your primary focus in a counseling session? 2. Look for the hand of God in every counseling encounter. • You are God’s representative in counseling. • Be in constant communication. • Help others to see a situation from God’s perspective. B. The Spiritual Development of a Counselor 1. Stage one counselor: “What do I say next?”
• • • •
“I don’t want to appear foolish.” Focus: self Primary attitude: fear and insecurity Engagement level: mechanics
2. Stage two counselor: “What does the counselee need from me?” • “I want to be able to help.” • Focus: Other • Primary attitude: concern and information • Engagement level: techniques and applied theory “The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: life is a story about me.” —Donald Miller 3. Stage three counselor: “Where is God working in this situation and how does He want me to proceed?” • “God is present and this is a divine appointment. What is His Word for this moment?” • Focus: God and His Word • Primary attitude: anticipation and expectation • Engagement level: wisdom “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”—Proverbs 2:2-6 C. Changing Perceptions in Marriage 1. What are you focusing on? • That which is precious? • Or that which is worthless? 2. What does the Bible tell us to focus on? “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.”—Ecclesiastes 9:9 “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be exhilarated always with her love.”—Proverbs 5:18-19
D. Prayer in Counseling 1. Various types of prayer are found in Scripture, and some are germane particularly to a counseling context. 2. Prayer as practicing the presence of God: • Brother Lawrence, the 17th Century Carmelite lay brother, suffered from depression for ten years before finding peace through practicing the presence of God. • He experienced the most profound joy in prayer, not while engaging in formal daily devotions, but while doing his chores as a cook. • “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer,” said Brother Lawrence. • “And I make it my business only to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I keep myself by a simple attention, and a general fond regard to God, which I may call an actual presence of God; or, to speak better, an habitual, silent, and secret conversation of the soul with God, which often causes me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, and prevent their appearance to others.” 3. Prayer of thanksgiving: • Prayers of thanksgiving for the work of God can be offered in counseling (Psalm 50:23). • As we are blessed with God’s healing in counseling, we need to be careful always to give a prayer of thanks and praise to God. • Of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, only one returned to thank Him and receive His blessing. “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” —Colossians 4:2 “While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?’ And He said to him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.’”—Luke 17:11-19
4. Prayer of confession and pardon: • Through prayer, we can confess our sin, which lies at the root of our failings (Luke 18:13). “Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.”—Psalm 51:4 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”—Psalm 51:10 5. Prayer of blessing: • Prayer can invoke a blessing of peace and protection (Numbers 6:22-27). 6. Prayer of petition, intercession, and supplication: • Through prayer, we can present our requests to God (1 Samuel 1:17, Matthew 6:11-13, and Luke 1:13). • We can intercede for others (2 Corinthians 9:14), as Jesus does for us (Luke 22:32, 23:34, John 17:1-26, and Hebrews 7:25). • We can pray for clients who are sick (James 5:14-16), and for freedom from bondage for Christians who suffer for their faith (Acts 12:5). • We can offer a prayer of supplication or entreaty for an urgent need (1 Timothy 5:5 and Hebrews 5:7). • We can even pray for those who wish to harm us (Proverbs 25:21-22, Matthew 5:44, and Luke 6:27-28, 35). 7. Prayer for the right words and opportunity: • Paul asked for prayer on his behalf that he might have the right words to say in proclaiming the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19) and for open doors of opportunity (Colossians 4:3). • Have you ever been in a counseling session when you are caught for a loss of words? • Pray when you need an immediate answer in a situation, such as when Nehemiah was asked by King Artaxerxes why he was so disconsolate (Nehemiah 2:4) or Peter’s cry of help when he was sinking (Matthew 14:30). 8. Prayer of contemplation and listening: • Prayer is not a monologue. It is a two-way street, but a primary component is the importance of listening to God. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”—John 10:27 “Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’”—1 Samuel 3:10
9. Prayer of protection: • Vigilance and prayer are needed to protect us from the temptations of this world (Mark 14:38). 10. The power of prayer: • Counseling without prayer is like running without oxygen. • Through prayer, God communicates to us hope and confidence, guidance and assurance, love and presence. • Tertullian said that prayer “amplifies grace” as it nurtures and illuminates our faith and understanding. E. Summary 1. Biblically based counselors must engage and apply Scripture in all areas of their personal life. 2. Biblically based counselors must recognize Scripture as living and powerful in its authority and truth. 3. Biblically based counselors must embrace a biblical worldview. 4. Biblically based counselors must engage and apply the resources of authoritative Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) in their counseling practice. 5. Biblically based counselors must continually grow in spiritual maturity and faith. 6. Biblically based counselors must pray continually, being in constant communication with the Spirit of God.
Endnote 1Kevin Scott Forrester, “Determining the Biblical Traits and Spiritual Disciplines Christian Counselors Employ in Practice: A Delphi Study,” Ph.D. Dissertation (Fort Worth, Texas: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2002).
Professional Ethics in Mental Health Coaching
Matthew Stanford
Summary A code of ethics is very important and the speaker goes through the mental health coaching Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains statements on faith, the professional role and responsibilities of a mental health coach, as well as the client – coach relationships. The speaker goes through how to be an ethical mental health coach and the ethical decision-making process.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn the functions of a code of ethics 2. Participants will look at the mental health coaching Code of Ethics 3. Participants will learn what it is to be an ethical mental health coach
I.
Introduction A. Functions of the Code of Ethics
1. To safeguard the care of your client •
To build trust
•
Keep the client safe and healthy
2. To outline the ethical conduct with the profession 3. To help define the standard of practice
B. The mental health coach Code of Ethics
C. What it is to be an ethical mental health coach
II.
The Code of Ethics
A. Section on Faith
1. Mental health coaches consider the Bible to be the final authoritative basis for faith, values and ethics 2. Mental health coaches maintain committed, intimate and dedicated relationship with local body of believers 3. Mental health coaches recognize and uphold inherent God-given worth and dignity of those they serve 4. Mental health coaches maintain Godly standards of personal conduct
B. Section on Professional Role and Responsibilities
1. Mental health coaches will represent themselves accurately in the interest of the client’s welfare. Competent mental health coaches represent their qualifications fairly and accurately, correcting any misunderstandings clients may have about their qualifications 2. Mental health coaches will keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to mental illness and openly share this knowledge with their colleagues 3. Mental health coaches will recognize their boundaries of competence and provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by training or experience 4. Mental health coaches should be able to recognize when a situation calls for a response which exceeds what they are able to provide and to assist their clients in obtaining the professional services they need 5. Mental health coaches will never intimidate, threaten, harass, use undue influence, physical force or verbal abuse or make unwarranted promises and benefits to the individuals they serve 6. Mental health coaches will advocate for those they serve that they may make their own decisions in all matters when dealing with mental health professionals 7. Mental health coaches will respect the privacy and confidentiality of those they serve 8. Mental health coaches will be guided by the principle of self-determination for all and help those they serve to achieve their own needs, wants and goals
C. Section on Client – Coach Relationships
1. Mental health coaches will not enter into dual or multiple relationships that conflict with the interest of those they support 2. Mental health coaches will not engage in romantic or intimate activities with those to whom they are currently providing support or have worked with in a professional role in the past 2 years
3. Mental health coaches will not engage in business, extend or receive loans or receive gifts of significant value from those they serve 4. Mental health coaches are sensitive to human diversity and will not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate in discrimination of any form
III.
What it is to be an ethical mental health coach A. Ethical decision-making process:
1. Define problem or dilemma 2. Identify potential issues 3. Pray and consult scripture 4. Look at the Code of Ethics for guidance on the matter 5. Consider any applicable laws or regulation 6. Seek consultation from more than one trusted source 7. Brainstorm various possible courses of action 8. Determine consequences of various decisions 9. Decide on what appears to be best course of action
B. Things to make sure you do daily as a mental health coach:
1. Observe the Code of Ethics 2. Be accountable to local church and ministry staff 3. Practice ethical decision making 4. Love your neighbor as yourself
Boundaries and Violations I: Confidentiality, Abuse/Neglect and Homicide/Suicide Reporting, Consultation, and Referral
Jared Pingleton, Psy.D.
Summary Boundaries are a God-given necessity to define and protect ourselves and our relationships. Akin to physical property lines which define the parameters of a homeowner’s land, our boundaries let us and others know where we start and stop and where others start and stop in terms of responsibilities, privileges, limits, and much more. This course will present an overview of the essential boundaries involved in people-helping ministries.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to define and articulate the protective benefits to the ministry of people-helping of maintaining established procedures in each of these four areas: confidentiality parameters, reporting of abuse and/or neglect and potential harm to self and/or others, consultation, and referral. 2. Will be able to offer effective guidelines in each of the above four areas which will provide a “best fit” to the practices and environmental context of people-helping ministries. 3. Will be able to effectively provide direction to a people-helping ministry for specific concerns that may arise out of each of the areas of confidentiality, abuse and neglect reporting, consultation, and referral.
I.
Introduction This course will provide non-professional people-helpers with the necessary direction and understanding to protect themselves, the client, and the church setting in which they serve so they can provide the requested assistance in an effective and efficient manner. The essential boundaries which define, protect, and regulate the helping relationship are outlined and discussed. A person cannot confidently share their heart and intimate details of their personal life (thoughts, feelings, struggles, problems, etc.) and relationships without the assurance of emotional safety and the confidence that what they share will be customarily held in strictest privacy. There are however, reasonable and necessary limitations and exceptions to the nature and degree of that privacy in certain situations, as will be outlined in this course. Additionally, the appropriate boundaries pertaining to consultation and supervision and of making referrals to other helping persons or entities will be discussed.
II.
Definitions A. Confidentiality B. Abuse and/or Neglect Reporting C. Potential Harm to Self and/or Others Reporting D. Consultation/Supervision E. Referral
III.
Confidentiality A. General Practice Considerations: 1. What is the purpose of counseling program?
2. What is the population you serve: the community at large or your church only? 3. What age of client will you be working with (parameters regarding minors)? 4. What gender(s) of clients will you be personally working with (most churches suggest same sex clients only)? 5. What safeguards exist in the physical office setting (office personnel present, doors with windows, separate waiting area from the rest of the church offices, etc.)? 6. What limits are there on sessions (is the number of sessions limited or open ended)? 7. What presenting issues/client populations are acceptable? 8. What potential dual relationships are embedded in the specific people-helping relationships you are involved in?
B. Specific Practical Considerations:
1. Develop a full and clear disclosure statement for the client to sign and date prior to the first session (covering the specific issues which warrant a breach of confidentiality) to be discussed with the client(s) in the initial session 2. What are the church discipline procedures (if any) of the church you are serving and what are the implications of those pertaining to reporting of certain behavioral sins and the limits or exclusions of confidentiality? 3. When a confidentiality breach is warranted and/or mandated, discuss the matter directly with the client, including the suspected neglect and/or abuse of children, elderly, or disabled persons, as well as potential dangers of harm to self and/or others 4. On rare occasions, your records and/or testimony may be subpoenaed or court ordered to be released. Discuss with the client that subpoenas do not have to be complied with in many states (consult with an attorney), whereas court orders are issued by a judge and carry a consequence of contempt of court if not adhered to 5. Maintenance of records: written records/session notes are to be stored in a locked file cabinet in a locked room, and are to be shredded after 7 years. Electronic records
must be passcode protected on a secure server (several secure software programs and platforms for clinical record keeping exist), and erased after 7 years.
IV.
Consultation/ Supervision A. With the client’s written permission, a release of information form will permit you to consult with a pastor, health care professional, attorney, school official, attorney, etc. B. Everyone working with others needs supervision because we all have blind spots! There are three levels of supervision: 1. Formal supervision from a trained supervisor can be most helpful in improving your caregiving skills, enhancing your training, and developing your gifts 2. Group supervision is a time and cost efficient method to offer and receive assistance in your people-helping relationships • always recuse yourself if a colleague or fellow people-helper is seeking consultation with someone you know • only use first names • do not use any other identifying data/information about your client 3. Consulting with a colleague informally can be helpful to ensure quality care and to prevent potentially harmful outcomes so long as no identifying data is disclosed
V.
Referrals
A. No one can effectively help everyone! B. Sometimes the best way we can help someone is to refer them to someone else who is better trained, qualified, or suited for their particular needs C. Protect the client(s) from feeling rejected or abandoned (normalize the common place necessity of referral in the helping professions, minimize any shame or stigma); follow up with them if appropriate to see if they have connected with the referral and are satisfied with the treatment D. Having a signed release form can best facilitate the procedure
E. Utilize support groups, other ancillary resources F. Utilize various Christian referral networks G. Refer to the best specialized fit for the client and their needs: • counselors • social workers • psychologists • psychiatrists
Boundaries and Violations II: Dealing with Seductive, Suicidal, and Potentially Violent People
Jared Pingleton, Psy.D.
Summary
This course is designed to help Christian caregivers and people-helpers establish safe and appropriate ethical and interpersonal boundaries in dealing with seductive, suicidal, and people who are at risk for potentially violent behavior. Dr. Pingleton discusses how to avoid dual relationships, how to identify potentially dangerous people, and how to implement effective intervention strategies in order to maintain personal integrity and facilitate emotional safety and trust in your helping relationships.
Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to define and articulate the importance of ethical boundaries in care-giving ministries, and understand and incorporate effective guidelines for safeguarding him/herself and others against exploitative temptation and other forms of potentially unwise and/or destructive relational patterns in people-helping situations. 2. Participants will be able to recognize people with serious suicidal risk factors and provide those people with effective intervention. 3. Participants will be able to recognize people with homicidal and other dangerous behavioral patterns and implement effective strategies for keeping him/herself and others safe.
I.
Introduction
Even the smallest breach of integrity or failure to effectively manage and protect against client risk can be detrimental to your helping ministry and others’ lives. It has been wisely observed that prevention is always much easier and more effective than cure! In dealing with difficult issues and dangerous people, not only is the caregiver potentially at risk, but many times the safety of the client and/or others is also at risk. This course explains how to establish clear and healthy boundaries to protect the people-helper as well as other potential victims, how to identify and mitigate potential dangers or risks in a care-giving ministry, and how to effectively intervene to protect both oneself and the client.
II.
Dealing with Seductive People and Engaging in Dual Relationships
A. Basic Challenges of Setting and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries in People-Helping 1. Universality of temptation
2. Denial of personal vulnerability
3. Working with an attractive person and not dealing with one’s own needs healthfully
4. Personal justification and denial of harmful intent
5. Ignorance of and misjudgment about transference and counter-transference
6. Attachment and trust issues between people-helpers and clients
7. Unresolved emotional problems
8. Fantasy of unfulfilled intimacy
9. Isolation
10. Lack of accountability
11. Insufficient/inadequate supervision
12. Pride
B. How to Safeguard Against Potential Dual Relationships 1. Strictly abide by ethical standards (which expressly prohibit engaging in two or more roles with a client that may potentially harm the client and/or the therapeutic relationship, including engaging in romantic, sexual, business, social, fraternal, familial, professional, and other dual relationships that may potentially exploit the client in some way – see the AACC Code of Ethics here: https://www.aacc.net/wpcontent/uploads/2017/10/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf). 2. Never see a member of the opposite sex alone; or at least ensure that office personnel are nearby during sessions, that your door has a window, etc. 3. Presume that you are inherently vulnerable [everyone is at certain times and in
certain ways], and develop healthy accountability/supervisory relationships with whom you regularly consult. 4. If necessary, refer client elsewhere.
III.
Dealing with Suicidal People **see: “How to Develop an Effective Suicide Awareness and Crisis Response Ministry” in The Struggle is Real: How to Care for Mental and Relational Health Needs in the Church, Drs. Tim Clinton and Jared Pingleton (Editors), WestBow Press, 2019.
A. Prevalence of Suicide (129/day in US) B. Complexity of Suicidal Dynamics (many apparent motives, reasons) C. Spiritual Issues/Questions (suffering, meaning of life, negative God-concept, eternality, etc.)
D. Suicidal Intervention
1. Begin all counseling with an assessment of suicidal risk: • Do they have a plan? • Is it lethal? • Is it available, accessible? 2. Assess factors contributing to seriousness of risk.
E. Chronic suicidality - non-violent, depressed, and/or hopeless person 1. Communication of intent and denial of intent (verbally, letter) 2. History of anger, rage, or assaultive behavior 3. Seriousness of attempts (lethality potential) F. Situational suicidality - past suicidal threats/attempts 1. Recurrent, obsessive thoughts of worthlessness/hopelessnes 2. Problems in mental functioning, catastrophic thinking 3. Mood disorders 4. Sleep and appetite disturbances 5. Isolate and remove themselves from pleasurable activities/relationships 6. Physical complaints 7. Marked changes in personality and behavior 8. Environmental stress 9. Traumatic loss, impacted grief 10. Passive aggression
G. What to do for intervention: 1. Discuss suicide openly – normalize the feelings and thoughts.
2. Expand their support system: get friends and family involved.
3. Introduce alternative thinking and options.
4. Act assertively – get medical help if necessary: call 911.
5. Remove access to lethal weapons, methods of self-harm.
6. Contract for no suicide and community care.
7. National suicide hotline is 800-273-TALK.
IV.
Dealing with Physically Assaultive and/or Homicidal People
A. Identify Homicidal/Assaultive Behavior
1. Serious and direct threats against others
2. History of assaultive behavior, legal history, restraining orders
3. Predisposing and arousing triggers
B. Treatment for Violent and Potentially Violent People 1. Emphasize consequences of acting out behavior—is impulsive, amygdala-driven.
2. Talk directly about options to restrain their hurt, fear, rage, etc. 3. Be concerned about weapons and access to weapons. 4. Make sure you have a way of escape and ongoing physical safety. 5. Never meet alone – make sure someone else is nearby. 6. Warn police and/or intended victim if necessary. 7. Call 911 if threat is imminent.
When Helping You is Hurting Me: Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue
Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min.
Summary This program of training mental health coaches is so important as we are facing an unparalleled crisis in mental health. We will take a look at the role and responsibilities of a mental health coach. We have the privilege of a relationship with God and being the presence of God to a hurting world. We have an ethical responsibility to avoid burnout and take care of oneself, in order to continue to help others.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn how a Mental Health Coach imitates God. 2. Participants will learn the responsibilities of a Mental Health Coach. 3. Participants will understand the cautions when coming alongside hurting people.
I.
Introduction A. Why are mental health coaches needed? 1. We are facing an unparalleled mental health crisis 2. There is a shortage of mental healthcare professionals 3. There is a need for a Physician extender •
Take a page from the book of the medical field
B. Why the Church? 1. The church is the best place to go 2. We are to be imitators of God
II.
Role of the Mental Health Coach A. Ways in which we imitate God: 1. Imitate God in His tenderness •
Example of Isaiah 42:3, bruised reed and smoldering wick
2. Imitate God in His wisdom 3. Imitate God in His love •
Example of Hosea and Gomer
B. How do we imitate God? 1. Stay close to God •
He is our Source
•
He gives clarity to our calling
•
He gives comfort so we can comfort others
•
He opens a door of hope amidst suffering
2. “Consider one another” in the Church •
Romans 15:14
•
Spur one another on, offer encouragement and truth
3. Study Scripture
III.
•
Example of Paul and Timothy
•
Example of Barnabas
Responsibilities of the Mental Health Coach
A. How to treat hurting people: 1. Let them know you are in for the long haul 2. Express emparthy and compassion 3. Seek the best for them 4. Speak Truth
B. Cautions as you come alongside hurting people: 1. Must have sensitivity about your own limitations 2. Know that you cannot control another human being 3. Must be aware of your own temptations 4. Boundaries 5. Helping people can become addictive
C. Make sure as a mental health coach that you: 1. Are accountable 2. Are attune to the Holy Spirit 3. Steward your mind, emotions and relationships •
IV.
Pay attention to what you are paying attention to
Conclusion
Be the presence of God and a door of hope, but remember you have an ethical responsibility to make sure you take care of yourself so that you can continue to help others.
The Successful Coach: Managing Time and Staying Organized
Sandra Dopf, M.A.
Summary An unorganized office space (which includes a system for dealing with your flow of information), and a lack of effective skills for managing has the potential to stunt your ability to have a successful coaching practice. This lesson identifies the obstacles of being disorganized and not being able to use your time wisely, but also offers options to overcome them as well.
Learning Objectives 1. Participants will be able to develop an awareness of what is needed to have a welldefined office space and system for dealing with their “stuff”. 2. Participants will be able to understand the impact of being disorganized has on their success. 3. Participants will be able to create an office and time inventory to build a solid work foundation for their coaching practice.
I.
Introduction A. “Success is not a matter of luck, or an accident of birth, or a reward of virtue. It is strictly a matter of decision, commitment, planning, preparation, and careful execution. Success does not come to you; you go to it.” –Nido Qubein, President, High Point University
B. Jeremiah 29:11 1. It tells us that the Lord has plans for us to prosper and to successful and not to be destructive plans. 2. As coaches, we should also plan for success and to do so we need a plan. To not have a plan is to plan to fail. 3. Now it is time to also put some structure around your practice.
II.
Personal Desk Space A. Take a look at your desk and workspace. Is it organized and equipped to help you be the best and offer the best to others as their coach? Identify what you need to change to make it work better: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
III.
Causes for Having a Cluttered and Unorganized Work Space A. Not having the tools needed to set up your office to function well. 1. Desk and chair
2. Proper lighting
3. Computer (with filing system – folders, etc.)
4. In-box and Out-box/tiered trays
5. File cabinets and file folders
6. Calendar
7. Pens, paper, notepads, paper clips
8. Trash can and shredder
9. Printer and fax machine (or capability)
B. Not being intentional with creating a defined work space 1. If you do not value your space and work you will not see the importance of having a separate work space to go to when you work.
2. You will need to be creative and look at options to make a functional space and one that energizes you when you “go” to work.
C. Do you have a system for dealing with information as you receive the message or piece of paper? Ask yourself the following each time your hands or eyes receive information:
1. What do I need to do with it?
2. When do I need to take action with it?
3. Know where you are going to put it. DO NOT BE A PILE MOVER!
IV.
Systems for dealing with information A. Remember: If you do not know you have it, or you do not know where to find it, it has no value to you.
B. How will you create a system for dealing with each piece of paper information that touches your hands or desk?
C. How will you create a system for dealing with each piece of electronic information that comes across your computer?
D. Dress your office for success!
V.
Time Management A. We do not manage time – we manage ourselves.
B. What we do with each twenty-four hour period we are given is up to us to manage. •
Ephesians 5:15-16
C. The Lord has a plan for His time. Genesis 1:1-31 Genesis 1:1-31 If we do not take care of our work then we will not have the peace that comes with knowing we accomplished our work for that 24 hour period of time we have been blessed with.
D. “Time Robbers” 1. Franklin Covey identifies “time robbers” as those activities, events and circumstances that break into our day and steal our time or attention away from doing that which is important. •
Unexpected interruptions
•
Unrealistic time estimates
•
Unplanned phone calls
•
Your mistakes or the mistakes of others
•
Equipment failures
•
Poor communication
•
Socializing
•
Unwillingness to say no
•
Meetings
•
Surfing the web
2. How are you allowing “time robbers” to rob you of your time?
E. Reasons for procrastination 1. They sense no urgency in the activity, even if it is one of their highest priorities.
2. The activity may not be fun or pleasant.
3. The activity is outside of our comfort zone.
4. They fear failure in the performance of the activity.
5. They do not perceive the activity.
6. They lack the knowledge that is needed to do that activity now.
VI.
Time Inventory A. Use a Time Inventory Log to fill in how you spend each hour in your typical day. 1. Take the inventory everywhere you go for 7 days and every couple of hours, record what you did during the previous hours.
2. Circle every hour block that is an “elective” block of time where you have no weekly obligations. 3. Star the times you feel are “wasted” blocks of time, i.e. a day that you were on the phone for an hour just chatting.
4. Write down how you can replace some of your “elective” and “wasted” blocks of time with uses that reflect your greatest values, highest priorities and achieving your most important dreams.
5. Next, make a list of any activities you think you could delegate now or in the future. Then write a plan on how you can begin to delegate each activity with a deadline for accomplishing that plan.
SUN 6:00 AM 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 Midnight 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00
MON
Time Inventory Log TUE WED
THU
FRI
SAT
VII.
Create an Effective Priority Plan for Each Day A. “I have so much to do today; I couldn’t possibly do it all without three hours of prayer.” –Martin Luther
B. First priority: Pray and ask the Lord to guide your plans.
C. Spend a few minutes each night planning and prioritizing your daily tasks and activities for the next day. This simple system can be written on paper, a journal or a calendar. 1. Make a list of all the tasks that you would like to accomplish the next day without regard to priority. 2. After creating the task list, then list the tasks by priority.
3. Execute your day according to your priorities, rather than according to urgencies, lack of planning and procrastination. 4. Remember to “batch” your time for even more efficiency, for example:
5. Schedule your errands in a route that is based on proximity of one another
6. Return phone calls at a particular time of day
7. Save all of your filing until a certain time period
VIII.
Concluding Thoughts A. Time is your most valuable resource! 1. Unless your time is managed, nothing else can be managed.
2. If you time gets away from you, your coaching practice will slip away from you.
B. It is not only your knowledge and expertise that makes you successful. Those give us the capability to succeed. Opportunities represent our potential. What makes a difference in our level of success is how effectively we utilize the time we have available.
C. Today, begin acting like you are the CEO of your coaching practice with your office, your clutter and your time.
Bibliography/Reading List
Vetter, G. (2010). Fine it in 5 seconds. Bothel, Washington: Hara Publishing
Group. Covey, S. (1989). 7 habits of highly effective people. New York, New
York: Free Press.
Covey, F (2003). Powerful time management skills. Audio Books: EBookEE
Trauma and Abuse
Diane Langberg, Ph.D.
Summary Abuse has become more prominent in the United States, which indicates that the term “abuse” has been overused and misapplied at times. This undermines the reality and profound negative impact that abuse has on individuals and their relationships. Dr. Langberg will address sources of abuse, general responses to abuse, and normal trauma response patterns. Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson: 1. Participants will be able to be familiar with the different types of abuse that occurs in the United States today. 2. Participants will be able to understand the impact that abuse has on the lives of the victims. 3. Participants will be able to learn how Christians can respond to those victims in a healing way.
I. Types of Abuse A. Physical Abuse – using physical power to control, manipulate, or intimidate another person. • Between 25 and 30% of male and female children suffer physical abuse. • 31% of adult women in the United States will experience one episode of violence at the hands of a husband or partner. • More than 3 women are murdered daily by husbands or partners. • Pregnant women are more likely to be victims of homicide than to die from any other cause. • Physical abuse can occur, be terrifying, oppressive, and damaging even when physical evidence is not on the body.
B. Verbal Abuse – using verbal power to control, manipulate, or intimidate another person.
C. Emotional Abuse – the systematic tearing down of another human being by rejecting, ignoring, terrorizing, isolating, or corrupting them. • It is also the use of emotional power in a relationship to control, manipulate, or intimidate another person. • Emotional abuse is often more subtle, and often accompanies physical or verbal abuse.
D. Spiritual Abuse – the use of spiritual power, position, or information to control, intimidate or manipulate another person. • Always involves a distortion of the word of God • Always involves a distortion of the character of God
E. Sexual Abuse – any sexual activity – visual, verbal, or physical – engaged in without consent. • A child is never considered able to consent. • Most sexual abuse of children is perpetrated by a family member or someone known to the child. • In the United States, there are about 80,000 reported incidents of child sexual abuse each year. • One in five girls report being solicited for sex on the Internet prior to the age of 18. • 20% of men in the United States report being sexually abused prior to the age of 18. • At least 20% of women and 12% of adolescent girls have experienced sexual assault or rape during their lifetimes. • About 700,000 women are sexually assaulted each year in the United States, which equivocates to more than one per minute. • Close to 100,000 men are raped each year. • Two thirds of rape victims had a prior relationship to their offender. • 70% of reported assaults are committed against victims 17 years of age or younger. • Between 50 and 85% of American females will experience some sort of sexual harassment during their academic or working lives.
F. Rape – non-consensual sexual penetration obtained by physical force, by threat of bodily harm, or at a time when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to mental illness, mental retardation, or intoxication of some kind.
G. Sexual Harassment – any action occurring within the workplace whereby one person is treated as the object of another’s sexual prerogative.
II. The Impact of Abuse A. Duration, frequency, and intensity all impact the impact of trauma. • Untreated abuse can result in somatic problems. • Abuse of children causes stress that can disrupt early brain development and development of the nervous and immune systems. • Repeated abuse can teach a victim to “turn off” his/her emotions. • Problems stemming from abuse can impact relationships.
B. A Trauma Reaction to Abuse • There is an ongoing re-experiencing of the trauma. • There is a numbing of responsiveness. • There are ongoing increased arousal symptoms.
C. To be a victim means to be someone who has suffered from an injurious action.
D. To be a survivor means to be someone who has continued to function and learned how to prosper in spite of abuse.
III. How Can Christian Helpers Respond to Those Who Have Been Abused So That They Are Helped and Transformed? Learn from the Lord: A. They must first leave glory.
B. They must “become little.”
C. They must enter darkness.
D. They must bear the character of the Father, full of Grace and Truth.
E. They must not abandon those in need.
F. They must not lose perspective and allow their thinking to be distorted.
IV. Conclusion A. Isaiah 45:2-3 – “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.”
B. When one part of the body suffers, the entire body is affected. Suffering limits how life is lived.
C. The body of Christ must choose to be a sanctuary for the abused.
CRAS 103 Study Questions 1.
Discuss the similarities and the differences of physical, verbal, emotional, spiritual, and sexual abuse.
2.
Discuss children in regards to sexual abuse. Why would they never be considered able to consent?
3.
According to Dr. Langberg, duration, frequency, and intensity all affect the impact of trauma. Discuss these three factors regarding how each factor would impact a victim of abuse.
4.
5.
What are some of the spiritual implications of abuse that a victim may face?
Discuss the ways that Christian helpers can learn from the Lord in how to help victims of abuse obtain healing in their lives.
Best Practices for Trauma and Crisis Response: The First 24-48 Hours: Part I
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.
Summary The speaker walks students through what crisis is and how to best respond to people who have experienced a traumatic or crisis event. This spiritual and psychological first aid is described and helpful guidelines are given. The most important component for helping people in crisis is the Ministry of Presence. The speaker gives tips on how to make a vulnerable person in trauma feel safe and protected.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn what crisis and the crisis response are. 2. Participants will learn the guidelines for how to best help people in the first 48 hours who have experienced trauma. 3. Participants will learn about the Ministry of Presence and making people who have experienced trauma feel safe.
I.
Introduction
A. Spiritual and Psychological First Aid
1. When people experience trauma or unexpected loss, it can have a profound and long-term negative impact on a person •
Depression
•
Destruction
•
Addiction
•
Poor choices
2. These effects can be mitigated by the help of crisis responders •
Give hope
•
Offer stability
•
Support so that a person does not get stuck or make harmful decisions
B. Acute Stress Response
1. Fight, flight or freeze is the physical and psychological reaction to a perceived threat, harmful event, or dangerous situation 2. This is the emergency response system common to all mammals and designed by God 3. This is an unconscious instant reaction •
Stress hormones are released
•
Blood flow changes to essential functions
•
Prefrontal cortex goes offline so a person has impaired thinking, processing and language skills
•
Amygdala instinctively responds
4. REM stage sleep is required to recover from trauma 5. The “alarm” goes off and the body returns to normal typically within 48 hours
6. Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur if the “alarm” does not turn off after 30 days •
II.
Stress goes on for too long, and is no longer normal or helpful
Role of the Crisis Responder
A. Crisis Response
1. Definition: The compassionate and supportive presence by another person designed to mitigate the acute distress someone feels after a traumatic event 2. Assess and meet needs of the person in crisis 3. Provide essential supportive care 4. Link them with other support systems in the early aftermath of the traumatic event 5. Help spiritually emotionally and mentally
B. What is Crisis? 1. Examples: Disasters, shootings, terrorism, violent attacks, car accident or incident that causes injury or sudden and traumatic death, sexual violence, assault, death of child
2. Crisis is in “the eye of the beholder” •
This can vary from person to person
•
Examples include: Medical diagnoses, losing a job, pet loss, divorce
3. What helps people? •
Do not go in with preconceived notion on how a person should be reacting
•
Do not judge
•
Active listening
•
Practical acts of service
III.
Guidelines of Crisis Response
A. Ministry of Presence
1. Definition: Becoming the channel through which God’s presence is manifested through interpersonal relationships 2. To be fully with another person 3. Exhibiting comfortable non anxious presence while demonstrating God with us 4. The art of being 5. Know when to leave 6. Be warm, safe, accepting 7. Give undivided attention, take cues from the hurting individual, focus on their needs not yours
B. Psychological alignment
1. Meeting someone where they are, not expecting them to change how they are feeling 2. Do not argue 3. Do not minimize the problem 4. Validate their feelings 5. Establish connection and rapport 6. Step back if you don’t feel care or compassion for the person
C. Protection
1. Make sure someone is safe if they have impaired judgment
•
Heightened state of vulnerability
•
Might be homicidal or suicidal
•
Might not be responsible to care for themselves or others
2. How to make people feel safe: •
Ask if they feel safe and how to help them feel safe
•
Connect them with those who make them feel safe
•
Take practical steps
•
Appropriate physical touch
•
Deep breathing
•
Prayer and connection to God
Best Practices for Trauma and Crisis Response: The First 24-48 Hours: Part II
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.
Summary
In Part 1, we looked at what crisis is, how people respond to crisis, as well as some guidelines for a crisis responder. In Part 2, we look at the rest of the guidelines for crisis responders. Beyond Presence and Protection, other response interventions include Perception, Problem, Practical Assistance, Processing, Purpose, Preparation, and the love of God.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn the guidelines for crisis response. 2. Participants will learn the needs people have who have gone through a crisis. 3. Participants will learn how to come alongside people who have gone through trauma.
I.
The 10 P’s of Crisis Intervention
A. Presence B. Protection C. Perception 1. Perception is the ability and skill to assess the needs of a person who has experienced a crisis 2. What does a person need? •
Every person is different, as well as how they react and respond to an event
•
A group might see the same situation but all come up with a different assessment due to differences in age, religion, race, life experience and gender
3. A team approach is the best model for crisis intervention •
Team needs diversity
4. How do you hone your assessment skills? •
Common mistake many people make is to assess the critical incident rather than the person’s response to it
•
Look for psychological shock
•
Look for erratic, irrational, high risk behavior
•
Ask basic questions to assess functional impairment
•
Assess sleep
•
Look at Stressor, Impact, and Resources
D. Problem 1. What is the presenting problem that they will allow you to help them with? •
9 times out of 10 a person does not tell you the real problem off the bat
•
People often do not know why they are in pain
•
Don’t push if someone becomes resistant
•
Remember you cannot change the traumatic event, or fix what cannot be fixed
2. Psychological resilience – the ability to bounce back after a traumatic setback •
We are designed to heal, as well as psychologically
•
What people do in the aftermath of trauma can determine how well they recover
•
Healthy ways to cope: Music, sleep, exercise, and social support
•
Unhealthy ways to cope: drugs, alcohol, isolation
3. Post-traumatic growth – sometimes people grow spiritually and psychologically more from adversity E. Practical Assistance 1. Doing practical things to help a person in a crisis 2. Churches can help make lists of things to do 3. Often these are the things that people remember most 4. Sometimes a meal can turn into a conversation 5. Ask how you can help F. Processing 1. What happened and how it is impacting them 2. Most people do need to talk about a trauma, but only when they are ready and comfortable 3. Never force, coerce or push anyone to talk until they are ready 4. People’s trauma stories are sacred 5. Challenges •
Someone’s trauma could trigger your own experience or discomfort
•
Might try to fix the problem
•
You might try to compare their story
•
Over-spiritualizing
•
Caregiver voyeurism – don’t ask questions because you want to know what happened, ask them because they need to tell you.
•
Don’t take things personally
6. Some people need to talk a lot, some a little, some just once 7. Provide a safe environment for a person to say what they need to say, feel what they need to feel Needed for long-term recovery:
G. Purpose 1. People need to connect with the story of someone who has recovered from a similar trauma 2. People need hope 3. Recovery will have peaks and valleys H. Preparation 1. Must realize this is a journey, and times down the road could be difficult 2. Make sure there are companions for the journey 3. Connect them with others 4. When do you refer? •
If grief is complicated or symptoms get worse
•
If there are thoughts of suicide
•
If they are being harmed or might harm others
I. Love of God 1. Most important component
The Crisis of Suicide: Understanding it, Preventing it, and Supporting Survivors
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.
Summary Suicide is the most important topic in mental health. The danger of suicide means mental health professionals can lose a client or patient, so that risk is very high. This lesson will cover an overview of some of the most important things to know about suicide training. The speaker helps students understand the issue of suicide and who is at risk, suicide intervention, and how to support people who have lost a loved in the aftermath of suicide. National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-TALK
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will understand the issue of suicide, including statistics and demographics. 2. Participants will learn an overview of suicide intervention. 3. Participants will learn how to support people in the aftermath of a suicide.
I.
Overview
A. Understanding the Issue of suicide
B. Suicide intervention
C. How to help in the aftermath of suicide
II.
Understanding the issue of suicide
A. Statistics in 2018 for the US, released by CDC 1. The number of suicides in the US: 48,344 2. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death 3. 132 suicides every day 4. The estimated number of attempts: 1.4 million 5. There are 5 million living Americans who have attempted suicide 6. Methods •
Firearms 50%
•
Suffocation / Hanging 28.6%
•
Poisoning 12.9%
•
Other 8%
B. Demographics 1. Middle aged white males are most at risk 2. Suicide is on the rise in every age group •
Especially in children age 10-14
3. Females attempt suicide significantly more than males, but are not successful, due to method used 4. Lowest risk – Black women
C. Who is at high risk for suicide? 1. Substance abuse 2. Mental illness – •
Depression
•
Bipolar disorder
•
Personality disorders
•
Anxiety disorders - PTSD
3. Impulsivity 4. Dr. Joiner says someone must have: •
The desire to die
•
The ability to take their life
5. Perceived burdensomeness 6. Low belonging and social alienation 7. Thinking and rehearsing idea of suicide 8. Those who have history of non-suicidal self injury 9. Exposure to violence 10. Exposure to pain and violence in profession 11. Those who have been sexually or physically abused 12. Access to lethal means at time of consideration 13. Bullying 14. Prolonged stress •
Harrassment
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Job loss
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Relationship conflict
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Financial loss
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Legal trouble
15. Chronic pain condition or serious medical condition 16. Family history of attempted or completed suicide 17. Any previous suicidal attempts
III.
Suicide Intervention
A. What factors can foster resilence: 1. Receiving mental health care 2. Positive connection with family, peers and the community 3. Building skills and abilities to solve problems
B. Intervention ACT Model 1. A – Ask the Question •
Do not be afraid that you will put the idea in their mind
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Most people are relieved when asked
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Do not be embarrassed or afraid of the answer
2. C – Care •
Ask them to tell you more
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Listen to their story
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Have empathy and compassion
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Do not shame them or dismiss feelings
3. T – Tell Someone
IV.
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Confidentiality takes a backseat to safety
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Get help from supervisor or professional
How to help in the aftermath of a suicide
A. What does not help:
1. Over-spiritualization 2. Avoiding talking about tough issues 3. Minimizing pain 4. Preaching 5. Being overly positive 6. Simplistic answers
B. Do NOT 1. Say a loved one is in hell or condemned by God 2. Ask questions that imply blame •
Person is likely feeling anger, guilt or self-blame
3. Only talk about the way someone died rather than who they were or how they lived 4. Avoid the person struggling in the aftermath of suicide 5. Treat this as another type of grief
C. DO 1. Show up 2. Listen 3. Go to the funeral 4. Let them know you are there for them 5. Be patient 6. Recommend survivors of suicide support groups 7. Talk to a supervisor regarding your own beliefs or feelings regarding suicide 8. Help them find hope 9. Help them have faith in a God who loves them 10. Remind them of their sense of belonging 11. Help them find little things that bring joy
12. Offer grace and forgiveness
V.
Conclusion
A. Talk about suicide 1. The number one thing to stop the crisis of suicide is to talk about it openly and honestly 2. Talk about it before it happens, when it happens, after it happens 3. Talk about the risks and the pain
Conducting a Suicide Intervention: The Role of Ministry Leaders and Caregivers
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Summary In this session, Dr. Sibcy again utilizes the Safe-T method, but this time with an emphasis on the role of pastors and other lay caregivers in conducting a suicide intervention. It is of utmost importance that when a suicide risk is clearly present, referral systems are in place to get the atrisk parishioner to a trained clinician who can help.
Learning Objectives 1. Participants will name and describe each step of the five step Safe-T suicide intervention model. 2. Participants will understand important considerations for lay caregivers who encounter suicide risk. 3. Participants will view an example of referring to appropriate resources.
I.
Introduction A. Suicide Crisis 1. The risk is prevalent. 2. If you work with people in a caregiving role, you will likely encounter someone with suicidal thoughts and ideation who may be at risk for suicide completion. 3. This is true even if you are not working as a counselor. 4. Preparing for the instance of suicide threat is absolutely crucial to intervention outcome.
B. The Safe-T Method 1. Safe-T Five-Step Evaluation & Triage System for Suicide Assessment 2. Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). 3. Pay attention to significant stressors in your parishioners’ lives.
II.
The Safe-T Method A. Step 1: Recognize an Individual’s Risk Factors
B. Step 2: Compare Risk Factors with Existing Protective Factors
C. Step 3: Inquiry 1. Assess the client’s state of mind with respect to attachment, history, ideation. 2. The three factors to balance are risk, protective factors, and suicide state of mind. 3. As a lay clinician, it is important to be ready to recognize when someone needs help, and be prepared to plug them in to help.
D. Step 4: Determine a High, Medium, Or Low Level of Risk
E. Step 5: Document an Implement a Treatment Plan: What You Did, Why You Did It, and How You Did It. 1. Try to understand a person’s state of mind before trying to intervene. 2. If someone’s level of risk is high or moderate, getting them connected to someone who can intervene at a professional level is the immediate concern. 3. It is important to have a rich array of people who you can refer to and understand their processes. •
You will want to know who has a long waiting list and who leaves space in their schedule for emergency clients.
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Get contact information and have it readily available.
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Understand how to access the local Emergency Room and what their procedures are.
III.
Role Play 1 A. Background
B. Role Play
C. Review
IV.
Role Play 2 A. Background
B. Role Play
C. Review
V.
Role Play 3 A. Background
B.
Review
Ro le Pl ay