Yesterday I posted information about summer
courses at BTS. I’m really excited about Heather Drew’s course that explores therapeutic activities beyond talking about our struggles. Do check that out! Today, I’m posting about an upcoming trauma healing facilitator training (initial and advanced equipping) being held here in Philadelphia May 1-4, 2017. More on that in a minute.
But first, a change…
For the last 17 years I have been teaching in and leading Biblical Seminary’s counseling programs (now housed in our Graduate School of Counseling). I know I’m very biased, but I think our programs deliver training that transforms—mature counselors who learn how to listen and walk with others through difficult times. Over the years we have been able to develop licensure and ministry-oriented counseling programs as well as the Global Trauma Recovery Institute. This last certificate program enables participants to enter into cultures and communities and support trauma recovery without causing harm.
I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, due in no small part to supportive administration, excellent students, and fantastic staff who every day make BTS look great! But, after months of thinking and praying, I have decided to step away from the leadership of the program and full-time employment at BTS. Beginning July 1 I will assume the position of Director of Training and 
Mentoring with the American Bible Society’s Mission: Trauma Healing. I have been partnering with the Bible Society since 2010 as the Co-Chair of the Advisory Council for ABS trauma healing programs. In this new venture I hope to have a closer role in supporting best practices in their train-the-trainer model of addressing trauma around the world.
If you are wondering why a psychologist would want to work as a trainer of lay and pastoral leaders in a Scripture-engagement trauma healing program, read this: 4 Reasons Why I Promote Scripture-Based Trauma Healing. Short answer? We can’t solve the world’s trauma if we don’t change the culture of conversation about trauma and faith. This program can do that.
Want to join me in equipping others?
May 1-4 ABS will run a local training for both initial and advanced equipping sessions designed to teach you how to lead healing groups and/or run equipping sessions to train others to lead healing groups. I will not be doing most of the training but I do hope to put in an appearance. This document will give you a bit of an overview. This one tells you about the role of the facilitator. And if you are already sold on the material and the mental-health informed training program, here’s where you sign up. Can’t attend now? Check thi.americanbible.org for dates of upcoming trainings here and in other parts of the world.
What is not changing about my role at BTS?
As the Thomas V. Taylor Visiting Professor of Counseling & Psychology, I will continue to teach 
the Global Trauma Recovery Institute’s curriculum with Dr. Diane Langberg. If you are looking for continuing education and specialization in trauma recovery, this mostly online curriculum may be right for you. In addition, I will provide additional support and teaching for BTS as they need it. However, under the leadership of Bonnie Steich, LPC, NCC, ACS, the existing faculty and staff will continue to deliver an exceptional curriculum.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 
The Global Trauma Recovery Institute website has information for fall 2016 — when will this be offered in 2017?
Sorry, fixed now. We always start our cohorts each fall, the first of November. If you are looking to apply, you can email Lisa Mutch at lmutch@biblical.edu.
Have you ever or would you ever consider writing a list of your favorite trauma-related resources (i.e., books, videos). I know Diane Langberg has some great stuff and the Trauma Healing Institute, but I would interested in your opinions of resources, such as “The Body Keeps the Score” by van der Kolk or TF-CBT.
Bessel van der Kolk has some good stuff along with his colleagues at The Trauma Center in Boston. Sometimes, however, van der Kolk is a bit more positive about the value of some interventions (e.g., neurofeedback) when the data does not yet support. Christine Courtois has done some good work. But my favorite books are about stories and experiences so that therapists can get a good sense of what trauma and recovery are like. TFCBT is a fine intervention for families of traumatized children. But it should not be communicated that it is an intervention that will solve trauma in 10-18 sessions. Same with CPT, which I prefer over prolonged exposure.