Summer 2009
The INNERLIFE
A Publication of the
Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee, Inc.
Partners in Caring Since 1985
Chemical Dependency In The Pews
by John Ishee, Ed.D.
The pure alcoholic is a dying breed. No pun intended,it's just a way to say that chemical dependency is much broader than the use of alcohol. A plethora of mood altering chemicals abounds in our culture, and persons who abuse these chemicals and family members who are affected by the abuse are often seated in the church pews on Sunday morning.
Widely accepted estimates indicate that one out of 10 individuals will abuse or become addicted to mood altering chemicals in their lifetime. Translate that ratio of families and the numbers change dramatically. Probably more than one in four families is greatly affected. The alcoholic husband, the wife addicted to prescription "pain" pills or tranquilizers, the teenager who is smoking "pot", the senior citizen who takes inappropriate drugs to deal with physical and/or emotional pain-these are only part of the larger drug scene. It's a family thing-and every member of the family is affected when one or more family members becomes addicted.
Often the minister or another church staff member is the first person to whom these family members turn for help. Alcoholics Annonymous, the guidebook for the 12-step program of recovery identifies addiction as "cunning, powerful, and baffling." There are not guarantees that someone else can get another person to successfully arrest his addiction. However, we are not left hopeless, there are some things that the local parish minister can do.
First, communicate an attitude of openness that encourages addicted persons and family members of addicted persons to ask for help. Don't be judgemental. Over the past 25 years, I have in one way or another been in touch with aproximately 30,000 alcoholic/addicts. I cannot recall ever talking wiht one who intended to become addicted. Yes, they usually (not always) deliberately use mood-altering chemicals. They made a choice to use. They took the drugs, but eventually the drugs took them. Then they need help.
Second, don't look for a quick fix to the addiction problem. Even if the addicted person is able to quit using without outside help, which rarely happens, there are many issues in the life of the addicted person and his/her family that need attention. The spouse and children of the addicted person have been negatively affected. Shame, low, self-esteem, anxiety--these are but a few of the problems that plague the "addicted family."
Third, cultivate relationships with community resources that allow you to make referrals. There is a broad scope of available community resources. We are one of those resources. We may be able to help. Using the resources within our counseling center, we are in touch wiht numerous other resources and agencies where we can make referrals.
When I began my ministry at Cumberland Heights in 1985, the CEO, my boss, gave me some helpful information. "John," he said, "don't take credit for someone getting sober or clean. You can't do it for them. And don't blame yourself if the person relapses. You did not cause it. Just suit up, show up, and allow God to use you."
I found that to be good advice during my 24-year tenure there, so I pass it along ot you. And if you think we can help, please call us. We are always willing.
John Ishee is a staff member of the Pastoral Counseling Center and author of Spirituality in Recovery: A 12 Step-Approach.
Does It Really Matter
by Chris O'Rear, M.Div., M.M.F.T., Executive Director of Clinical Services
In visiting the community we often have the opportunity to encounter other non-profit organizations. At different events, we have a table set up across from some wonderful organization that is working to provide clean water in Africa, help children in need, or provide food to the homeless. Sometimes, one might wonder, compared to feeding the homeless, does providing counseling to someone really make a difference? Of course, my answer is yes.
People come to the Pastoral Counseling Centers wiht a variety of needs and crises. They are usually overwhelmed, exhausted, depressed, anxious, hurt, and grieving. Most of the time, people call us as a last resort, when they have exhausted all of their personal resources to deal with whatever is going on. In these situations, people are not able to function in their relationships, their jobs, their school, or other areas of their lives as they normally would. Sometimes, their struggles have resulted in lost relationships, lost jobs, or legal trouble. People in these situations are more susceptible to physical illness and struggles in other areas of their lives. Often time there are economic consequences as well. At the Pastoral Counseling Centers, we also hear and work with the spiritual questions that go with these struggles like "Where is God?", "What is the meaning of my life?", "How can I forgive?" or "How can I be forgiven?"
When a member of our staff sits with a person who is struggling and that staff member seeks to understand the person in front of them and then seeks to help that person find new ways of understanding and new ways of being, our staff embodies the presence of the healing God of love. Time and again, our clients report that when they leave therapy, they feel they have encountered unconditional love, the presence of God, or something holy. They leave feeling stronger, healthier, and more secure. The client who has received help has better relationships, is happier and more fulfilled in what they do. Helping people heal hurts, mend relationships, find peace, experience grace, and grow in self esteem and dignity is a ministry that certainly matters. I am proud to have been a part of this work at PCCT for the past 10 years.
DEVELOPMENT DOINGS
by Chrissa Walsh, Director of Finance and Development
The specialized care of the Pastoral Counselor provided in the offices of the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee has always been understood by us to be an extension of the work of local clergy and the ministry of local congregations. We feel we offer services that extend and enhance this ministry.
However, we are also dependent on the local congregations for their prayers, referrals, programming and financial support. We want to make available to all people the excellence of care provided at the Pastoral CounselingCenters and we cannot make these services accessible without the support of the community, especially the local congregations. It is for this reason that we choose to honor congregations in the middle Tennessee area that have been faithful to the Pastoral Counsleing Centers in their support of our shared ministry. We are grateful for the partnerships and friends that have been made through the last 24 years.
Save the Date
October 1, 2009
2009 Founders Banquet honoring our Supporting Congregations, 6:00 p.m. Silent Auction and Social Hour, 7:30 Dinner William J. Fleming Center of the Cathedral of the Incarnation
2015 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN
Tickets are $60 each or $550 for tables of 10
For tickets, call 615-383-2115.
Entertainment by Ed Kilbourne
Singer, storyteller, and folk theologian, Ed Kilbourne will be our entertainment for the evening. This popular artist is know for his collections of moving music, quirky humor, and insightful monologues. He combines acoustic guitar, keyboards, and singing with a storytelling style that has been compared to that of Garrison Keillor, the radio humorist from 'Lake Woebegon'.
www.edkilbourne.com. For tickets, email cwalsh@pcctinc.org or call 615-383-2115 x 33.
Search for us on Facebook or www.pcctinc.org
Opening for Full-time Spanish Speaking Pastoral Counselor
The Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee, Inc. (PCCT) has availability for a full-time Pastoral Counselor to help with growth in their service to Nashville's Spanish speaking population. PCCT currently has two locations dedicated to serving clients in Spanish. It is preferred, but not required, that candidates be a Fellow ir Diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) or eligible for Licensure in Tennessee as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist. PCCT prefers to hire therapists with theological education. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits are available for full time employees. Relocation expenses are negotiable.
PCCT has a 24 year history in the middle Tennessee area and currently has 8 offices in middle Tennessee. PCCT is an approved service center of AAPC and provides trainingin Pastoral Care and Counseling.
For more information, contact Chris O'Rear, Executive director for Clinical Services at corear@pcctinc.org or (615) 383-2115. You may read more about us at our website www.pcctinc.org, or on Giving Matters at www. givingmatters.com, or find us on Facebook.
Archived Issues:
Summer 2008 : PCCT Begins Hispanic Outreach
Spring 2007 : Spotlight on the Board
Winter 2006: In With the New Joy or Dread
Fall 2005 : Surely He Knows What We Need
Spring 2005 : Changes of Life
Winter 2005: Changing of the Guard
Fall 2004: Saying Goodbye
Summer 2004
Winter 2003: Nurturing
the Institution
Fall 2002
Summer 2002
Spring 2002
Winter 2002: Ethics In The Workplace
Fall 2001: Room for Laughter
Spring 2001: Suicide - A Loss of Hope
Winter 2001:
Helping
a Child Through Loss
Fall 2000: Adolescence
and Substance Abuse
Summer
2000: Hospitality, A Context for Care and Healing
Spring 2000: The
Cry of Anguish