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Workshop Schedule - Complete Overview

Friday, October 7, 2011 - Abstracts
Saturday October 8, 2011 - Abstracts

 

* Note: This website will be updated frequently to provide the latest details!

 

 

 

Friday, October 7, 2011 - Abstracts

Life in the Spirit Seminar I
      Sr. Betty Ann Igo, Med, MSPC, SFP

The Life in the Spirit Seminar is a sharing of the enrichment that Christ offers us through his Holy Spirit. It is an introduction and renewal as a formation experience and an introduction to a life lived more fully in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a 2-part seminar with Sr. Betty Igo and her team, during workshop time. Prayer for Baptism in the Holy Spirit will take place. [Participants who have not attended a LSS previously must be present for Friday’s segment if they wish to participate in Saturday’s Seminar] All are welcome!!!  

Sr. Betty Igo is a Franciscan Sister of The Poor. This Congregation's mission is to heal the wounds of Christ in the poor and suffering Sister Betty has a B.Sc. in Medical Technology, a M.Sc. in Science, with emphasis in pastoral counseling. For many years she has worked as a prayer counselor and workshop leader in the field of inner healing. Over the years, she has given retreats and workshop on healing and prayer, traveling all over North America, Sister Betty possesses a deep understanding of psychology and the blocks within individuals to healing. 


Caring by and for the Caregiver
     Sister Maria Theresa Hronec, SS.C.M.

This presentation will focus on Caregivers - their response, involvement, struggles, satisfaction and support. The summons to service tugs at one’s heart with the touch of God’s Spirit. It may come at any time. Spiritually, we are invited to meet Jesus/be Jesus in the encounter

My Objectives are:

1. To present in general WHO receives the care
2. To review How one responds to a need
3. To consider Why one assumes a “caregiver” challenge
4. To observe WHICH characteristics/needs are encountered/managed
5. To examine WHAT involves/impacts the caregiver
6. To accent the Caregiver’s needs and supports.

Throughout the presentation, I would engage participants to present their own caring experiences-struggles and outcomes, positives.

Sister Maria Theresa’s ministry experiences include: nursing, especially care for the elderly, Hospice, school nursing and teaching, and caring for an aging parent. She is a trained Hospital Chaplain and has ministered in Holy Spirit Hospital, in Camp Hill, PA, where she also served on the Medical Ethics Board and as a Bereavement Counselor. Her Interests have always been ecumenically oriented, especially as a member of the Association Christian Therapists and Aglow, Int. Presently she serves as one of the Chaplains at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, PA, as she pursues her focus in Pastoral Theology.  
 

Physical, Psychological and Spiritual Issues In Traumatic Events; Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Haiti an Integrative Approach
      Benjamin B. Keyes, Ph.D., Ed.D, Merrill T. Reese Ph.D.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often a result of naturally occurring or manmade traumatic events. The ramifications of PTSD very often have physical effects such as startle response, difficulty sleeping, problems with eating, and often lead to problems with hypertension, heart conditions, digestive problems, etc. They also create psychological difficulties such as depression, anxious mood, problems with flashbacks, and can cause difficulties in relationships. Spiritual problems are often seen related to the question of why did this happen to me, and why didn’t God protect me. PTSD can cause a distancing in spiritual relationships or a falling away from faith. The integrative nature of the disorder makes treatment both difficult and arduous. It also poses tremendous difficulties for a community when a large number or a majority has been affected by the disorder.  

This workshop will focus on an integrative approach to treating PTSD as applied by Regent University’s Trauma Team over two visits to Haiti. The country of Haiti has recently experienced an earthquake, leveling the capital city of Port-O-Prince and causing over 300,000 deaths (January 2010). This event has caused a large portion of the population both in and around the capital city to experience PTSD symptoms and to be greatly effected in their personal and professional lives. The Trauma Team’s approach was to meet physical need, address psychological, spiritual issues, and to reach to a community as they were healing, rebuilding, and putting their lives back together. This workshop will discuss methodologies, treatment strategies, and implementation principles.  

Humans and the Environment:  A Resurrection View from God’s Self- Emptying Love
      Fr. Robert Sears, SJ, PhD
      Presenter Website: Familytreehealing.com

Christianity has been blamed for human neglect of the environment. Though science is the more likely culprit, church tradition has so emphasized human redemption as “ascent” to God that nature’s role was neglected. Human “dominion” over other creatures came to mean using creation for human goals, not caring for creation on God’s behalf. This workshop develops a view that sees God’s self-emptying love as empowering rather than displacing nature. It counters the prevalent “Creation-centered” approach to the environment with an approach based on Christ’s resurrection as empowering self-emptying love. It will take a fresh look at St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises in light of God’s self-emptying love and reclaiming of the environment to reveal God’s glory and indwelling presence.  

Forgiveness – Preventative Medicine and Healing Agent for Past and Present Wounds
      Denise Dolff, MA, Katsey Long, LCSW and Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga

Personal and generational unforgiveness negatively impacts not only the body, mind, and spirit of individuals, but also impacts communities and cultures. Blocks to forgiveness are often based on myths and misunderstandings of the scriptural directive to forgive. This workshop will help identify blocks to forgiveness and clarify what forgiveness is and is not. We will discuss why grieving one’s losses is an important element of the forgiveness process. Discussion will include what happens after we forgive and the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga, who has been recognized as one of the top leaders in the movement of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation in his country after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, will discuss what is happening in Rwanda to bring about extraordinary examples of healing and forgiveness for his people and culture.  

Contributions of Native American spirituality and healing practices to North American medicine and Christian healing
      Douglas W. Schoeninger, Ph.D. and Glenn Wolf, Lenape Tribe
      Presenter Website: Trustcounts.org (Doug Schoeninger)


Presentation of the contributions and relevance of Native American, specifically Lenape, world view, healing perspectives, and healing practices to North American medicine and Christian healing.

In three parts:

1. The original covenant of The Lenape (Delaware) people with William Penn at the beginning of the colony of Pennsylvania.  

William Penn entered into the Great Treaty with Tamanend-the Great Sachem, or chief, of the Turtle Clan. He was a chief of great influence. The chief of the Turtle Clan always presided as head-chief over the Delaware [Lenape] Nation and therefore represented all three clans in all councils. Tamanend, admired and respected among the Indians and Colonists alike, had been given the name, "Saint Tamanend. Penn approached Tamanend and said,  

The Great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship with you, and to serve you to the Utmost of our power...

We are met on the broad pathway of good faith and good will, so that no advantage is to be taken on either side, but all to be openness, brotherhood, and love. I will not…compare the friendship between us to a chain, for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I will consider you as the same flesh and blood with the Christians, and the same as if one man's body were to be divided into two parts.  

With these few words, nor were many needed, Penn expressed the very heart of the Holy Experiment. It was their unity, and mutual trust, that was the necessary seed that would be the building blocks for a new nation. Penn was entirely trusting God to work out the details. He was, however, just as committed as ever, and so were his Native friends. God's kingdom, and His government, that Penn was so earnestly expressing, was dependent upon the success of their covenant.  

The value that this covenant placed upon the Delaware and the sequential trust that followed brought Tamanend great honor. Tamanend had no reference for falsification and received Penn's words as gospel. Chief Tamanend declared,  

We will live in love with William Penn and his children as long as the creeks and rivers run, and while the sun and moon and stars endure.  

Tamanend confirmed the covenant with words that were as equally eternal - as long as the creeks and rivers run, and the sun, moon, and stars endure. As long as the earth and heavens functioned, the covenant would continue to exist. (From Fields, D. 2005. The seed of a nation. Healing the Land: Scotland, PA.)  

2. A review of the legacy of contributions of Native American healing arts to North American medicine.

3. Potential contributions to Christian healing perspectives and practices of Lenape understandings of the earth and our relationship to it, human community, healing and healing practices.  
 

A Psycho-Spiritual Integrated Educational Approach to Assist Clients on Their Journey Toward Wholeness
      Carol J. Ball, M.A., M.Div., LPCC/S, BCPCC

When clients seek therapy for their specific concerns, they are often unaware of their distorted views of God, their intra-psychic conflicts, and the ways in which they contribute to inter-personal difficulties. A psycho-educational approach, first developed in 1991, integrates psychological constructs with Scripture, which can be presented to clients in non-technical jargon in a counseling session. This approach has proved effective in assisting clients to see and accept the true nature of God, better understand themselves and others, and facilitate the ownership and modification of their unhealthy behaviors. Healing at a spiritual, personal and relationship level is thus affected.

 

 

Integrating Psychological and Spiritual Techniques for Trauma Recovery A Sensory Based Treatment for Healing After Abortion
     Julie Woodley, LMHC

Rachel’s Vineyard is a powerful model for assisting groups to find closure and spiritual healing after abortion. We will explore a unique sensory based treatment which integrates emotional, psychological and spiritual dimensions. The healing journey uses creative “Living Scripture Exercises,” and rituals which engage the mind, body and soul. An in-depth explanation will be offered for the Living Scripture technique, the specific purpose of each exercise, and psychological and spiritual constructs as catharsis for memory and emotion.  

The Living Scriptures coupled with group activities, prayer, therapeutic facilitation, cognitive restructuring and discussions offer an effective process for grief work grounded in Jesus Christ and the word of God.  This distinct program provides an exceptional and effective recovery process for victims of trauma and those who have spent years in talk therapy, but still struggle to move beyond their traumatic experience.

We will examine the retreat structure as a means to provide an opportunity for dialogue of the soul and opening traumatic wounds to the grace of God. We will explore how the retreat functions as a journey through the paschal mystery for the suffering body of Christ. 

Learning Objectives:
Understand the Rachel’s Vineyard model for healing after abortion.

Utilize the grieving process to assist clients who suffer after pregnancy loss through induced abortion.

Learn the unique method of “Living Scripture” as a healing reenactment for psychological and spiritual trauma.

Discover the power of ritual in helping clients express and release repressed grief and guilt.

Provide an overview of “Grounding Techniques” that help end numbness and dissociation.

 

More information about Rachel's Vineyard is available at: www.rachelsvineyard.org

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Saturday October 8, 2011 Abstracts

Life in the Spirit Seminar II
      Sr. Betty Ann Igo, Med, MSPC, SFP

Please see the description in Friday’s section. Participants who have not attended a LSS previously must be present for Friday’s segment if they wish to participate in Saturday’s Seminar. All are welcome!!!  

Healing of memories by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for instruction and guidance in clinical practice
      Louise M. Sandberg, MSN

All feelings we presently feel have been experienced before. They are attached to a memory. God was present when the event occurred and is the only one who knows the whole truth. The client who has repeatedly relived his or her memory of the event has no way of accessing the actual truth except through God. As Christian clinicians, we have the ability to access God in facilitating our client’s healing. In fact, God wants this access through us.  

Two types of clients, anecdotal memories and common feelings that are best suited to this method will be thoroughly discussed so that opportunities to use this healing prayer will be clear. We will practice this prayer on ourselves and on a volunteer. We will brainstorm uses for this method and discuss when it is and is not appropriate or possible to use this method in a clinical setting.  
 

Integrating our Jewish Roots with our Christian Ecumenism
       Austin Joyce, DMin, Ben Keyes, PhD, Renee Lavitt, RN,
       Fr. Robert Sears, SJ, PhD and Jackie Sitte, RN, CARN, LADC I
       Presenter Websites: Trustcounts.org (Austin Joyce)
                                       Familytreehealing.com (Fr. Robert Sears)

This workshop will follow up the Spiritual Life Committee - Ecumenical Relations Plenary panel presentation Sat AM, 10/8/11 entitled “Healing the Body through Engaging our Jewish Roots.” After brief introductory statements by the panel of presenters, the panel will respond to questions and discussion from workshop attendees. The initial statements will emphasize the value of integrating our Jewish heritage into our faith stories as important for our own wholeness, and the integrity of our growing Christian Ecumenism. Deeply engaging and receiving each other’s faith stories calls us to enlarge who we are in Christ and Christ, who is Jewish, in us. Primary in this dialogue will be the theme that our wholeness as persons and the body of Christ is to be our witness to the world.

A Grateful Heart: using the heart’s unique connections to the brain and body to enhance spiritual practices, manage stress and to address a wide range of physical, mental and emotional problemsss
      Cheryl Marsh, PMHCNS-BC, APRN

This will be an introduction to HeartMath Interventions which are based on scientific research. The interventions combine specific emotion refocusing and restructuring techniques with emWave technology to establish and deepen positive emotional states. The emWave provides heart rhythm coherence monitoring and feedback that shows when you are in a heart-centered and aligned state. Activating the coherent power of the heart brings the heart, mind, body and spirit into alignment. While the techniques are secular, they reinforce Christian values to be in gratitude, be still and to feel love. They can reduce states of discontent that can get in the way of prayer and help go deeper in prayer making prayer time more rewarding. 
 

Embracing human suffering within a culture ascribing to the “Cult of the Body”
      Gloria S. Tipton, Ed. D., LCSW, BCD

Reflecting on healthcare justice within a culture that places great value upon physical appearance and enhancing human performance begs the question: How does an understanding of dying as a personal-spiritual conversion process rather than merely as a physiological process challenge the Christian healthcare provider, as well as their patient/client. This presenter favors two positions for a fuller embracing of Christian healthcare justice. The first position maintains that a Christian healthcare provider must embrace their own personal conversion experience of moral and spiritual renewal as they discover the concept of the mysterious. The second element of personal conversion involves both healthcare provider and client/patients embracing a deeper and more global sense of community. 
 

The implications and applications of recent neuroplasticity and neurobiology research findings for Christian healing practices
      Douglas Schoeninger, PhD and Charles Zeiders, PsyD
      Presenter Websites: Trustcounts.org (Doug Schoeninger)
                                       Drzeiders.com (Charles Zeiders)

The presentation examines and imagines the integration, in grace, of Christian spiritual practices and recent scientific understandings of neuro-physical processes. Recent brain research relevant to imago dei and Christian healing will be reviewed, with particular focus on the neurological impact of spiritual practices. Then implications of this research for Christian healing and Christian holistic healthcare practice will be explored, showing how spiritual devotions regenerate consciousness and neurology and roll back physically based psychopathology. 
 

A Second Look at Deliverance and Healing
      George M. Guschwan, M. Div., MSW, LCSW-C

Integrating Principles of Deliverance into your Healing Ministry: A brief presentation on the importance of removing obstacles (permissions) when doing deliverance. It’s more about permission than power. This approach simplifies the process of deliverance and helps remove the fear often associated with deliverance prayer. Attendees will be able to analyze deliverance contexts, naming and explaining many of the issues to look for, such as, disembodied human spirits, soul ties, and rituals. Sample prayers and lists of blocks to deliverance will be provided. Jesus is Lord and His Spirit has been given to set us free.