Understanding the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma on Candidates for Religious Life

Registration for this one-day workshop will open later this year.

Workshop description

This one-day workshop will explore how childhood trauma can have lasting effects on candidates and affect their capacity for initial formation and community living. Childhood trauma can include a wide range of experiences, include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect, family violence, war, the death of a family member, parental separation, addictions, or mental health challenges within the family. The impact of these events can last a life-time, and include disruptions in relationships, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and poor academic or job stability. Untreated (or insufficiently resolved) trauma may create significant barriers to successful formation.

This workshop aims to help vocation ministers develop a compassionate yet discerning approach to working with inquirers with a trauma history to identify potential ‘red flags’ or ‘yellow flags’ that indicate a candidate may not yet be ready for formation, or may need additional treatment to become ready.

The presenter will guide participants through critical questions to ask serious discerners before they enter the formation process, and how to assess whether trauma-related issues have been sufficiently addressed. The workshop will offer practical strategies for assisting candidates with trauma histories in seeking the healing they need while avoiding taking on  the role of a therapist.  It will aslo adress how to manage your own feelings as you hear stories of childhood trauma. The session will include case discussions, and group discussion to deepen understanding and promote practical application. 

Workshop date

Please note this one-day workshop begins on October 20 at 9:00 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop begins.   

Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited. 

Workshop fees

Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage. 

NRVC member: $ 185                                    Non-member: $ 280

Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.   

Late fees

All workshop registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.   

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net.  After October 1, all fees are non-refundable. 

Presenter

Kathy Galleher, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Maryland who specializes in working with individuals in religious life and ministry. She received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University in 1993. Dr. Galleher was a professor of psychology at St. Mary’s University of Winona, MN, and for 8 years, she was a residential psychologist at the St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, MD. In 2006, she started her company, KMG Consultation, to support healthy ministry through workshops, training, and facilitation. She offers workshops on self-care, conflict management, transitions, grief and loss, sexual integration, tools for formation, and healthy boundaries. She also offers programs for healthy celibate living for men in post-novitiate formation in DC and Chicago. She has worked with numerous religious communities and ministry groups and national groups, including the RFC, IRF, NRVC, and LCWR.

Financial assistance available

To assist NRVC members with their professional development, the Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops; however, they do not cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, or personal expenses. If you need financial assistance to attend an NRVC workshop, please apply here. 

Workshop terms and conditions

Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.

Workshops are designed from the NRVC curriculum for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. NRVC recommends that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation, faith formation, and to further develop their professional competencies. 

Questions about Fall Institute workshops?

Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net