Course Introduction

Course Introduction

When someone is struggling with their mental health, do you know how to minister to them?

Mental Health concerns exist and are prevalent in every community your parish serves. in 5 adults experience mental health concerns, and 1 in 6 teens (age 12-17) reported a Major Depressive Episode in 2020.

From the elderly to the youth, families, and singles, wealthy and impoverished, our people are facing more mental health concerns than ever. As a minister, what is your role? What should you do? What is helpful? What is harmful?

Don’t guess! And don’t avoid it! Silence is a breeding ground for shame. Sister Josephine Garrett, a licensed Catholic counselor and therapist will provide answers to these questions. Embrace your parishioners, family, self, and colleagues, with love, compassion, and truth. You will walk away from this course with a plan of action on how to best receive God’s people in the hardest moments of their life.

What You Gain

Throughout this course on Mental Health you will gain:

1. An understanding of the theological implications of ministering to a person’s mental health and how to do so with reverence and understanding 
2. An in-depth review of the statistical data about mental health today – and the considerations you should take  
3. The security of knowing the difference between ministry and counseling and the proper boundaries between the two 
4. An understanding of the 4-part model that gives practical steps when ministering to someone with a mental health concern 
5. A better understanding of boundaries, their biblical roots, and their importance in ministry
6. The ability to understand your own responses and discomfort when ministering to people who are dealing with great trauma or mental health concerns 
7. A guideline for responding to crisis (and what crisis situations are!) 
8. A call to self-stewardship and why it is so vital for ministers 
9. Proactive coping plans