Neumann University
PCC Newsletter December, 2014
Having been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) for the past seven years, changes implemented by the organization are now reflected in revisions within Neumann’s first graduate program, the Master’s in Pastoral Counseling. One revision requires a new title for the Master’s program. CACREP recently dissolved the category Community Counseling under which the program was originally accredited. The category is now Mental Health Counseling and the Master’s program will reflect this with the name, Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling. While longer the title does reflect the core clinical aspect of the program in that the main focus psychologically is its emphasis on an approach grounded in developmental theory rather than the medical model and its holistically focused approach. Another revision involves the number of credits needed for degree completion. CACREP has increased the required total to 60. In actuality, most students have been acquiring this number of credits already before their matriculation, some even delaying collecting their diploma until this number.is reached. Several reasons have driven the change. Many states which license graduates as professional counselors demand a total of 60 credit hours before applying for licensure. Such is the case with PA, NJ and MD, from which many of our students come. Another factor is that in recent years no funding, loans and otherwise, can be applied to post-graduate courses.
The necessary revisions to increase the degree requirements to 60 credits will go into effect in Fall, 2015 for all students entering from that point forward. The changes include the increase of credit value for courses, previously offered as two credits and now three, and the move of former electives into required three credit courses. The decision on which electives to list as required mirror contemporary issues which have come to the fore as important areas of learning for the counseling professional. The added courses with the scheduled time for them to be offered, beginning Summer, 2015 follow: PCC 785-A: Addictions Counseling will be first offered in Summer 15 — Dr. Sophia Park; PCC-789-A: Trauma and Crisis will be first offered in Summer 15 — Suzanne Mayer, ihm; PCC-782-A: Research Methods will be offered in the Fall, beginning with 2015 — Dr. Jim Houck;
I N S ID E T H IS IS S U E :
Alumni in PC/SD Shine PCC-786-A: Multicultural Counseling will be offered each Spring PC Lead Prayer at AAPC beginning 2016 — Dr. Beth Toler;
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4 PCC-780-A: Psychological Testing Five December Graduates will be first offered in Summer Introducing Sr. Diane, osf 5 2016;
PCC-781-A: Career Counseling will be offered in Summer 2016 for three credits as it will just have been completed in Spring 2015.
AFCULooks Back, Forward
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News from the Profession
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More PCC Graduates
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When Ronaldo Tello-Marzol came to the U.S. from his native Peru more than a decade ago as a member of the Peace Corp, little did he know where his service, studies and dedication would take him. Early on Ronaldo’s investment in Hispanic immigrants from various parts of the world placed him in St. Paul’s parish in Wilmington where he taught English and then on to Neumann University where he matriculated as an undergraduate in 2007, went on to complete the Master’s in Pastoral Care and Counseling in 2009, and is currently studying in the Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling.
While teaching English as a second language as part of the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry, he noted how lacking public media were for the persons he served. Most recently, Tello-Marzol was honored as the Trailblazer Businessperson of the Year at the recent Hispanic Choice Awards in Philadelphia. The award was presented as a consequence of his editorial and entrepreneurial skills for bringing into existence Delaware Hispano, a journal which just published Issue 23, whose mission is “to inform, educate, entertain, empower and inspire Hispanic individuals and families and serve as a resource to their advancement.“ Speaking of his creation, Tello-Marzol stated that “This is just a gap that needed to be filled,” noting that some 74,000 Hispanics officially living in Delaware and many more “living in the shadows” need such a venue to be “touched and motivated,” and to become more informed. Christine Cannon, director of a fund supporting “Hispanic well-being,” credits the editor with creating ”an incredible mechanism for the community to be tied into what is going on throughout Delaware.” Along with Ronaldo, his wife Maria Natividad, assists with the publication. They are joined by their two daughters as one of the Hispanic families living in the Newark area.
It has been over four years since Kevin Martin participated in the academic training to become a spiritual director. He shares how he balances being “an ordinary man by day, and a spiritual minister at night.” In the four and a half years since I completed my required studies for my Master’s degree in Spiritual Direction at Neumann University, I am very much involved in my spiritual direction ministry. The reason I used the term required studies is that I don’t believe a person is ever “done studying” in this ministry. I am continually inspired by Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen, as well as St Theresa of Avila, Blessed John Dun Scotis and St. Francis of Assisi. Along with sacred scripture, these folks are my spiritual inspiration heroes. I call myself a weekend spiritual warrior because I still have a traditional job during the week and engage in SD on Saturday mornings in my parish at St. Columbkill RC church in Boyertown, PA. I currently am working with six directees, one of whom is an original from my practicum days. I find this ministry to be very fulfilling for it is a great privilege and honor to accompany my directees on their spiritual journey. To accomplish this I must be on my game 100% of the time: listening with not only my ears but with every fiber of my being. This has taught me that my own personal prayer life is an important component, if not the most — continued on next page
Page 3 “When the Japanese mend broken objects they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautful.” (Billie Mobayed)
“Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed everyday, for this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison...” (2Corinthians 4:15)
From AAPC Atlantic Region for three of the Neumann M.S, PC students re. Conference Opening Prayer Presentation We are grateful to Neumann students Clare Chakey, John Schaal, and Mary T. Trotter for opening our conference on Saturday with a beautiful reflection on our brokenness and resilience as humans as it relates to the work of pastoral counselors. They attended the conference as part of a group of 10 students with Dr. Wally Fleming and Dr. Beth Toler, and S. Suzanne.
important component to my ministry. The reward I receive for this is the trust that I gain from each directee and the permission I am given to accompany them on their very personal spiritual journey. Maintaining regular visits to my own spiritual director is also a great way for me to maintain a healthy perspective on the process. Another aspect of my SD training from Neumann is my work with Dr. Len DiPaul and the Men without Homes retreat at the Malvern Retreat House. This coming year will be the fifth year that Len, myself, and several other Neumann graduates, along with the folks from Malvern Retreat Center will work with approximately 45 formerly homeless men who reside at St. John’s Hospice and The Bethesda House. This two day, one night event is an encouonter that will be forever etched in my mind. It is for me a tremendous experience and an awesome privilege to work with these men, who like us, are children of God. Their lives and their choices took them down roads that led to much turmoil and misfortune. With my own personal development and SD training at Neumann. I am able help in a small way for a few hours. One of the aspects of the ministry of SD, at least what I have discerned, is that I have not encountered many young folks interested in SD. Two years ago I answered a request by Dr. Eileen Flanagan to help her at a Neumann health fair. Our table asked the students who stopped by to fill out a short personal spiritual assessment sheet that they took with them when finished. The response was tremendous. Many students came by and participated. Hopefully, on that day we sowed seeds that one day will blossom into a realization that to find God in their lives they need not look up, but look in.
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While they will walk in May —
Five students finishing in December recall student days Nakupenda , Neumann (I love you Neumann! My journey of 8000 + miles was worth the while. Having migrated from Kenya to the U.S. to find better opportunities for myself and family, even during hard times I stayed optimistic, believing that when the time was right the good things would happen. They began to do so when I came David Bulindah to Neumann. Who would have thought a child with humble African roots could succeed in graduating with an M.S. in Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling from such a prestigious university? The most humbling and personally unique experience I had was with the University President, Dr. Mirenda. Up to today I still think she has a “Neumann-ometer” for one day when I met her in Philadelphia, she recognized me and called me by my name. I am still in awe. Since I met Sr. Suzanne Mayer at an Information session, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. The passion for my studies and the charisma that everyone had in class formed experiences I will always treasure. Learning how to integrate my theological and psychological aspects as a counselor has been a priceless experience. This has whet my appetite for further studies and has laid a foundation that is unshakable. I look forward to a very promising future knowing that the promises that S. Suzanne gave me during my information session were true and have been fulfilled. That Neumann University has a Franciscan element was something I am proud to claim. The dignity of God’s creation is an African value that was enforced in me that grew even deeper. I was able to go inside myself courageously and find that person who God created me to be . What a wonderful discovery.! I would like to thank all those who were part of this beautiful journey. Asanteni Sana as I continue with my journey I am very optimistic
and confident that I will succeed. I feel like the house that was built on solid ground and is unshakable. ______________________ There is nothing more validating then to see how the work you have done has affected someone in a positive manner. During my clinical work I have seen the impact that I have had on the lives of others. In a short period I have made great progress as well as formed great counselor-client relationships with the individuals that I had the opportunity to see on a regular bases. This was very enriching seeing that my clients faced so many problems because of their disabilities. Tyrone Friend As I have matured so has my way of thinking and the way that I would like to be remembered. I am sure I will never be remembered for scoring the winning basket or touchdown in a championship game, for being an Oscar winning actor, nor will I be celebrated for winning a Nobel Peace Prize. What I hope to be remembered for is as a great counselor whose work with his clients showed that he was compassionate, empathetic, and caring. When reflecting on my time at Neumann, I would have to say it was a great experience. During my time at Neumann, I have gained much confidence and learned so much about myself as a person. Being a part of the Pastoral Care and Mental Health program was very enlightening, I have learned so much and have no doubt that my time in the program has equipped me with the tools needed to be an effective counselor. This has truly been my family for the last two and a half years. Members of the department as well as my classmates have been welcoming, kindhearted, and seem genuinely to care. Although I am sad to turn the page on this chapter in my life, I am looking forward to what is next. — continued on page 8
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Franciscan Scholar —
Shares passion for passing on her tradition S. Diane Tomkinson, osf joined the faculty at Neumann University in August 2013, as an Associate Professor of Theology in the Department of Theological and Pastoral Studies. She currently teaches undergraduate theology courses and foundational courses in Franciscan theology for the Master’s and Doctoral programs in Pastoral Counseling. Beginning in January of 2015, S. Diane will assume responsibilities as coordinator for the graduate program leading to the newly titled certificate in Spiritual Formation and Direction. S. Diane shares some of her background. I grew up in Connecticut but have been an itinerant Franciscan since my early twenties. I entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, the sponsoring congregation of Neumann University, in 1985 and have since ministered or studied in PA, DE, D.C., S.C., NYC/Bronx, VT, RI, MA and now back in PA! (I also did some of my doctoral research in Paris and Italy). As one of my friends commented: “Join the convent; see the world!” I am passionate about retrieving, living and passing on the Franciscan theological and spiritual tradition, in my life as a sister and in my ministry as a teaching theologiOne of my friends says of my life an. in community: After ten years serving in New England, I am happy to be back in Aston “Join the convent teaching at Neumann and sharing local community life and prayer with four of my and see the world.” Franciscan sisters at our nearby Tau Convent. (S. Diane confesses to an With the early “embarrassing tidbit: the “vocations” link on our congregational website Franciscan women, www.osfphila.org includes a clip of me recounting my vocation story – as well as I can call myself a quick glimpse of my “other ministry” as a liturgical dancer at many of our conan “itinerant gregational celebrations. Franciscan.” My academic research, presentations and publications have focused primarily on the contributions of early Franciscan women, especially the late thirteenth-century mystic, Angela of Foligno. As part of a team of our sisters, I helped create the God’s Extravagant Love program, sharing the Franciscan theological tradition. I also serve as one of the moderators for Women in the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition, a network of scholars (women and men, vowed Franciscans and lay medievalists) who organize several sessions at the International Congress on Medieval Studies in Kalamazoo, MI each May. I am grateful for my studies with wonderful professors and peers at Fordham University (Ph.D. in Theology), Washington Theological Union (M.A. in Theology & Franciscan Studies) and Swarthmore College (B.A. in English Lit, Religion minor). My previous ministries have included family caregiving, formation ministry with new members of my congregation as Formation Director, teaching theology and religious studies at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, Middlebury College in VT and summer sessions at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY and Washington Theological Institute. In my first decade of religious life, I served in pastoral ministry in various settings, from a traveling campus ministry team for Swarthmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr and Harcum Jr. Colleges (“on the road again” for Jesus!), to parish ministry in Phoenixville, PA, Wilmington, DE and Lake City, SC.
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Stress Busters — and more
Honor Society combines outreach, psycho-education On November 20 when the Honor Society Executive and Alumni Committees met for their monthly meeting, they looked back to the recent past and ahead to the new year. The retrospective gaze fell on the series of workshops that Alpha Omega Nu (AONu) had conducted in partnership with the Wellness Center for undergraduate students experiencing high levels of anxiety or stress. Named “Stress Busters,” over the three Mondays of November, members of the Executive Committee were joined by students in the Pastoral Counseling program to lead groups of students in activities and exercises designed by Mr. Fritz Haas, M.S., a graduate of PCC, who directs the Wellness Center. Engagement in mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, guided meditation and journaling filled the exercise mats, floors and chairs of the Schmidt Room as undergraduates and other guests learned to breath in calm and breath out stress. Perhaps the favorite among attendees were the Yoga routines led by Stephanie Fortunato, PC 18 and teacher of Monday’s yoga classes [photos on right]. Plans to repeat “Stress Busters,” for two possible offerings are set for the Spring. Looking ahead, the Committee organized several key dates that will occur in the Spring semester. Shortly after the new year, candidates for admission into AONu will receive letters inviting them to consider membership. In order to give each a taste of what that provides, a “Get Acquainted Gathering” will be held Sunday, Feb 8 [see notice below]. Following the gathering, those who meet the national criteria and declare interest in being admitted will be contacted with directions for going forward. The installation of future officers and induction of new members will take place at the Spring Community Learning Evening (CLE) scheduled for the Wednesday of Holy Week, April 1 in the Franciscan Spiritual Center. At that time, along with a reflective time for all the PCC community, a ceremony Stephanie Fortunato, PC 18, works with a student on Yoga exercises will welcome and recognize those going forward with AONu. as a part of “Stress Busters.”
All Honor Society members — current and those who will be newly invited — are invited to gather on Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 2:00 through 4:00 to meet, share, become informed. A panel presentation on moving toward licensure in the Tri State area will be featured followed by fellowship and food. Watch for information re. invitations.
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On November 17 the National Board of Certified Counselors [NBCC] sent word of a “historic change,” one that will affect those looking to move toward certification by this organization. The change specifically applies to national certification applications received by NBCC after January 1, 2022. After this date, applicants must document completion of a master’s degree or higher from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is the organization accrediting the Master’s program at Neumann. NBCC states in its announcement that after years of deliberation and input, they are moving to this change noting that portability in licensure across all states and the need for universal educational standards to accomplish this is the driving force for the decision. In this age of mobility and cyber-counseling, the need for credentials that are recognized in different regions has become necessary. In emphasizing the importance of the decision and the reason to choose CACREP as the touchstone for the standards, NBCC notes that “We believe that embracing one accreditation will help resolve these issues. We also owe it to future counseling students to create a clear, consistent professional identity. This must begin with a specialized accreditation process that ensures a more uniform system for educating future counselors. Counseling has a specialized accreditation organization in CACREP. For over 30 years, CACREP has provided national educational standards that are developed from contributions from the entire profession, and these are regularly reviewed to enhance the continued development of the profession.”
PA Act 31 which will be activated on December 31, 2014 extends PA Domestic Relations Code 23 (PA C.S.) with Section 6383b which concerns education and training for all professionals identified as “mandated reporters,” including, of course, LPCs. The item that covers this training requires “all persons applying for a license or certification issued by the licensing board to submit documentation acceptable to the licensing board of the completion of at least three hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training. Training shall address, but shall not be limited to, recognition of the signs of child abuse and the reporting requirements for suspected child abuse in this Commonwealth.“ For those already licensed, the General Assembly has determined that each LPC will “submit documentation acceptable to the licensing board of the completion of at least two hours of approved continuing education per licensure cycle. Continuing education shall address, but shall not be limited to, recognition of the signs of child abuse and the reporting requirements for suspected child abuse in this Commonwealth.” A portal to free training that is available for a limited period of time is: https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1
Department of Pastoral Care and Counseling One Neumann Drive Aston, PA
19014
Continued from page 4: Five students finishing in December This semester, Mike Prazak, returned from a tour in Afghanistan to finish his final seminar. He writes: Certainly, many of my classes were highly formative for me. When I was preparing to begin the program, I often felt a great deal of anxiety, wondering how I would be able to answer such enormous existential questions as why God would permit terrible tragedies to occur, or what meaning to make of suffering or even the whole of life. I now understand that having an intellectual answer does not compare to the value of empathy and presence with clients. Neumann’s emphasis on integration of spirituality, strengths, and acceptance of limitations to meet clients where they are in the present moment is one that is invaluable. Going forward, it is my hope to take what I have learned with me to a doctoral counseling program in the coming year, and into a lifelong practice in this field.
Michael Prazak
Kevin Laughlin, a deacon in the diocese of Camden, reflects: My wear and tear in aging, but progress and maturation in life, seems always to start in pain and loss. It is the core of human conflict where most persons look for ways to bring themselves back into wholeness (congruence). This struggle reflects the soul’s journey through John of the Cross’s dark night the soul devoid of pleasure and joy, driven through the darkness onto the Divine Lover: “And in the black of night: In secret places where no other spied/ I went without my sight/ Without a light to guide/ Except the heart that lit me from inside.” A journey of suffering and isolation can move to greater self-actualization, serenity, and self-fulfillment (congruence). An inner drive, the heart, pushes the human individual and lights the way. Dear God lead me on to Your Light, Truth and Love. Be with me on this Kevin Laughlin journey. As a pastoral counselor, I am honored and yet humbled to walk with other human beings as they face life dilemmas and conflicts on their own pathway, with their own resources. May we all be healed in the Light of Your Presence. In the final seminar, one woman represented the female contingent. Valerie Latney speaks of “coming to the end of my journey at Neumann and my beginning of being a counselor,” stating “I am grateful and thankful to have made this journey.” In reflecting back over the time I spent at Neumann University and my experiences with clients, I feel I am developing into a better therapist and a human being who can understand the struggles of my clients. Like many of my clients, I had to be willing to be naked and not ashamed of the situations that had occurred in life that tried to prevent me from being my highest best self.
I discovered that when God has a plan and a purpose for a person’s life God will position the person and guide her during the time of struggle. Neumann has been a major part of my development and maturity. What I have come to learn about myself throughout this program is this: in helping others I must be willing to look into my own unresolved issues of life from different perspectives. I know life still has many obstacles I will face; yet, it is how I view the situation and where I put my faith and trust that makes the difference. Through this reflection I have found hope in the face of disappointment, knowing as I open myself to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit things will be better. Completing requirements in December, Barbara Pope, a 1986 graduate of Neumann's Pastoral Counseling Program and dedicated Social Worker, received the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction. We commend Barbara for her faith, hope and love so manifested during her periods of illness.