Pastoral Care Webinar

As a former officer of Marines, a Navy chaplain to Marines, and later a VA chaplain to Veterans, Dr. Scott Jimenez has spent many years working with countless combat Veterans struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD is also often masked by substance abuse. The media treats them as outcasts, though there are treatment options available. However, they offer an incomplete recovery, not fully addressing important areas such as guilt, shame, forgiveness, and identity, which are theological in nature, and need a theological approach.

Dr. Jimenez has performed extensive research, interviewing combat veterans, as well as secondary research consisting of endless hours of study, sifting, and recombining data found. Since there are neither books nor research focusing on a theological approach to PTSD, this is a crucial and revolutionary aid to all who suffer from it, whether combat veteran or those who have experienced other forms of life trauma. Emphasizing usage of faith-based recovery and spiritual programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for support, Dr. Jimenez is convinced that true, long-term recovery from this condition cannot last without attention and aid given to the all-important "soul injury" aspect of PTSD.

The $50 registration gives you access to all 6 sessions as well as a copy of Dr. Jimenez's book PTSD: A Theological Approach that will be mailed to you. The course will meet for 6 weeks on Tuesdays from February 6th-March 12th at 6pm-7pm Central for 6 total hours of Lifelong Learning.

The course will cover the following topics:

Session #1: Biblical reference to PTSD: Discussion of why current psychotherapies and medical approaches for PTSD fall short. Defining PTSD, similarities and differences. Defining moral/spiritual/soul injury. Prevalence among current population of both.

Session #2: Guilt, Shame, Forgiveness: Discussion of differences and similarities of guilt, shame, and forgiveness, including the consequences of taking a life (deep exploration of Scripture on these points). Use of healing approaches (empty chair). Overview of Schillebeeckx and Frankl, and a theology of pain, a theology of suffering.

Session #3: Reclaiming a Biblical Identity: Discussion of Scripture outlining false image, Imago Dei, reframing (age as a filter), New Script, Yahwe Rapha.

Session #4: Using the process: Discussion of confession, repentance, forgiveness, recovery/reconciliation, and transformation (expanding Maslow).

Session #5: Safe places: Becoming the family and friends in faith. Discussion of practical approaches and use of Missio Dei.

Session #6: Dolorifuge: Accepting loss, grief, and bereavement. Practical approaches of combining compassion with dignity. Discussing the future of Pneumatraumatology.