Office of Rural Health

RURAL CLERGY TRAINING PROGRAM
WEBINAR SERIES

The Rural Clergy Training Program (RCTP) is pleased to announce our Webinar Series for 2015. Webinars will cover topics that expand on and complement subject matter presented in the Rural Clergy Training Workshops and “Rural Chaplains and Clergy Caring for Veterans: Paving the Way Home After the Wounds of War” online sessions offered through the VA eHealth University (My VeHU) (Learn more about the My VeHU sessions).

Upcoming Webinars

Check back for new topics and confirmed dates!

Previous Webinars

“Moral Injury and Clergy”
Access Link to Recorded Webinar
Presenter: Kent Drescher, PhD, VA National Center for PTSD
This webinar will provide up-to-date information about the new construct moral injury. Moral injury focuses on important but rarely addressed aspects of military trauma that play a key role in recovery. It is important because the themes and issues that emerge include aspects of care that overlap the disciplines of mental health and chaplaincy. This presentation will highlight changes in the PTSD diagnosis under DSM-5 that are relevant to moral injury. It will also share current research perspectives on morality and moral judgements. The talk will encourage a collaborative care model that can bring to bear the special expertise of both disciplines in helping our nation’s veterans recover and flourish in the face of their warzone experiences. (Originally broadcast August 26, 2015)

“Recognizing and Addressing the Needs of the Terminally Ill Veteran”
Access Link to Recorded Webinar
Presenters: Rev. William Nelson, PhD and Rev. Robert Macauley, M.D.
This highly interactive Webinar will identify the multiple needs of terminally ill Veterans. Building from an understanding of Veterans' needs, the Webinar will explore the role of both the clergy and their specific faith community in offering supportive care. The Webinar will use several examples to demonstrate various practical approaches for pastoral care. The Webinar will provide participants with an opportunity to explore their experiences. (Originally broadcast August 18, 2015)

“Overview of Women Warriors: An American History, Past and Present”
View Recorded Webinar
Presenters: Chaplain Priscilla Mondt and Dr. Jim Goalder
This webinar is designed to increase insight on the long and proud history of women warriors with the American military. It will also identify the unique difficulties and challenges faced by women warriors and problems with adjustment upon return to rural communities. Finally, suggestions for optional ways of helping woman warriors in rural communities will be provided. More information. (Originally broadcast July 22, 2015)

“Helping Veteran Families: PTSD and Family Relationships”
View Recorded Webinar
Presenters: Dr. Michelle D. Sherman and Karen A. Guthrie, LCSW
This webinar will equip community clergy to help Caregivers of Veterans to recognize and respond effectively to stress within children and others in the family affected when a Veteran has symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More information. (Originally broadcast June 17, 2015)

“How to Start and Facilitate a Support Group for Veterans”
View Recorded Webinar
Presenter: Dr. Patricia Sweeney
This webinar offered participants with tips and guidelines for planning and facilitating peer support groups for Veterans in their community. More information. (Originally broadcast March 18, 2015

“Rural Clergy and Confidentiality: An Ethics Review ”
View Recorded Webinar
Presenter: Dr. William Nelson
This interactive webinar explored commonly occurring ethical issues surrounding confidentiality and privacy for rural clergy, and highlighted several rural characteristics that impact ethical issues for today's clergy. More information. (Originally broadcast September 30, 2014)

“Bringing Your Community Together to Bring Our Veterans Home”
View Recorded Webinar
Presenter: Chaplain Steve Sullivan
This webinar discussed practical ways that communities can come together to get Veterans and their families the help they need. More information. (Originally broadcast August 26, 2014)

Special thanks to artist Lulu Pelletier for the use of her sketch "Not All War Wounds Are Visible..."
and to LifeTouch, Inc. for their support of this project.

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