GREEN BAY, Wis. (Jan. 17, 2019) – Bishop David L. Ricken and Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Green Bay are pleased to welcome Trauma Recovery Associates, who will facilitate two workshops on Dr. Colin Ross’ Trauma Model. The events are co-sponsored by Trauma Recovery Associates and Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Green Bay and will be presented by Dr. Phyllis Florian, D.PSY., LP, and Rev. Kenneth W. Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC.
“One of my seven Action Steps to Accountability is increasing and improving our pastoral care, concern, and efforts to accompany victims of sexual abuse in their journey toward healing. Along with the Catholic Charities team, we researched training programs to educate diocesan leaders and area mental health professionals on the topic of trauma recovery. Trauma Recovery Associates are mental health professionals with experience in treating adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, and I am eager to bring them in to facilitate these workshops,” said Bishop Ricken. “Victim/survivors of sexual abuse and their families need our love and support as they journey through their pain to a place of healing. It is my hope that these trainings will further equip leaders in our parishes and professionals in our communities with tools to incorporate into pastoral care and treatment.”
Trauma Recovery Associates was established to instruct mental health practitioners and spiritual caregivers on the Trauma Model, Dr. Colin Ross’ internationally recognized and research-based model for effective therapy with survivors of childhood abuse and/or neglect. TRA educates and fosters the development of organizational leaders, human service providers, and trauma survivors themselves to respond more effectively to the impact of childhood trauma on individuals and on society.
Dr. Phyllis Florian maintains a clinical practice in Kalamazoo, MI, and is the director of Trauma Recovery Program. She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology, as well as pastoral ministry (counseling), and a doctorate in clinical psychology. She is a licensed psychologist.
Rev. Kenneth W. Schmidt is the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Portage, Michigan. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and co-founder of the Trauma Recovery Program in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, MI. In the past ten years, he has worked with individuals and small groups of survivors, as well as canonists, formators for religious communities, and congregations. He now serves as Executive Director of TRA, and is a Fellow for the Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, TX.
Workshop 1 – Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 1-5 p.m.
This workshop is open to members of the clergy and pastoral leaders. Rooted in spirituality, the session will train attendees in assisting victims of sexual abuse. It will be held at St. John the Baptist Parish, 2597 Glendale Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313. Materials and light refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to attend, and there is no cap on attendance.
Workshop 2 – Friday, February 1, 2019 | 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
This workshop introduces licensed mental health professionals to the core concepts of the internationally recognized Trauma Model proposed by Dr. Colin Ross, MD. It will be held at the Tundra Lodge, 865 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54304. The workshop is free and includes a training manual, lunch, and refreshments. For those who want to receive a certificate for 7.5 clock hours of continuing education, please include a $75 registration fee.
Please register by noon on January 25, 2019. Space is limited to the first 125 people. Cancellations will be accepted, and any paid fees will be refunded, up to the date of the event.
For more information, please contact Ted Phernetton, Catholic Charities director, at 920-272-8226.
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Catholic Charities: Founded in 1918, Catholic Charities provides social services to residents in the 16 counties of Northeastern Wisconsin that make up the Diocese of Green Bay. These services include mental health counseling; family strengthening programs to refugee and immigration communities; adoption and pregnancy counseling to assist birth parents, adoptive couples and people with unplanned pregnancies; budget counseling; and more. Catholic Charities serves all individuals, regardless of their background or faith.
Diocese of Green Bay: As friends and followers of Jesus, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay is devoted to fostering households and communities of discipleship through the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. We are missionary disciples striving to lead all people to the Kingdom of God. Established in 1868, the diocese is composed of 324,000 Catholics in 16 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.
Contact: Justine Lodl, director of communications, at 920-272-8213 or