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Lesson OneCare, Counseling and Mental Health in Corrections3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwoReligion and Counseling/Balancing Compassionate Care with Security and Safety4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson ThreePsychological and Spiritual Health4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FourHelping Skills I: Prayer4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FiveHelping Skills II: Scripture4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SixHelping Skills III: Sin4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SevenMotivational Interviewing I: Confession4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson EightMotivational Interviewing II: Forgiveness4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson NineMotivational Interviewing III: Redemption4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TenMotivational Interviewing IV4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson ElevenGroup Facilitation4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwelveThe Adverse Childhood Experience Study and Attachment4 Activities2 Assessments
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Lesson ThirteenComplex Trauma and Trauma Care4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FourteenComplex Trauma and Recovery4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FifteenAction Methods3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SixteenAddictions and Recovery3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SeventeenLoss and Grief4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson EighteenCommitted Relationships3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson NineteenParenting3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwentyDepression and Suicide3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson Twenty-OneDomestic Violence I4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson Twenty-TwoDomestic Violence II4 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson Twenty-ThreeSpecial Topics and Counseling Lessons3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson Twenty-FourMulticultural Competence and Lay Helpers4 Activities1 Assessment
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Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 28
Discussion Questions
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What challenges do chaplains face in ministering to mentally ill inmates?
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2 Replies
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One of the main challenges as expressed in the lesson is the higher position they are placed. Such individuals are placed on a pedestal and seen as a “Savior” of sorts. The recommendation for the chaplain as proposed by the lecturer is for the chaplain to live in humility. There can be a sense of pride that may accompany this occupation as well. It is important for such individual to continue to have a strong relationship in Christ and seek help and counseling in their own personal life if experiencing difficulties. We cannot carry others’ burdens without caring for ourselves first. It is not selfish to do so but loving. Having those boundaries is essential for the mental health of the chaplain as well. A term that reflects such personal care was coined in the presentation as self-awareness. Keeping in mind how we are doing and the process of self-evaluation on a constant basis will help the chaplain administer the proper care.
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“Overwork’ prison staff who are the front liners to the inmates. Compassion laity, or fatigue somehow posed a ‘get it over’ or ‘acting up again’ response from them.
The other area is the inmates can be manipulative and I had to be on the alert to discern.
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What has been your experience with those with mental illness, and how have you ministered with them?
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1 Reply
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From clinical depression that led to ‘successful suicide,’ to those diagnosed with schizophrenia… it is not easy.
1. They did not choose to have this ‘disease.’ They too, are made in the image of God. They too, are fallen, and is capable to sin.
2. Acceptance of who they are. I do not attempt to ‘cure’ them.
3. Each meeting is listening to their stories, and guide them to take small steps to build up their self-worth. Usually, somehow those I met have rather grandeur aspirations.
4. Encourage and check them if they have regularly taken their medicine.
5. Watch out for ‘signs of relapse,’ and check them in if they become suicidal.
6. Integrate them into a safe community if they are stable, and less disruptive or manipulative.
7. Support their family with mature “befrienders.”