When someone around us is experiencing hurt or grief, we want to do what we can to alleviate their pain. Instead, we often unintentionally say words that add to their pain. We owe it to ourselves and those hurting to be equipped to meet their pain in the comforting manner we intend.
In this course, we’ll study phrases and actions that actually do make a positive difference to those who are suffering and examine why some of our usual phrases aren’t as useful as we previously thought. There’s more than enough pain in the world; make a positive difference to the brokenhearted around you by learning the difference between helpful and hurtful caring language.
Students are required to have a copy of Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart, by Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., for this course. (Best available price is through Stephen Ministries)
This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $60
CEUs: 1.0
Required books?: Yes
Live video session?: No
Part of a certification or series of courses?: No
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Price: $60
About the Instructor
Annette Arnold-Pflaum is an ordained senior chaplain and is the founder and president of Wisteria Ministries. She has specialized in grief support and crisis counseling since the beginning of 2015.
Sr. Chaplain Annette is a Nationally Board Certified Chaplain [BCC], and has been a State of Nevada Licensed Minister since 2014. She is also a Certified Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church and holds a certificate in Congregational Leadership.
A retired Nurse/EMT with 20 years of Medical Experience, Annette holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology/family studies and associate degrees in education and para-medicine. She is a graduate of the Chaplaincy Nevada Theology Academy, where she is now an instructor, and has completed their advanced Clinical Pastoral Training.
Annette is honored to be the Teaching Lead of the Nevada State Chaplains Task Force: Crisis and Critical Response Team, which assists first responders, state officials, government entities and agencies, and Nevada citizens in times of disasters or other crises. Annette was part of the team that was on hand to assist after the 1 October Shooting in Las Vegas in 2017.
Having been a student herself with BeADisciple, Annette understands the benefits and joys of online education, and is excited to share those benefits with others!
Past Students Said…
“I think the course is very useful to educate people that are grieving so that they know it is not unusual to feel a certain way in their different stages of grief.”
“The feedback from the instructor, not only to me but to my classmates as well. What I learned was invaluable. Also, her responsiveness and genuine desire to help us understand along the way. I have had other online classes and I could have just as easily read only the text for all the input I received from the instructor. I truly appreciate the amount of time that Sr. Chaplain Annette took to lead us to a better understanding of how to help those experiencing grief.”
“The interaction with the instructor. She gave clear and concise answers to participants and was always available when there were questions. 5 out of 5 stars.”
“Many of the things we shouldn’t say, I thought, was me offering my compassion and condolences. I didn’t realize I could be adding to their grief. I have a better grasp of someone on their journey of grieving.”
