IMPACT A P U B LICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
VOL. 5 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2014
Dr. Benjamin Keyes and Dr. Mark Yarhouse, School of Psychology & Counseling Professors
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aking care of others: It’s a mandate of the Christian faith. But for students in the Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling (SPC), it’s a passion that runs much deeper—a professional calling to care, not just for the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, but also the spiritual health of people in need. By carefully integrating science and faith, Regent’s SPC program offers students a rigorous, holistic approach to wellness. “Regent’s reputation is strong,” says Dr. LaTrelle Jackson, associate professor and SPC director of clinical training. “This speaks to the caliber of the training program, the excellence of the faculty, the research and the scholarship.” In fact, through the tireless work of SPC, participating 2014 Psy.D. students obtained an unprecedented 100-percent match rate from the National Matching
C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
Service, an organization that pairs students with their internship programs. “It’s an extraordinary statistic,” exclaims SPC dean, Dr. William Hathaway, “much better than the national average of 62 percent.” In addition to classroom and internship training, much of the groundbreaking activity within the school comes from academic and research centers like the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity (ISSI), directed by Dr. Mark Yarhouse, and the Regent Center for Trauma Studies, led by Dr. Benjamin Keyes. “The ISSI focuses on issues that
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relate to homosexual concerns among people with religious values,” Hathaway explains. “This center is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and really has had an impact on culture in that brief amount of time.” The mission of ISSI is to further the understanding of sexual identity and to be a resource to students in training and those in the community who are involved in these discussions. The center does this through research, training and clinical consultations. With a rapid increase in both man-made and natural disasters, the Regent Center for Trauma Studies grew out of a desire to provide professional counselors and students with opportunities to integrate their Christian faith with crisis intervention strategies. “In the last year, the trauma team has done training in response to the typhoon in the Philippines, the war in Syria, and the mall terrorist attack in Kenya,” Hathaway says. “So they continue to have a global impact.” The Regent Child Trauma Institute, led by Dr. Don Walker, is another important center—the only research center nationally dedicated to studying child abuse from a spiritually integrative psychological perspective. “This center is working to find ways to restore hope to child abuse survivors,” says Hathaway. “We also have Dr. Jennifer Ripley empowering marriages with Biblical principles through the work of the Marriage and Ministry Assessment Training and Empowerment Center.” As a result of the rigorous training students receive in the classroom and through the various research centers, Regent SPC alumni are going into the world and making a tremendous impact. Dr. Jeffrey Simms ’04, (Psy.D.) is a Regent-trained psychologist who is working for the Illinois prison system. As an influential professional within the state correctional system, Simms supervises a number of doctors and serves on the licensing board for certified sex offender treatment providers. Regent offers the only CACREPaccredited* Christian doctoral program in counseling education, positioning the school as a primary trainer for the next generation of Christian counselors.
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Dr. Mary Lazarus ‘04 (Psy.D) is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at the University of Texas Southwestern. She is in both a teaching and a clinical position, training clinicians while providing services to patients. Other SPC graduates teach at universities across the country, including University of Michigan and the Vanderbilt VA Center in Nashville. SPC is also the only CACREP-accredited program on the doctoral level offering a degree through online coursework. The school has an excellent placement record,
Academically Excellent Distinctively Christian with a 100-percent average for employment within six months of graduation. “It’s unique for a Christian program to have a doctoral training program with all of these features,” explains Hathway. “It really puts us in a place that stands out.” Taking note of Regent’s successes, the assistant director of CACREP asked the director of Regent’s counseling program to participate in a panel at its national meeting this year to focus on how professional accreditation relates to the unique mission of faith-based institutions. Hathaway says the momentum of SPC comes from careful integration of both science and faith—academic rigor and Biblical focus. “The motto of SPC is ‘Academically Excellent, Distinctively Christian,’” he declares. “We don’t soften our Christian identity as members of a broader secular profession. We maintain both with excellence and without compromise.”
Learn more about the School of Psychology & Counseling. regent.edu/spc *Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
REGENT UNIVERSITY
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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A ChristCentered
Yarhouse completed For more than 15 years, a seven-year study Dr. Mark Yarhouse, of people attempting Regent University change. That study was School of Psychology published in the respected & Counseling professor, Journal of Sex and has been writing and speaking about sexual dr. mark yarhouse & the Marital Therapy. “No interested in fueling identity. His words have study of sexual identity one the culture wars was become a resource for pleased with our results,” youth ministers, pastors says Yarhouse. “Those who believe sexual and parents, as well as faith-based instituorientation cannot change were challenged tions and secular organizations alike. by findings that suggests some movement In his latest book, Understanding Sexual along a continuum for some people. Those Identity, Yarhouse helps youth ministers who believe change is complete or easy or guide those navigating their faith in light common were challenged too. Most people of their same-sex attraction. Bill Hybels, in our study did not experience as much senior pastor of Willow Creek Community change as they had hoped for.” Church, wrote of the book: “I sincerely Yarhouse has found it more helpful to focus wish a resource like this had been on sexual identity and a person’s search for available during my student ministry days. meaning in light of who God is. “I find that I would hope that everyone in people benefit most from exploring strucyouth ministry would read this book.” tures within a Christian worldview that help As the founder of the Institute for the them develop their own sense of identity Study of Sexual Identity (ISSI), which and community as a person of faith,” he will mark its 10th anniversary this year, shares. Yarhouse is a distinguished expert on the Dean William Hathaway points out that topic of sexual identity. the institute is having an impact both on Many of the questions Yarhouse hears the Church and on the culture at large: most frequently are regarding what causes “Homosexual leaders in the field of homosexuality and how to change it. psychology are participating in dialogue While many would focus on “resolving” with Mark. That kind of thing from a same-sex attraction, Yarhouse encourages conservative Christian school would have youth ministers to help teens develop been very unlikely in years past. He is a relationship with Christ and foster also becoming quite visible as a consultant spiritual maturity for the decisions they to megachurches and Christian college will face in the years to come about their campuses.” sexual identity. Yarhouse is forthright “Regent desires to be an influential voice in expressing his belief in the church’s on this topic on a broader scale,” Yarhouse historic teachings on sexual behavior, says. “And to lead in setting the tone and which point to God’s revealed will for shaping the discussion.” sexual expression belonging to a monogamous and lifelong union between a man and a woman. However, he is also clear that in dealing with those who experience Learn more about the Institute for the Study same-sex attraction or sexual-identity of Sexual Identity. questions, Christians are called to extend sexualidentityinstitute.org compassion in an atmosphere of grace. facebook.com/ISSI.Site
Discussion
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
When Dr. Ben Keyes came to Regent in 2006, he knew he wanted to connect the university to an organization called Green Cross that brings aid to victims of trauma. He launched the Regent Center for Trauma Studies and used the Green Cross training to equip students to minister to victims of natural disasters, physical and sexual abuse, and other traumatic situations. After launching the Regent Green Cross site in 2008, Keyes realized that there had to be a way for students to practice trauma care from what they were learning in class. “We started an immersion program that has grown into an internship,” Keyes explains. “We go into a culture, usually overseas, experiencing chronic trauma. We do nearly three weeks of counseling, group therapy and training, with the indigenous population and also with professionals in the area who will provide treatment or training of other counselors.” Keyes and his teams have worked with teachers, counselors, social workers, pastors, medical doctors, nurses, and police departments in countries all around the world. Their first immersion trip was in South Africa. Since then, teams have deployed to Romania, Nicaragua, Kenya, South Sudan and China. They have also responded to victims of Hurricane Sandy, the Syrian war refugee crisis, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the major earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, and the Kenyan mall terrorist attack.
After joining Green Cross, the Regent Center for Trauma Studies quickly became the most active training site in the organization. With the director of Green Cross approaching retirement, its board of directors began to consider how to move the organization to the next level. Green Cross founders Charles and Kathy Figley, along with the board of directors, approached Keyes to take over the organization. Keyes was excited by the proposition: “Working with the dean of the School of Psychology & Counseling, Dr. Bill Hathaway, along with the chair of my department, Dr. James Sells, we agreed that it would be advantageous to bring Green Cross to Regent. It would bring a wealth of research opportunities for our students to train and be certified beyond what we could offer as just a training center.” In March of 2014, Keyes took the reins as the director of Green Cross, and the headquarters of the organization moved to the campus of Regent University. Regent now offers this training as part of a master’s certification in trauma and is planning an annual conference that Regent will host. “Our hope is that through this partnership, we will become a center for trauma awareness, outreach and training,” Keyes says. “With Regent’s international outreach, I believe the sky’s the limit for the Regent Center for Trauma Studies.”
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Regent World Changers
The Promise of Hope for a Better Tomorrow
Is America headed in the wrong direction? Seventy-five percent of Americans think so. Regent University offers hope—training thousands of leaders who are taking a stand for what is right and good in our nation and the world. As a World Changer Sponsor you can help Regent continue and expand vital scholarship programs that give our promising students access to high-quality Christian education.
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Dr. Seth Rainwater
Psychologist, LifeCare Psychology Group Dr. Seth Rainwater ’11 (Psychology & Counseling) is part of a thriving counseling practice in Florence, S.C. He looks on his time at Regent as an enriching balance of challenge and encouragement. Because of his particular interest in marriage and family counseling, he especially valued his student work with the marriage research program directed by Dr. Jennifer Ripley. “There was a lot of cooperation between Dr. Ripley and me. Actually, there isn’t a Regent SPC faculty member that didn’t leave a fingerprint on how I do ministry today,” Rainwater shares. A highlight of his time at Regent was when his father, Dr. Avie Rainwater, was invited to speak to students about the business side of Christian private practice. “He told them about the challenge of keeping the doors open while still helping people—and while upholding Christian ethics,” Seth explains. Seth has joined his father’s practice, and his wife, Brittany, is completing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Regent. He sees that God had his hand on his family through the entire journey. “The people at Regent joined with us in friendship, prayed with us and encouraged us. Regent set the tone for what I expect from working relationships,” he shares. Please pray for Drs. Seth and Avie Rainwater and the graduates of the School of Psychology & Counseling.
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
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A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friends,
Tuition discounts provided each year by Regent
During the month of March the Western world celebrates the life of a medieval missionary known as Saint Patrick. But many people do not know the story of this remarkable man who gave of his life so that the people of Ireland could come to Christ. It’s a story that I believe will resonate with you as someone following the call of Christian leadership.
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Kidnapped from his English home, Patrick was sold into slavery in Ireland. In captivity he surrendered his life to Jesus. After six years, Patrick escaped, with the help of some friendly traders. Though he pledged that he would never return to Ireland, God had other plans for his life. In a night vision, Patrick saw a group of Irishman crying out, “We beseech thee, O holy youth, to come and walk once more among us.” Through much perseverance, Patrick finally returned to Ireland as an ordained servant to preach the gospel to his former captors. The Irish of the fifth century were a pagan, violent and barbaric people. Patrick understood the danger and wrote: “I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved—whatever may come my way.” Thr ough the tireless efforts of Patrick, God converted thousands of the Irish from paganism to Christianity. Patrick is a model of Christian leaders who are willing to lay down their lives to see the world changed for God’s glory. And Regent University is a significant training ground, providing excellent, Biblically grounded graduate and undergraduate programs to prepare Christian leaders for lives of significant purpose and service.
SUPPORT SCIENCE & FAITH Construction of our new Applied Science and Ethics Lab is estimated to cost $1.5M. Your gift can help us reach our goal. To make your donation, visit regent.edu/give, and enter “Applied Science Lab” in the special instructions section. You can also use the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Simply make your check payable to “Regent University” and write “Applied Science Lab” in the memo section. Thank you for your support.
Today, more than 17,500 Regent graduates carry the flame of Biblical truth across America and in 117 nations around the world. Your ongoing prayers and financial support enable us to train modern-day Patrick’s to shine God’s light in a dark world. Thank you, and may God bless you. In Christ,
Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Founder, Chancellor & CEO Regent University
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Regent University’s Impact is published monthly by the university’s Office of Advancement, free of charge, for alumni and friends of the university. Regent University admits students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion or national or ethnic origin. Regent University is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate campuses within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. Opinions expressed in Impact are those of individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of Regent University’s board, faculty, administration or staff. Regent University accepts news submissions from readers but reserves the right to edit based upon clarity, length and content. The university may decline to print material at its discretion. ADV140237
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