November 30, 2017

Nashua Area Interfaith Council
Members
Nashua, NH 03060

Dear Colleagues:

Services for the treatment of those with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) conditions are chronically underfunded in the State of New Hampshire. As a result, the current spectrum of services in New Hampshire is fragmented and lacks sufficient capacity. There are gaps in care and lack of continuity of care especially for the population reliant on Medicaid. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has obtained resources through a Medicaid Waiver Program to address these conditions by creating Integrated Delivery Networks throughout the State which bring together a range of services which address one’s basic health care needs. Our area of thirteen communities is the third of seven such Integrated Delivery Networks and is designated as IDN 3.

Spirituality is recognized in IDN 3 as an essential dimension in the health care process for it relates to hope, a necessary foundation for improvement commitment and motivation. Accordingly, Spirituality Sensitivity Training is being offered for Primary Care and Behavioral Health Providers and related personnel by the IDN through the Emmaus Institute, Inc. which has served the region since 1984 offering spiritually sensitive mental health counseling. Along with that training, faith communities will have an opportunity to receive training in preventative mental health care and education, including depression and SUD screening by NAMI – Nashua and the Emmaus Institute, Inc.

We are inviting you or a colleague to be one of twelve faith community clergy and/or lay ministers to participate in a Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program in two 8-week segments of 3-hr collaborative seminars on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon at Rivier University, Sylvia Trottier Hall, Room STH 230 in Nashua, NH beginning on December 6, 2017 when the actual schedule will be determined. The training will be provided by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Northeast Region. Full scholarships will be provided for all participants by the IDN 3 and the AAPC Northeast Region.

The Core Curriculum includes: Pastoral Care Theology and Principles; Spiritual Assessment, diagnosis and interventions; Supportive counseling methods for individuals, marriages and families; Ethics of brief supportive counseling: scope, limits and referrals; Developmental challenges across the lifespan; Grief and loss; Substance abuse and addiction; Domestic violence; Crisis intervention.

Modalities are designed to enhance personal growth and professional development: seminars, case presentations, interactive large and small groups; peer support group; clinical consultations; ongoing personal written reflection.

Graduates, upon receiving their Certificate of Completion, will qualify for membership in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors in the Pastoral Care Specialist category.

If you wish to respond positively to this invitation or have questions, please contact Dr. William J. Manseau, D.Min, LPP at Email: corpuspensions@gmail.com or 603-886-7158.

Sincerely,

 

Rev. William J. Manseau, D.Min, LPP
President and Executive Director
The Emmaus Institute, Inc.