[Tanya]

Stephen, this is a great plan. I think you should consider incorporating use of GTHU’s free Empower training as a tool and resource to those who will be working with you or those who will be part of the individual’s support system. Empower gives a basic understanding of what mental health distress looks like and how to respond compassionately.

In the Transformed materials provided in your training, there are several scenarios for you to use in your mental health campaigns. Creating an atmosphere of compassion and understanding is so important. You are on the right track to making a difference in the mental health community. I look forward to hearing all of the wonderful things your organization will do in bridging the gap in the mental health community.

[Tanya]

Thank you William for your service to your community and your congregation. There are so many times that people just want to be heard and their feelings validated. We live in a world that wants to argue their point that we have failed to validate each other’s thoughts or feelings. This doesn’t mean that we have to agree with them or their beliefs but rather understand that they may have perceived things in that way. Once we do that, we can usually work towards a resolution that helps the individual move forward.

Silence and patiently waiting are hard to do in a world of instant gratification. I agree that we must sit in silence sometimes to hear God, workout our own thoughts, or process the information in front of us. I myself sometimes struggle in sitting still long enough to put this into practice. When I do manage to actively sit in silence, I find that clarity and the next steps seem much more rewarding than rushing to a decision or judgment.

When I host groups or talk one-on-one with individuals, I often go over the rules of the session. One of the rules we use it that we allow time for silence or pauses. I believe that this is an important rule to go over so that individuals who are not used to this method, do not feel neglected or unheard. An explanation that we allow time for silence so that the holy spirit can reveal things that need to be discussed or shared can have the space to do so helps individuals get used to the idea of silence as a positive thing. I have also found that silence allows for those who usually don’t share, will speak up once those more comfortable sharing stop talking.

[Tanya]

Chris, first I must agree with you that God has definitely placed in you in the right place to be an asset to this organization and your community. Thank you for being willing to bridge the mental health gap in your community.

Your outline is very well thought out. It covers both the Mental Health Ministry evaluation process as well as an implementation process. Using Empower Faith Communities is a valuable tool to unite your organization in understanding mental health distress. I believe you will find that the need is great and as your organization begins to open the door to individuals in mental health distress, your 5 Mental Health Coaches will have plenty to do.

Building a referral network can take time. As you begin this process, make sure to check out our Mischer Behavioral Health Resource Center page for additional resources, providers, and local organizations in your area. I think that will be a valuable tool for your organization. https://gatewaytohopeuniversity.org/mischer-behavioral-health/

ReImagine Groups are a needed resource in our community. I look forward to hearing all of the great success stories that will come from your hard work and dedication to the community. If I can be of help in any way, please let me know.

gatewaytohopeuniversity.org

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[Tanya]

Paul,

I absolute love your heart and the mission of your organization. It seems as if your faith community already has some great ministries in place to tend the soul and mental health coaching will be a great asset to your ministry. I love how you said that any one of these ministries can serve as an entry point. That is so true. Many people come to our faith communities through our outreaches and not our Sunday services. May I encourage you and your organization to also take the free Empower Faith Communities training. While not everyone will serve as a mental health coach, having a basic understanding of mental health distress is a great resource for all your staff/team to have. I look forward to hearing all the great testimonials that will come from this addition to your ministry. Have a blessed day and please let me know how I may of service to you if the need arises.

Tanya Melendez

GTHU Community Education Manager

[Tanya]

Hi Lawrence! Has your church implemented the ReImagine Support Groups at your church? If so, can you please tell me how has that experience been for you? Any recommendations or tips you can share with the group on your journey thus far? If I can be of help in any way, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to reading all about your successes as a Mental Health Coach.

[Tanya]

Natalie, unfortunately the file upload is not showing your final project on the forum. It is an issue we are working on. Would you share on here a little more about your final project and the de-escalation and grounding tools you have or plan to use as a Mental Health Coach? Thank you!

[Tanya]

That is amazing Seth. May I ask where are you located? Seems as if your church currently has an intake process in place with a vetted list of providers. How has this course benefited or added to your current process? May God continue to bless your ministry and all the positive work you are doing for your community.

[Tanya]

Thank you for sharing! A simple act of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s day. Let’s encourage each other and those around us to be the difference makers in our communities.