This course is for clergy and laity who are serving persons with mental health issues. The two-week course will equip learners to engage those who suffer, battle, and overcome this misunderstood condition, destigmatizing the issue without simplifying it. Participants will explore what mental illness is and how it is experienced, will examine the complexity of response to those with mental illness, and will challenge biases toward those with mental illnesses.
Learners will need to obtain this book: Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission by Amy Simpson
This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $75
CEUs: 1.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: No
Certification or Series: No
Read course description for details.
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Price: $75
About the Instructor
Jasmine Ray-Symms holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Psychology and Sociology) and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. She is actively involved in the ministry of her local church as a Certified Lay Minister. She is a member of the Abundant Health Team for the Oregon-Idaho Conference, Disability Ministries for the Pacific Northwest Conference and the newsletter Editor and member of the Mental Health Task Force for Disability Ministries for the United Methodist Church. She hosts a blog where she writes on her experiences with schizoaffective disorder, LGBTQ, and addiction through the lens of her faith at: www.jasmineraysymms.com. Her ministry passion is to help people overcome the struggles in their life through compassion, empathy, and empowerment.
Past Learners Said…
“”I just want to say that I have taken around 50 classes over the past 5 years, and I have never felt the opportunity to be as open about my own problems as much as I have in this class thus far. This reminds me that so many with mental illness are not comfortable discussing it, unless they feel they are in a safe environment. Thank you for creating that”
“This course was well organized, relevant, and loaded with material to take back to my congregation. I recommend both the textbook and course to anyone interested in opening minds and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.”
“This course is a great tool for developing awareness , connection, and learnings for reducing fear and stigma within our congregations where people living with physiological brain disorders should feel safe.”
“As a lifelong learner, I am impressed with both the course and instructor! Mental illness affects not only the person living with it but also family members and friends. Relationships are unique and differ in perspective. The course revealed those perspectives through the textbook, supplemental readings, and personal stories.”
“I would advise anyone in churches today to take the course. The mentally ill and their families are very much a part of our lives. Raise awareness! Learn! Reach out!”
“Jasmine was there to help and guide us through the course. A very good shepherd.”
“The book was an excellent resource as was the conversation. There were many different experiences shared, all of which were enlightening.”
