Neumann University February, 2015
PCC Newsletter
writer, speaker, blogger [Dating God], and most important to him, Friar, whose most recent works include: Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton Postmodernity and Univocity: A Critical Account of Radical Orthodoxy and John Duns Scotus Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis We are already on Dan’s calendar. Put him on yours!
Inside this issue: Recent NU Grad Receives CPC in AAPC
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Author joins as Adjunct
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Be at Peace, S. Barbara Zurine
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Alpha Omega Nu News
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Faculty Shares on Latest Projects Summer classes, workshops schedule
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For Alpha Omega Nu story see page 4
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Recent Graduate Celebrates
With PCC an AAPC Training Site, Newest Member Granted CPC One of AAPC’s newest Certified Pastoral Counselors in the Atlantic Region is a recent alumnus of the Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Neumann University – Michael Ziegler. Michael, who graduated with his M.S. in May 2014, began studies in the program in August 2011, a few months after his wife, Stella Ziegler, began work at Ascension Press in West Chester (now Exton), and a month before he completed work as the Director of the Department of Divine Worship in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, TN. Michael began by commuting back and forth between Memphis and West Chester for that month, attending classes one week using Skype on a laptop Stella brought to class.
Michael came to Neumann already having a graduate degree from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, and having worked in pastoral ministry for many years, which involved his doing a great deal of supportive counseling. Along the way, Michael was trained as a spiritual director at Mount Saint Joseph Retreat and Conference Center, a ministry of the Mount Saint Joseph Ursulines, of whom Michael is a lifetime Associate. “The great thing about the program at Neumann is that in every class, as we learned more about different issues of personality, psychopathology, and theories and modalities of counseling, we were encouraged to integrate this learning with our own perspective as people of faith. My own understanding of my faith and of the inner workings of the human psyche have grown and informed each other, benefiting me even more than my clients, I would imagine. The approach to counseling is firmly grounded in an understanding of the dignity of the human person, so I learned to see a client as a person with various kinds of resilience and competence, and to assess these aspects of the person, along with whatever distress has brought the person into counseling. Michael addresses his new membership, “My association with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors began during my first year at Neumann University, when I became a student member and attended the Atlantic Regional Meeting in Columbia,
MD, as part of my fulfillment of the Ethics and Professional Issues course. It was great to be part of a network of professional counselors open to and very interested in making use of various spiritual traditions in helping our clients pursue healing and happiness. It seems a contradiction to me to attempt to assist people in cultivating mental health while ignoring their spiritual and religious beliefs and commitments, when our higher cognitive functions, the ones involved in making meaning, are so affected by those beliefs and commitments.” Because Neumann University’s Pastoral Counseling program is accredited by the AAPC, graduates of the program are immediately eligible to be considered a Certified Pastoral Counselor [CPC]. Although not a state licensure, CPC is a credential, and involves being listed as one in the AAPC directory, available through their website at www.aapc.org.” Michael has recently been taken on as Behavioral Specialist Consultant and Mobile Therapist with Child Guidance Resource Centers, and will be working primarily in Coatesville, PA. He has also begun a private practice, Shalom Center for Mental Health and Happiness, which he hopes to turn into a group practice in the near future. “Shalom means whole-person, wellbeing. Most people translate it as ‘peace,’ but the word really does refer to health, like the English greeting, ‘Hail.’ We have peace when we are basically healthy in our physical, mental, emotional, social/relational and spiritual lives, and each of these aspects has an impact on the others. It makes sense to me to explore every aspect of our lives and to take concrete steps toward improving our wellbeing in each aspect.” You can read more about Michael’s practice at www.ShalomMental Health.com. He has already begun giving presentations to interested groups about mental health and the spiritual life.
Michael is pursuing licensure as a professional counselor, but has learned that, as part of his work with CGRC, he will be able to obtain state licensure as a Behavioral Specialist. This licensure is available to anyone with a graduate degree in counseling, and the hours used for the BSL also count toward the LPC. Michael is also pursuing certification as a Reality Therapist through the William Glasser Institute. Although Michael is enthusiastic about his work with CGRC and Shalom Center, the thing that Michael is most excited about is the arrival of his and Stella’s firstborn child, due this coming June [pictured above}.
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Coming Home
New Adjunct in SD Shares on Her “Graced Years” With Dr. Eileen Flanagan’s move to professor emerita, the department looked for a teacher who could bring an appreciation for spiritual traditions to the students in Spiritual Direction. Kathleen McAlpin, RSM was a name that students already knew well from her book Ministry That Transforms: A Contemplative Process of Theological Reflection [Liturgical Press, 2009] which they use throughout in many classes. Kathleen took over the Spiritual Direction Practicum this current semester. _____________________________ As a new adjunct member of the faculty of Neumann University in the Theology and Pastoral Studies Department I’d like to share with you about who I am and from where I’ve come. The first way I usually introduce myself is to mention that I’m a Sister of Mercy since my community identity is important to me and has been for over 50 years. At Neumann, the other important aspect of my life, that I want the PCC community to realize, is that my coming to teach here is a sort of “coming home.” I was part of the original small group who worked with Joann Conn to plan the Spiritual Direction program. Eileen Flannigan was fortunate enough to become a faculty member in the new program, while I continued to serve as Novice Director for the Sisters of Mercy. So now, years later, I have the privilege to serve as adjunct faculty in this highly regarded program of Formation and Spiritual Direction.
Teaching has really been my lifelong ministry. As a Sister of Mercy I’ve served primarily in education, in many places and with a variety of ages from four-year-olds in pre-school and to 74-year-olds in graduate school. During the first phase of my teaching experience I worked in elementary schools, teaching almost every grade, and as eventually serving as a principal as well. My next phase of ministry was with the Formation Program of the Sisters of Mercy, ministering for almost 15 years as Candidate and Novitiate Director in both Philadelphia and Laredo, Texas. This very important phase coincided with studies and spiritual direction ministry at Regis College of the Toronto School of Theology. After graduating with a Doctorate in Ministry, I created a spiritual direction program for Regis, grateful for my previous Neumann experience as a guide. By the end of my sixteenth year at the graduate theology at Regis, I became director of the Masters of Ministry and Spirituality and the Diploma in Spiritual Direction. These were graced and happy years.
My doctoral studies were influenced by our Mercy Sisters in Latin America and their method of theological reflection as a way of giving them courage and energy for mission. Because of their commitment to this process they did not seem to show the ‘compassion fatigue’ of many ministers in North America. Other influences encouraged me to integrate prayer and contemplation in my approach to creating a process of theological reflection. I used this process with Romero House staff, a Toronto community dedicated to the service of refugees, to reflect on their real experience of ministering with the community of displaced persons. From the inspiring stories of justice and mercy from the staff, I was able to craft a credible model of ongoing conversion in my book. My hope is that both students studying for ministry and experienced ministers find Ministry That Transforms as a life-giving practice as well as a practical and contemplative method of theological reflection. It gives me great delight to know that this text is being used by the Neumann PCC Department.
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We remember Sister Barbara Zurine, SSND, who went home to God after a long illness on January 21. A poet, photographer, lover of murals, stalwart defender of the vulnerable and unprotected, we in the PCC program first grew to know S. Barbara as a gifted and creative student and part of the first cohort from the archdiocese of Philadelphia to finish the Certificate of Pastoral Care Specialist. The quality of her mercy and compassion are outstanding parts of her character so many of us remember. Later both students and faculty grew to know her from being a part of different service activities that took us to her “girls� at the St. Vincent’s Home residences. Naturally, we helped S. Barbara plant a garden, transforming a debris filled corner in Frankford into a place alive with flowers. [Pictured in slide on first page.]
ΑΩΝu
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Honor Society Prepares to Welcome New Members While the winter doldrums have hit many individuals and groups, nothing is farther from that when it comes to Neumann’s graduate counseling student honor society, Alpha Omega Nu. Of course, this time of year normally signals the delivery of invitations to eligible students to enter the society. For 2014-15, however, the Executive Committee of Jackie Corsini [president], Susan Kogon [president-elect] and Heidi Allen [secretary-treasurer] decided that not enough of the invitees really knew what an honor society meant nor why it is so beneficial to become a part of one during one’s Master’s program. So, they devised some new initiatives. The first initiative was marked by the event held last Sunday, February 8 in the Open Space of the Abessinio Building. All students who meet the criteria established by the national honor society, Chi Sigma Iota, received a letter to come together at a gathering. Along with explanations of the Pastoral Care and Counseling Newsletter Neumann University, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298, February 2015 ____________________________________________ The Pastoral Care and Counseling Newsletter is a department publication issued several times during the academic year. Written by and for the members of the Pastoral Care and Counseling Department, it contains articles, reviews, interviews and forms of reflective material of interest to these members submitted in advance to the editor of the publication. Editor: Suzanne Mayer, ihm, Ph.D.
benefits, goals and service connected with belonging to an honor society, the unique features of being involved in one for counselors–in-training were explored. After presentations by the members of the Executive Committee, a panel of three professional counselors from each of the states in the Tri-State area described the ins and outs of the licensing, credentialing process. Georgette Hall-Peterson, a graduate of and adjunct for the M.S. and licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in PCC spoke of Delaware’s requirements. Christopher McIntosh, a student in the first cohort of the Ph.D. program, spoke as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in New Jersey. Finally, having just received his license as an professional counselor (LPC) for the commonwealth of PA, Frederick Pratt, a graduate of the M.S. PC, described the intricacies of the process. Formal invitations will be coming soon for those expressing interest in joining.
Above are pictured the panelists for the AONu gathering, representing licensure in the Tri-State [from the left] Frederick Pratt for PA, Georgette Hall-Peterson for DE and Chris McIntosh for NJ. On the previous page, pictures show the candidates for AONu along with faculty and alumnae who are already members.
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The French existentialist, Albert Camus, said it well: In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. With this in mind, the faculty of PCC were asked, “What are you working on now?” DR. EILEEN FLANAGAN has been giving attention recently to theological and scientific insights on creation, trinity, incarnation and the role of the spirit. She is in the process of preparing to lead a program at the Upper Room Spiritual Center, Neptune, New Jersey, on March 4 entitled: To Foster the Spirit: Facilitating Group Spiritual Direction. Convinced that a key role in group spiritual direction is facilitating the unfolding of the process, she will involve participants in two practical strategies employed to heighten awareness of the Spirit’s presence and action in individuals and in the group. From DR. WALLY FLETCHER: For a second year I am honored to serve as an appointee to the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities’ Faith and Spiritual Affairs Advisory Board. A major focus of this Board is strengthening relationships and fostering partnerships between the Department’s agencies and faith leaders to break down stigma, promote spiritually integrated behavioral health care and help faith leaders/communities know better how to meet the mental health needs of those they serve. The Board is also focused on how to increase the capacity of its clinical providers to deal competently with the spiritual dimensions of their client’s behavioral health challenges. As part of this effort I have been invited to be a member of an interdisciplinary taskforce to develop training programs and resources for the Department’s provider agencies. This has been rewarding work and our team will be conducting a pilot training day at Friends Hospital in March. Anyone having interest in learning more about these efforts, please feel free to contact me: wallyfletcher48@gmail.com. Back from his sabbatical semester traveling to Assisi, Germany and other countries, DR. JOHN KRUSE reports he is in the final stages of completing a booklet entitled The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition: Where It Came From, What It Is, and Why It Is Important for the Commission of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition (CFIT). Much has been written about the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition but not in a way that can be easily understood by undergraduate students. Due to go to the printers in a couple months, this booklet offers just such a comprehensible explanation by providing an introduction to the lives of Francis and Clare, explaining how their spirituality was given theological expression by St. Bonaventure and Blessed John Duns Scotus, and demonstrating the Tradition’s valuable insights into addressing major issues confronting us as individuals, as a Church, and as a world. Moving from the role of writer to reviewer, SUZANNE MAYER, IHM has been evaluating and editing articles for a number of professional journals recently. On the editorial board of the Journal for Counseling, Leadership and Advocacy, the publication of the national honor society, Chi Sigma Iota, she has “shepherded” a number of pieces from submission to press.
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Her latest effort was for the journal Mental Health, Religion & Culture, which features international research on the integration in its title fields. S. Suzanne admits liking writing more than reviewing, but adds that “encouraging the next generation of professionals in the field and staying current with the newest areas of investigation has its own sense of purpose.”
DR. SOPHIA PARK shares: I have recently accepted an invitation to be on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Congregational Trauma and Growth (ICTG), a nation-wide ecumenical agency that works alongside seminaries and divinity schools, disaster relief agencies, and congregations to expedite tools for thriving ministry after trauma. ICTG provides forums, networks, resources – books, articles, webinars, and blogs - for ministers to find quickly the tools they need to help the church process and heal the effects of trauma in the months and years after experiencing one. Currently, ICTG has created a new tool, a guidebook for ministers entitled 2015 Congregational Trauma Preparedness and Response Resource Guide. I have been involved in helping to edit, assess the applicability for diverse communities, and launch this practical tool. Over the current semester and coming year, students in Clinical Internship 1 and 2 (770/771) will witness a funny twist and turn of tables. DR. BETH TOLER, their instructor and supervisor, will be recording clinical case presentations. This will be done as a part of an exciting learning opportunity that Beth has been offered. Beginning this summer, Beth will participate in The Certificate Program in Advanced Clinical Supervision offered through the Smith School of Social Work in Massachusetts. Taking a year to complete, the courses include two in-person week-long intensive summer sessions, as well as bi-monthly consultations and other on-line submissions. Beth is eager to start. She remarks that she looks forward “to honing my supervision skills and creating an even more enriching supervision experience for my students. But more than anything, I am looking forward to remembering what it is like to hear my voice on tape and laughing and rolling my eyes at some of the things that come out of my mouth. “ S DIANE TOMKINSON, OSF, reports that she recently agreed to review a new Spanish translation and updated critical introduction to Angela of Foligno’s Libro de la experiencia (familiar to my PCC doctoral students as Angela’s Memorial) by Pablo Garcia Acosta of Spain. As members of a small but growing international network of scholars who study Women in the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition (WIFIT), Dr. Garcia Acosta and I share an interest in the texts and teachings of St. Angela, a late thirteenth century Franciscan mystic who was canonized by Pope Francis in October 2013. I look forward to reviewing this new edition (Madrid: Ediciones Siruela, 2014) for its possible interest to Spanish-speaking academic and popular audiences in the U.S.
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Looking ahead to warner days and intensive time schedules, a few changes will mark the course offerings for Summer 15. Since the 60-credit degree requirement has been approved, the courses offered for One Semester in a Month will all be three credits. Some of them will include the now required offerings that are part of the M.S. PCC program. These include the Addiction and Trauma and Crisis course. Below Dr. Park gives an insight into what those registering for the addictions course might expect. For those working on the past program [48-credits] or wanting some enhancement credits, Dr. Toler will offer a multi-cultural perspective on suffering. *The clinical courses will run through the 13 weeks of Summer 1 to allow students ongoing supervision as they acquire their onsite hours. While scheduling is not quite complete and, therefore, subject to change, the draft of the summer schedule is printed below to allow students time to consider their options. PCC 789: Trauma and Crisis Counseling
Suzanne Mayer, ihm, Ph.D.
Tuesdays: May 19, 26, June 9, 16, 23, 30
PCC 785: Addictions Counseling
Dr. Sophia Park Dr. Beth Toler
Mondays: May 18, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Dr. Sophia Park Dr. Wally Fletcher
*Wednesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24,
Dr. Beth Toler
* Wednesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
PCC 726: Multi-cultural and Interfaith Perspectives on Suffering Clinical 1: [740? + 750] Internship 1 Internship 2
Thursdays, May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25
* Wednesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
One professor’s contribution to the summer hors d’oeuver: Dr Sophia Park writes — “I know what hell looks like” is a phrase I have often heard from participants in the women’s addiction groups I have lead. Their eyes expose their wretched shame and immense guilt as they recount the moments of desperation while powerlessly watching their body, mind, and spirit disintegrate. Is it desperation for life or for relief from life? If the above story is not your experience, it is probably true of someone you know and perhaps love – a mother, spouse, son, cousin, friend, an acquaintance, a counselee or his/her loved ones. Of course, the level of addiction is on a continuum, but it is easily discernable that use of drug or alcohol can and does wreck havoc not only in one’s sense of self but also in relationships. Even though, addiction of self or loved one is most likely not the presenting cause, numerous issues that bring clients to counseling, such as family discord, parenting, depression and anxiety, are frequently connected to use of drugs and alcohol. What is the destructive power, so fierce but elusive, that can completely dominate the whole person and render one helpless? What force causes disturbance, disorder, and suffering in families? Is it a matter of will power or is it a disease? Is it nature or nurture? In Summer semester 2, PCC 785 – Addiction Counseling will address some etiological debate as well as the newest research on addiction treatment. The course will help counselors not only recognize the various types of addictions, process addictions, crossaddictions but also help them treat, and know when to refer to a more specialized help. As a “family disease” in which the entire system becomes absorbed by the Department of Pastoral Clinical disease and experiences trauma to varying degrees, the course will consider Mental Health Counseling Neumann Drive treatment methods incorporating both individual and family recovery, in which all Aston, PA 19014 members can regain hope for a community grounded in love, trust, and faith.