Pastoral Counseling of Northern Virginia is proud to sponsor this well-established training program for those interested in providing pastoral care.
The mission of the Art of Pastoral Care is to introduce people to the Healing Presence within them, that they might extend it to others with competence and compassion.
In the Art of Pastoral Care Course you will learn how to minister to the whole person recognizing a person's physical, educational, spiritual, and religious needs, responding with help that helps.
Who: The class is open to anyone who wants to learn the basics of pastoral care and more about themselves as caregivers.
What: The course teaches Pastoral and Spiritual Assessment, Listening Skills, and provides supervised pastoral visitation in local hospitals.
Classes cover: Grief and Loss; Death and Dying; Suffering; Bioethics; Care of Self; Caring for Aging Parents; Divorce; Adolescence; Substance Abuse; Stress; Burnout and Depression; Life Transitions; Personality Assessment; Issues of Diversity and other relevant topics.
In the Art of Pastoral Care [AOPC], the term 'simple presence' is frequently used. But, what does it mean, exactly? Is it my simple unencumbered presence? Is it God's presence?
In Judaism it is understood that "God Himself ministers to the sick, and the Divine Presence rests upon the patient's bed." [Fred Rosner, Modern Medicine and Jewish Ethics] As we visit with those who are in physical, emotional or spiritual crisis, it is important to remember that we are not the only ones ministering to those troubled and suffering. God is also with them in the midst of their trials and tribulations. The presence of God is palpable and powerful when I enter onto the sacred ground of a person's pain.
As pastoral caregivers, we are given permission to enter into some of the most tender places of a person's soul. It is important to treat that permission with care and respect as we attempt to provide a safe place where there is a reflection of God's love and mercy in an attitude of blessing and forgiveness.
When we are allowed to be present, in that sacred place of a person's suffering, our 'simple presence' is the most important gift. Within that presence we are to listen and really hear what is said and what is left unsaid. Simply to share the burden and, with the help of God's Divine Presence, help to make the bearing of the burden a little less difficult.
The AOPC teaches helpful techniques, but the 'art' cannot be taught or created where it does not already exist. The experiential nature of the AOPC curriculum helps to provide those already entrusted with the gift the opportunity to become aware of the special 'art' or gift that exists within them. The class allows the opportunity for people to refine their skills and learn how to use the God given treasure with which they have been entrusted.
— Deaconess Kathy Garrison Director & Teacher, the Art of Pastoral Care
"Is pastoral care an art? Yes! The substance of the art is found within yourself as you discover your own gifts and use them in very simple yet profound ways. The art of pastoral care is a training process in discovering the most human part of ourselves in order that we can assist others to discover and share their own full humanity."
— Rev. Don Lowe, Associate Teacher, the Art of Pastoral Care
When: This is a nine month course divided into 3 terms which meet on Wednesday evenings from 4:30pm-6:30pm or 7:30pm-9:30pm from September thru November and again from March thru May. There will be two or three Saturday sessions and as many as 3 combined Wednesday class sessions from 7pm-9pm during these two terms. January and February clinical experience is held on a weekend day for 4 hours in the morning in local hospital settings.
Where: Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church at 1500 N. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA just 3 blocks north of the Rt. 66 East exit.
How: Brochures and applications can be downloaded from the websites of the sponsoring organizations. Brochures are also available in the various counseling centers in Washington and Virginia. The application process includes the information requested on the form including a short biography containing the events of your life that have most affected you spiritually and emotionally --- those things that have shaped you into the caregiver you are now. An interview is also scheduled prior to the first class. Download the application form (PDF)
Cost: $300 per term or $900 total, which can be paid in total at the first class or $300 at the beginning of each term.
The class is limited to 20 students with no more than 10 students in each of the classes.
CEU credits are available upon request.
For
more information on the Art of Pastoral Care, please contact
Deaconess Kathy A. Garrison at 703-449-1944 ext. 240 or visit wwww.ArtOfPastoralCare.com.