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Leadership and Spiritual Life Newsletter / 4.20.16
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What is pastoral counseling?
This is the first in a series of articles on pastoral counseling and spiritual direction. While this introductory article will explore the idea of "pastoral counseling," the rest of the series will profile individual counselors and spiritual directors at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center.
Pastoral counseling is not that different from other counseling or therapy. Counseling, including pastoral counseling, is a way of dealing with personal or relationship concerns, issues, or problems that a person encounters in their life. Adding the word pastoral to counseling adds a sense of openness to airing spiritual questions, and pastoral counselors may have a greater comfort level with dealing with those questions though all clinicians can be attuned to the spiritual. An important note to go with pastoral counseling is
that there is openness to the spiritual questions being asked but the client has to ask the questions because the counselor will not automatically assume the client wants to talk about matters of faith.
Sara Miller served as an intern with the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center January - March 2016, during her senior year at Simpson College.
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Walk with Mark for counseling assistance
Mark Minear's journey begins on Thursday, April 21. Please
watch his blog for daily updates.
Mark, a licensed psychologist at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, and
a recorded minister with the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker),
will be walking across Iowa Hwy 30 from river to river to raise awareness and funds for mental health counseling assistance. His goal is to raise $10,000 to support vulnerable men and boys who are underinsured, complementing the Center's Women Helping Women fund.
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Leading through Change
a workshop for lay and congregational leaders
April 28, 2016
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
$60
Description:
Change is a part of growth. Without it, organisms and organizations die. Yet change is one of the hardest things a congregation is called to do. When the emotional aspects of change are understood and embraced, all involved feel more attached and engaged. Participants will explore how and why individuals react to change differently and will discover a productive approach to lasting personal and organizational transformation. Presenter: Carla Cain (see bio below)
Presenter:
Carla Cain
offers a unique combination of business and faith experience. With over 30 years as a human resources professional in corporate America she has sharply honed skills in leadership development and organizational transformation. Carla is a trained Stephen Minister, Peacemaker Circle leader and conflict transformation specialist. She is trained in conflict mediation through the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. As an adjunct staff member of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center she consults with faith-based organizations during times of conflict and transition and leads organizations through strategic planning and change..
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This professional development opportunity is part of the Congregational Leadership Series for both lay and ordained congregational leaders. The goal of this series is to enhance leadership capacity through four leadership topics and presenters.
1. Organizational Dynamics - February 25, 2016 (done)
2. Leadership in the Midst of Conflict - March 31, 2016 (done)
3. Leading Through Change - April 28, 2016
4. Mindful Leadership - May 26, 2016
Location: Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Urbandale, Iowa 50322
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Redefining Aging, a conversation series
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Click image for more information
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Thank you to everyone who came to help us launch this series through our wine and cheese gathering.
We are hosting three more conversations and you are welcome to join us.
Not a class, not a support group, this conversation series will
explore ways to reframe common misconceptions about a universal experience: growing older.
While pop culture tends to focus only on the losses that come in this time of life, we will consider the significant opportunities. Participants will discover new ways to express their values, creativity and spirituality - in a joyful and supportive community.
The conversations will be expertly facilitated, yet evolve dynamically according to participant interest. Like good cheese and fine wine, we age better together.
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Is there a fire burning in your heart?
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Apply now for PrairieFire, a two-year program of spiritual renewal and formation.
PrairieFire is an invitation to a deeper spiritual life, an invitation to set time aside for renewing of self and awakening of soul. It is an opportunity for education and mutual guidance and support in developing spiritual awareness and life-sustaining spiritual practices.
Program components include:
- Monthly gatherings for two years from September 2016 through June 2018
- A two-day retreat each September (2016 and 2017)
- Day-long gatherings each month from October through June
- Gatherings include a variety of experiences, such as
- Opening and closing circles of meditation, centering and personal sharing
- Topical presentation with monthly readings assigned
- Small group spiritual direction
- Experiential exercises with time for quiet personal reflection.
- Community-building with an emphasis on compassionate hospitality
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Prepare/Enrich counseling for couples
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click image for more information
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The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center offers professional counseling for couples entering marriage and for couples who wish to grow in their relationship. We utilize a research-based resource, Prepare/Enrich couples assessment program.
Amy Spangler-Dunning, M.Div., M.S., Licensed Mental Health Counselor
515-274-4006 ext. 165
Amy will match couples with a licensed counselor on staff at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center who is also a certified Prepare/Enrich provider.
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Diane McClanahan,
Director of Leadership and Spiritual Life |
Leadership and Spiritual Life
at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
In addition to the programs listed above, we offer the following ongoing services:
- psychological assessments for clergy candidates
- clergy coaching
- boundary training for clergy
- conflict transformation services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
- strategic planning services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
For more information on any of these services and programs, contact Diane McClananahan, M.Div., Director of Leadership and Spiritual Life (formerly known as the Institute for the Practice of Ministry) at Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
, 515-251-6667,
[email protected].
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Our mission is to bring understanding, hope and healing to people of all ages through counseling and education.
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Who we are:
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization offering a broad range of mental health services
, serving 2,450 individuals annually including 700 children.
Although best known for its 43 years of quality, professional mental health therapy, the Center is a multi-faceted organization providing a range of services:
- Counseling, including specialized services for children and adolescents
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Psychiatric consultation and care
- Training for clinical professionals
- Leadership and spiritual life programming
- Conflict transformation and strategic planning services for congregations, nonprofits and businesses
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