A Conversation for Those Standing at the Intersection of Faith and Mental Health |
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Same Mission, More Resources |
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Some people think discussing faith is a distraction. This was evident to me in two recent conversations with different human service professionals, each facing a similar challenge. Namely, the challenge of convincing colleagues that emphasizing faith and spirituality in their work wasn’t a distraction from their real mission of mental health. According to some professionals in the human services field, focusing on spirituality is a kind of “mission drift.” It is trying to act like a church when they should really be acting like a social services provider. It is trying to be a pastor when one’s real job is to be a mental health practitioner. What does one say to those convinced the mental health field is no place for addressing spiritual concerns?
This is a question I need to take seriously whenever leading Intersect workshops for mental health professionals. Since I am not only a social worker but a pastor, I must make it clear in such settings that I’m not speaking mainly as “Pastor Dave” but as “Practitioner Dave”. I am not suggesting we address spiritual needs because of my pastoral commitments but due to our professional commitments as mental health practitioners. In other words, addressing faith and spirituality isn’t a distraction from good mental health practice but a devotion to the principles of our field. For example, assessing spiritual needs is a necessary part of integrated health and holistic care. Asking people about their spirituality is a crucial aspect of being person-centered and strengths-based. And helping those interested in getting connected to a faith community is a natural way to prioritize community integration.
So, when speaking to mental health professionals wary of faith talk, it’s worth mentioning that we aren’t looking to go down a totally new road. We’re simply utilizing an existing community resource. We’re not seeking to identify wholly different outcomes. We’re just exploring how spiritual supports to help us achieve better outcomes. Ultimately, none of this is mission drift but a motivation to use all the resources at our disposal to accomplish our ongoing mission of supporting mental wellness.
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David Eckert, Senior Director of Intersect |
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| Church Mental Health Summit
Key topics include: - Discovering cultural influences on mental health and how to strengthen those in global missions
- Addressing issues faced throughout the church and community
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Equipping the church to care for their community and break down stigma
- Learning strategies to help leaders thrive and strengthening well-being to prevent ministry burnout
- Exploring effective, Bible-based resources that honor lament and support hope
Virtual sessions available beginning October 10th. |
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Listening Skills: Because Listening is Not the Same as Hearing |
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Good communication isn't just about talking; it requires careful listening as well. Listening skills are essential for effective communication and they aid deeper, more meaningful conversations. Effective listening enables us to fully comprehend and engage with the perspectives of others, they help to foster understanding while minimizing the potential for misunderstandings. In a world bustling with distractions and at a time when people seem to talk at each other rather to each other, the people who stand out are those who can listen effectively. Join us on this introductory, interactive workshop.
The course is led being led by the Rev’d Geoffrey Firth, the Vicar (Pastor) of St Peter’s Anglican Church in Souderton. Both by training and experience, Geoffrey has been actively using listening skills for many years. Date: Saturday, October 19th Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: 276 W. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA 18964 |
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| ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
LivingWorks ASIST is a two-day in-person workshop equipping formal helpers (faith leaders, mental health professionals, etc.) and informal helpers (parishioners, family members) to provide support to those with thoughts of suicide. ASIST offers tools to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide, how to provide a skilled intervention, and ways to develop a safety plan with the person to connect them to further support. This workshop will increase your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide suicide first aid. Two knowledgeable, supportive trainers will guide you through the course, ensuring a comfortable and safe learning environment. ASIST workshops are provided around the world and can be an effective tool for your team or organization.
To learn more about opportunities to attend or host an ASIST workshop, contact Dave Eckert at deckert@accessservices.org. |
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The Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness: A Guide for Training and Reference |
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When pastors and ministry leaders walk alongside those with mental health struggles, it’s vital to keep in mind that no matter the label or disorder, those with mental illness are people first. There are more things we have in common than what makes us different. However, this does not mean it isn’t valuable to know about the symptoms, terms, and definitions related to various mental disorders. Such knowledge helps us competently support others and know when it’s valuable to refer certain people to mental health professionals. This handbook is a helpful tool in providing such information and works as a resource and reference guide to come back to at various points throughout one’s ministry.
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Words Worth Remembering “You will have to live with your mind every day of your life, so make sure you have a mind you want to live with.” - Author Marilyn Robinson (words from Robinson’s High School English Teacher on the value of exposing yourself to things that are beautiful and meditating on things that are true) |
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Looking for a way to help those in your community? |
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Throughout the holiday season, Access Services looks to bring joy to the individuals we continue to serve each and every day. Fulfill a wish and join us by participating in this year's Sponsor A Star! |
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| Intersect Donation Page Intersect now has their own donation page on the Access Services website. Any donations can be designated to specific aspects of Intersect.
Funds will be used to: - Offer consultation to ministry leaders and mental health professionals
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Empower faith communities and mental health providers with trainings on faith and mental health
- Provide spiritual support and collaboration between faith communities and human service providers
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1. As a mental health provider, what keeps you from exploring the spiritual dimension of those you serve?
2. If you were speaking with a mental health professional, what reasons would you give for why faith and spirituality aren’t distractions from your mission, but a devotion to the principles of your field? 3. As a member of a faith community, how have you seen faith-based resources support a person’s overall mental wellness? |
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Do you have something to contribute or a question to ask? |
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