Tanya
Forum Replies Created
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Pete, as you begin to share your stories and open the door for conversation, others will follow suit. I like to tell individuals, “As you open up about ______, it will lose its power over you.” If we stay quiet and stuck in our thinking patterns, the struggle will continue to control us, but if we can find community and individuals like us, we can start the healing journey in a healthy way. Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community and becoming a Mental Health Coach.
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Shirley, I agree that limiting group size is important. We do that as well in our faith community. I suggest 8 individuals per group, 10 at the max. When you have more than 8 people in a group, individuals tend to hide or not share as other individuals are more comfortable talking or sharing. In my experience, when individuals find community and other individuals struggling with similar life struggles, it makes your job as a facilitator much easier. I also think that as a ministry leader, the growth of your support groups is an indicator or your ministry’s success and need within the community. Thank you for stepping out of a well deserved retirement to bridge the gap in the mental health community and becoming a Mental Health Coach and Transformed group leader.
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Kay, these are some common struggles every faith community organizations face regarding mental health stigma. I love the multi-faceted approach your faith community is taking regarding education, personal stories and even a podcast. I cannot wait to hear how God begins to move in your ministry and the impact you will have in your community. Thank you for taking the first step to launch a Mental Health Ministry and becoming a Mental Health Coach.
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Answer according to Matthew S. Stanford, Ph.D.:
When people come to a faith community seeking help, they often want to meet with the clergy—the senior pastor or priest. But this can quickly become overwhelming. Clergy don’t always have the time or capacity to meet with everyone consistently, nor are they trained to provide mental health support.
That’s where a mental health coach comes in. A pastor can still meet with an individual, offer spiritual guidance, care, and comfort—but when deeper mental health needs arise, they can connect that person with a coach.
The mental health coach can:
Provide one-on-one assistance through proven curricula.
Connect individuals with church support groups.
Refer them to community providers when needed.
This allows the pastor to focus on being a pastor, without the burden of trying to manage mental health needs beyond their training. Too often, pastors meet with someone several times before realizing the issue is outside their expertise—leading to late referrals and sometimes a breakdown in the relationship.
By introducing a mental health coach, the church ensures people receive ongoing, specialized support while still staying connected to their pastor. In short, mental health coaching empowers pastors to minister more effectively while making sure individuals get the care they truly need.
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Shelby, having the opportunity to discuss mental health topics from the pulpit is a blessing. A Mental Health Ministry is just like any other initiative or program, it should flow from the top down. Having pastoral input, support, and commitment is important. I agree that weaving mental health topics into your sermons will go a long way in breaking stigma and misconceptions.
Unfortunately, in many minority communities there are many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding mental health. A lot of that comes from a lack of knowledge or resources available within those communities. Being able to facilitate those open and honest conversations will be the start of change within your community and circle of influence. Or at the very least, begin to form cracks in the belief that mental illness is a sign of personal weakness, sin, or lack of faith.
Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community. I look forward to reading your success stories and the impact your ministry is having in your community.
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These are some great mental health myths vs the mental health facts. How do you plan on educating those around you with this information? Having the facts is a great start but would you share this information through a campaign, social media posts, or mental health ministry events?
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Gabby thank you for sharing. Griefshare is a wonderful program. In my own experience with grief, I have learned that “time heals all wounds” is a lie. Especially when it comes to grief, grief comes in waves, sudden moments, and out of the blue. Having the right tools to navigate this pain is key to a persons healing journey. While the pain or grief will never fully go away, you can learn to process the emotions and handle those bouts of grief in a healthy manner. As you stated, grief can lead to other mental health struggles. It is important to identify them and compassionately refer them to trusted providers for additional services or treatment. Thank you for taking the step to become a mental health coach. I look forward to hearing how your ministry impacts your community around you.
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Cora, I love that you are associated with sure a great organization that is working to fill the gap in the community. Being able to educate yourself to identify the unspoken language of mental health distress, understanding, that many times clients will communicate the symptoms of the mental health distress and not the mental health distress itself, and then having a referral networks of vetted and qualified professionals that can facility the transfer of care is so beneficial for the client. I think the referral process is one of the most crucial parts of our job as a Mental Health Coach. It is at this point that you have an individual in need, who has opened up and been vulnerable enough to share their need with you, so we have to make sure that we have quality referrals to provide. That referral experience will set the tone for continued success in their mental health journey or a complete breakdown of continued care. Follow up is very important. I think it also helps put the individual at ease and helps them feel supported in the process. Thank you again for your work as a Mental Health Coach. If you need additional resources or would like to check out the providers available on the GTHU website, you can find them at:
https://gatewaytohopeuniversity.org/wellness-and-brain-health/
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Explore our Wellness and Brain Health providers to support your journey toward healthier brain habits, improved mental and behavioral health, and overall well-being.
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Janine, I love your plan of providing a safe place and open dialogue as means to end stigma. You can try to end stigma with facts and figures but the power of real testimonies is far more effective than any fact you can throw at people. Showing them that mental health effects us all and that there is a safe place for them to seek help, is the best method to break stigma you have available. Providing compassion, grace, and empathy will make individuals more receptive to receiving help, resources, and referrals. Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community.
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Sally, it is sad how closed off people are when it comes to mental health distress. I love that you have learned how to compassionately share your own story in a safe and healthy manner. That is important not just for others to open up to, but it is also important for you to only share what you feel comfortable sharing as to not be re-traumatized in the future. While sharing our own experiences makes mental health distress more relatable, we have to remember as Mental Health Coaches, that everyone’s mental health journey is unique.
In my time as a Mental Health Coach, I have often shared tools and techniques that have been helpful for others. I encourage those that I work with to apply these techniques as it applies to them. It is ok to tweak a plan or resource as this is not a one size fits all. Being compassionate, caring, and understanding are some of the best ways to break stigma in your community. It is a blessing to have a mental health ministry within your faith community and community programs. I look forward to hearing how your faith community integrates the benefits of this Mental Health Ministry into your organization. Thank you for taking the first step in bridging the gap in the mental health community.
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Thank you Shelby for taking that step to deepen your commitment and education as a Mental Health Coach.
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Hello Kirk! Thank you for your role as a Fatherhood Coordinator. Supporting fathers to be is often forgotten during pregnancy. I love your reference to “pro-abundant life” John 10:10. I hope that this Mental Health Ministry Master Class adds value to your previous training and education.
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Hello Shelby! Thank you for your heart and passion for launching a Mental Health Ministry within your faith community. We know that 70% of individuals struggling with mental health distress often turn to a clergy or faith community. Your faithfulness will have a lasting impact in your community and those you serve. We look forward to hearing your journey and success stories along the way.
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Nice to meet you Robert! Thank you for your work as a RN and a first responder. I am glad to hear you have started your journey as a Mental Health Coach in preparation of today’s MHM Master Class. In my time as a Mental Health Coach, I have found it very rewarding helping others and walking along side their mental health journey. I hope you find today’s course informative and helpful as you start your Mental Health Ministry.
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Does your faith community or organization already have some of these events in place? If not, I suggest partnering with another non-profit or organization in your area to collaborate with them. It helps to have additional support and also the backing of other seasoned individuals to help guide you along the process as you start your mental health coach journey. I look forward to hearing more about your journey and all the wonderful stories to come. Remember that this forum is here to help you if you ever need advise, resources, or to talk to other MHCs like yourself. We also have our own private FB Mental Health Coach Network page. You can request access at:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Z27bHbYL/
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