American Bible Society (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is my pleasure to announce that I and Biblical Seminary are the recipient of a sizeable grant to launch our new Global Trauma Recovery Institute–training for lay and professional recovery experts in the US and around the world. The grant (from an anonymous donor and the American Bible Society) funds the Seminary’s collaborative program with ABS to provide deeper training for those active in both trauma recovery efforts in the US or in training local facilitators in east/central Africa.
Why collaborate with a bible society?
ABS is involved in a trauma healing/scripture engagement project, focused in Africa but with other works going on around the world. This project has been under the work of ABS’ She’s My Sister initiative in the Congo. The bible societies were founded on bringing scripture to bear on the current issues of the time–specifically slavery. So, it make sense that ABS is interested in helping traumatized individuals recover from wounds by showing how God cares and is active in their recovery. Through connections with a few of my students, I and Diane Langberg have become co-chairs of the advisory council to the above-named initiative.
What does this mean for Biblical?
The generous grant will enable Biblical to do the following
- Commission a research study of the psycho-social impact of trauma in the African context
- in collaboration with Wheaton College’s Humanitarian Disaster Institute
- WHY? We need better understanding of the scope of the problem and what locally led interventions will be the most effective (both in terms of success and sustainability)
- Develop introductory and advanced global trauma recovery courses that enable MA and postgraduate students to develop specialization in training local trauma recovery facilitators here and around the world
- These courses will be delivered in a hybrid format starting late 2012; delivered in hybrid system (on-line and in-person)
- Mental health continuing education credit will be possible
- A hands-on practical experience under the direction myself and Dr. Langberg will be the capstone experience for students who complete the entire training
- Likely 2013 in an African context
- A website providing free and homestudy CE materials for those unable to come to the Philadelphia area
- Consultation groups formed for those seeking help with cases and projects in domestic and international trauma recovery
How is Dr. Langberg involved?
Dr. Diane Langberg is the leading Christian psychologist with expertise in trauma recovery. Her teaching has taken her to South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Her books on sexual abuse remain popular with both clinicians and victims. She joins Biblical Seminary as a Clinical Faculty member (clinical faculty are practitioners who also lecture and train) and will have a leadership role in the shaping and delivery of the curriculum and trainings. It is safe to say that the counseling department has been most influenced by Dr. Langberg’s training and supervision.
How can I find out about these courses and consultation groups?
Until we launch the institute website, the best way to keep yourself informed is to do one of the following: subscribe to this blog where I will be posting updates; keep checking with www.biblical.edu for more information, or email me at pmonroeATbiblicalDOTedu and I will put your name on a growing list of those who want to be on our mailing list.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 