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- There are free counselling courses online. Nelly to send links.
- El-Mashora course was being taught in English online with Anba Youssef. Can Mervat check to see current status and suitability?
- Nancy: There is a church in Toronto has a course in counselling. Will look into it.
(There is a program led by Fr. Pishoy Wasfy called "Youth Ministry Certification Program" .. more info at ymcp.ca). Also .. something that will support what we're hoping to do, is to think about starting a strong family ministry program in our church! It will make our work much easier if we're all on the same page. - The goal is to educate a few servants to be able to recognize issues which need counselling. This is not for the servant to become the professional counsellor (unless they are qualified and willing). It is mainly for recognition and direction to proper counselling.
- Youssef: Have connection with Christian counsellors who we can refer kids/people to.
- Nancy: Has a friend (Maryam Demian - Peter) has a PhD in psychology from SFU. Mona El-Masry is also another local resource. Also Abouna Bishoy Wasfy (responsible for youth service at his church) and Abouna Botros Philobos are professional counsellor, perhaps invite him for overall servants or a smaller group.
- Nancy to ask Maryam if she can be a resource for us.
- Find another terminology other than "Counselling" or "Psychologist"
- Marian: Careful how to address kids and servants, alphabetical
- Nelly to approach Abouna Bishoy Wasfy:
- How to recognize our cultural biases and tendencies which make us (Egyptian folks) go into a certain thought pattern?
- How to recognize when a need for counselling exists?
- What not to do to avoid exacerbating the problem and alienating a child/youth who may exhibit a certain behavior?
- What should we do? What is it we can do when we identify the need?
- How to see professional help? What resources are available to us?
- Is prayer and relationship with God the answer to psychological issues?
- How to approach Abouna/parents/family if this is the right thing do?
- Do you have some form of youth ministry training?
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