This elective course examines the phenomena of clinical crises and emergencies, as well as intervention strategies. Attention will be paid to specific types of crises such as suicide, relational losses such as divorce or breakups, sexuality, substance use disorders, domestic violence, racial trauma, sexual abuse and PTSD in order to increase students understanding of the developmental, psychological, and cultural dynamics driving the crisis. The course will help students assess the individual in crisis as well as the larger system dynamics. The course will provide a very concrete model to practice during the class so the student can apply their new knowledge in a practical way.
Together we will explore how to work with the spiritual elements of crisis and trauma within a trauma-informed framework. Moving beyond specific crises or emergencies, this course will also look at how to facilitate a healing process for collective, intergenerational and cultural trauma. Students will work with their colleagues to develop a pastoral perspective to bring into their specific area of pastoral care.
- Teacher: Stephanie Van Deusen