Fall 2017 Pastor's Forum: Trauma and its Aftermath

Pastor's Forum: Trauma and its Aftermath:
Spiritual Disintegration and the Restoration of Hope
Dr. Nancy Nason-Clark and Dr. David A. Clark

The majority of American adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, with the incidence of trauma much more prevalent in certain occupations and segments of society. For a significant number of people, trauma causes various psychological disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders and the like. The adverse effects of trauma are pervasive and often dramatic, shaking basic attitudes about the self, world, and future, as well as core spiritual beliefs about God and humanity.

This workshop focuses on domestic violence and trauma-related disorders and how pastors, congregations, and pastoral counselors can respond to the emotional, behavioral, social, and spiritual ravages of traumatic injury. Attendees will learn how to identify the markers of traumatic disturbance, with particular focus on trauma distorted beliefs involving trust, threat, love, power, and justice, as well as assumptions about the self, others, and God. Participants will also learn how to conduct a pastoral counseling interview and arrive at a case formulation for trauma injury based on a cognitive behavioral perspective. Emphasis is placed on how to create a therapeutic relationship that is conducive to recovery from trauma, avoid harmful counseling practices, and use more effective cognitive and behavioral counseling strategies. Pastors taking this workshop can expect to be more sensitive, knowledgeable, and skilled at helping the many victims of trauma in their congregation.

Schedule

Session 1: When Violence Strikes the Religious Home: Recognizing the Prevalence and Severity of Abuse in Families of Faith- Dr. Nancy Nason-Clark

Session 2: Developing Sensitivity Towards the Traumatically Injured within Your Congregation—Dr. David Clark

Session 3: Effective Pastoral Intervention Skills for Traumatized Individuals—Dr. David Clark

Session 4: Strategies for Working with Abusers and the Abused—Dr. Nancy Nason-Clark

Lunch is included in the ticket price. The event will take place in Alumni Hall in the Kerr Building on the campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Contact the Shoemaker Center for Church Renewal for more information at Shoemaker@gordonconwell.edu.

FAQs

What's the refund policy?

3 weeks before event (Oct 9) 100% refund less $15 processing fee
2 weeks before event (Oct 16) 75% refund less $15 processing fee
1 week before event (Oct 23) 50% refund less $15 process fee
No refund after Oct 25