In times of crisis, the first place many turn to is their local church or faith community. Studies show that 25% of those seeking help for mental illness first turn to a clergyperson. This is higher than the percentage of people who first go to a psychiatrist or medical doctor.* ​The ACPE Pastoral Care Specialist (PCS) Training Program is a 16 week, 48-hour live course providing the knowledge and skills pastoral caregivers in churches and faith communities need to help others effectively, ethically, and safely. Issues and topics covered include: ​ Ethics of Pastoral Care Marriage and Family Issues in Systemic Perspective Spiritual Assessment and Diagnosis Listening in the Service of Healing  Harmful Spirituality and Spiritual Struggles Grief, Loss, and Resilience Mental Health and the Role of the Faith Community Understanding and Responding Effectively to Domestic Violence  Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care Substance Abuse, Addiction, and the Role of the Faith Community  ​ The PCS Training program is a new curriculum developed by the Psychotherapy Commission of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). The course will be taught by Tres Adames, MDiv, BCPC who currently serves on the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission and is co-chair of the Pastoral Care Specialist Task Force.  Apply at: https://www.arizonachristiancounseling.com/pastoral-care-specialist.html