The 26th Annual Pittsburgh Pastoral Care Conference will host 10 breakout sessions (morning and afternoon). See below for a description of each session.
ADDICTION & RECOVERY SESSIONS
Emerging Drug Trends: What’s New….and Frightening!
Mark G. Fuller MD, FACP, FASAM, Medical Director, Carelon
For health care workers providing care and counselling to people who use illicit substances, it is critical to stay up to date with current trends and scientific research. This presentation will highlight new and emerging trends both across the nation and here in Pennsylvania. A new contaminant in the illicit opioid supply chain is having disastrous consequences on both the individuals using illicit opioids, but also the healthcare system that is attempting to care for them. There will also be a review of the changing nature of Cannabis products as the purity levels continue to increase. The change in the world of methamphetamines will be looked at as the increased purity along with the decrease in price is making it an increasingly lucrative drug to traffic. There will also be an overview of some of the “legal drugs” that are easy to obtain such as Kratom, 7-OH, and other designer drugs hitting the market.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SESSIONS
Emotions Anonymous and The History of the 12 Steps
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jay Geisler, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Life Building Ministries
Pam Birr, BA, Clinical Supervisor, Pittsburgh Recovery Center
Learn the basic ABC’s of the 12 Step program and how they emerged over time through the First
Century Christian Fellowship, the Oxford Group, Bill W. & Dr. Bob, and others who paved the way for a modern spiritual revolution. Learn how to adapt the 12 Steps to help more people through Emotions Anonymous (EA) groups that offer peer support to people experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges such as Mistaking Emotions for Reality, Control, Loneliness, Fear, Resentments, Anger, Indecision, Perfectionism, Forgiveness, Grief, Anxiety, Procreastination, Self-Pity, Trust, Love, Hope, Patience, etc.
Transcendence Therapy and the Dynamics of Crisis
Dr. Susan Muto, Ph.D. and Rev. Steven Geitgey, Ph.D.
Human lives are marked by a series of crises of transition where a person’s options lie between a less or more transcendent attunement with a newly emergent form of life. This workshop will focus om Adrian van Kaam’s theory and practice of “transtherapy” – a process that assists people before, after, and especially during a transcendence crisis.
FAMILY & MARRIAGE SESSIONS
Dance with Me: An Introduction to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Fabyonne Williams, Ed.D. Christian Counseling Collaborative
This workshop introduces participants to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a proven, evidence-based approach for improving emotional connection in relationships. Drawing on the science of adult attachment, EFT helps individuals and couples identify negative interaction patterns, process core emotions, and develop secure, lasting bonds. Participants will gain practical skills to foster healthier, more resilient relationships within their congregations and clinical practices.
“Why Can’t You Just be Normal? Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Pastors and Members”
Samantha Baillie, Ph.D., MA, LPC, Clinical Director, Samaritan Counseling-Guidance-Consulting
The Rev. Graham Standish, Ph.D., MDiv, MA, MSW, Executive Director,
Samaritan Counseling-Guidance-Consulting
As more people learn about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), we gain a better understanding of its effects on everyday life. A significant number of clergy and church members have ADHD, and face both challenges and criticism. This workshop will explore what ADHD really is, its stigma, struggles, and strengths. We’ll explore how those with ADHD can tap into its inherent creativity, while also learning how to lead in ways that diminish its pitfall.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Human & Sex Trafficking
Tom Grden, Ph.D., Director, Resurrection Life Ministries
Elizabeth Echevarria, Founder & CEO, Living in Liberty
Linda Kricher, Executive Director, Safe Haven
Joseph Sweeney, Co-Founder, CEO, Board Chair, The Asservo Project
Sue Willis, Founder & Executive Director, Beyond Survival Ministries and Author
Gain a broad view of the global war on human trafficking and about local ministry practitioners about situations in our own communities that often lead vulnerable young women into various forms of sexual exploitation; how interventions and rescue can take place; and about the compassionate forms of aftercare to protect personal dignity and bring about restoration and wholeness. These programs empower survivors, provide time to heal, and address their trauma in Christ-centered ministries.
Women and Children: Rebuilding Broken Lives and Families
Tom Grden, Ph.D., Director, Resurrection Life Ministries
Leah Dietrich, Director of Women & Children, Washington City Mission
Erin Phillips, OTD, OTR/L, Program Manager, Gift of Mary, Move a Mountain Missions
Red Door Ministry, Catholic Church
Learn about ‘safe haven approaches’ for particularly vulnerable individuals, women with dependent children, and even veterans, who face the challenges of isolation, poverty, and homelessness, offering outreach; addiction recovery programs; free meals, clothing and shelter; as well as medical care; career and job training; and life-skill rebuilding programs. The goal is helping people transition from homelessness and relational abandonment to personal wholeness and Godly independent living in a compassionate, friendly, and safe Christ-centered environment.
REFLECTIONS IN MINISTRY
The Experimental Church: Helping People Encounter God, Not Just Hear about Him
The Rev. Jordan Rimmer, Pastor, Northminister Church
Participants will be introduced to the creative idea of the Experiential Church – a way of doing ministry that helps people engage God through creative and participatory worship experiences. Participants will gain practical ideas to try, as well as principles for creation of their own experiences.
Churches as Peacemakers in a Fractured Society
The Rev. Liddy Barlow, Executive Minister, Christian Associates of SW PA
Polarization and political violence are on the rise. How can churches bridge divides and encourage respectful dialogue in our communities? Learn from an international peacemaking organization “Search for Common Ground” the factors that make for peace and simple practices that can help every church to become a peacemaker.