My name is Aina Andosoa Rasendrason. I am a woman from Madagascar, married, with two children. I am participating in a Master’s program in Theology and Religious Studies in Norway, Stavanger, at VID Specialized University. Before being accepted for this program, I completed four years of study in theology at a Regional Lutheran Seminary in Madagascar, worked for one year with my husband to lead two parishes— Ranomainty and Soalazaina— in the Synod of Alaotra and continued three years at the Lutheran Graduate School of Theology of Fianarantsoa where I received my bachelor’s degree.
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Pastoral Care Specialist
This episode features an interview with Aaron Pawelek, who is a pastoral counselor and Chair of the Pastoral Care Specialist Training Program, a new curriculum developed by the former American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the current ACPE Psychotherapy Commission. The 48-hour program focuses on providing the knowledge and skills pastoral caregivers in churches and faith communities need to help others effectively, ethically, and safely. To learn more about the program, click here.
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“It’s Against My Religion”: The Importance of Mental Health Chaplaincy
Chaplains are present in many settings, but often their role in health-related contexts is limited to end-of-life care. Regretfully, chaplaincy is less common in mental health treatment programs. There are many historical reasons for this, including anti-religious sentiments espoused by Freud in the early 20th century.
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The Injured Advocate: A Reflection on Classic Images of Pastoral Care
As part of a recent pastoral care class, I was invited to create an image of care that would capture my growing understanding of my pastoral role and identity. Using Robert Dykstra’s book, Images of Pastoral Care: Classic Readings (2005) as a starting point and drawing particularly on Henri Nouwen’s Wounded Healer and Bonnie Miller-McLemore’s Living Human Web, I created the image of the Injured Advocate.
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Spiritual Direction
This episode features an interview with Suzanne Tindall, an interfaith minister, hospice chaplain, and Certified Spiritual Director. Our discussion presents a short introduction to spiritual direction and how it differs from other forms of spiritual care.
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Music Therapy and Spiritual Care
This episode features an interview with Kayla Sadowy, a music therapist who works with patients in hospice and other settings. We discuss how music therapy intersects with spiritual care, and how music can empower a patient ‘s spiritual journey.
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