Psychological health

Psychological health

Psychological health

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Finding a psychologist to help with assessment

By Sr. Carol Mucha R.S.M.

While doing its own behavioral assessment of a candidate is the first step for any community, it’s also good to work with a psychologist who can answer the community’s questions and conduct psychological tests. Many experienced vocation ministers feel such tests should primarily serve to confirm a community’s own behavioral assessment. Read more...

The basics of psychological assessment

HORIZON interviews Donna Markham, OP, Ph.D.

Yes, there are three requisites vocation ministers should evaluate when considering accepting a candidate for entry to a community. The first concerns the capacity a person has to form healthy attachments to other people. Read more...

Assessing candidates with mental health concerns

When assessing a candidate with a mental health history, it’s important to ask: how well and for how long has this person been able to function well? Read more...

The obsessive-compulsive candidate: striving for perfection

By Philip Dodgson and Barbara Gaudet C.S.J.

Perfectionism, control, discipline—these can be positive characteristics when a person remains flexible. The obsessive-compulsive candidate, however, does raise concerns. Read more...

The traumatized applicant and the vocation director

By Mary Elizabeth Kenel

The effects can remain hidden, yet trauma inflicts great damage to a person’s psyche. Read more...

Recognizing personality disorders in candidates

By Raymond F. Dlugos O.S.A.

Members with personality disorders can cause tremendous damage to a religious community. Vocation directors need to understand these disorders in order to make wise judgments. Read more...

The essential facts about depression

By Sister Mary Ellen Moore S.H.

Depression affects people in many different ways. It helps to understand the various types of depression, the possible impact on communities and treatment options. Read more...

What every vocation director should know about addictions

By Kevin P. McClone

Addictions take a huge toll on families and communities. How can vocation directors assess the impact of a candidate’s history with an addiction? Read more...

When a vocation director needs to say “no”

It’s never going to feel good to turn down a candidate. Here is a close look at the emotional and ethical considerations. Read more...

The inner journey of the transition into religious life

By Sister Jane Becker O.S.B.

Any major life transition creates inner turmoil. Here is a glimpse of what happens within new members in the period between acceptance and entrance. Read more...

Healthy transitions for new members, ministers and the community

By Sr. Mercedes J. McCann R.S.M.

Vocation ministry by its very nature involves many transitions—for discerners, ministers and the community. We can grow in wisdom and spirit if we pay attention to transition and give it its due. Read more...

The psychological tasks of emerging adults

The psychological tasks of emerging adults

By Father David Songy O.F.M. Cap.

What’s happening psychologically to people in their 20s and 30s? And how do those concerns affect vocation discernment? Read more...

Working with candidates who are sexual abuse survivors

Working with candidates who are sexual abuse survivors

By Sister Cindy Kaye R.S.M.

Religious communities can be part of the healing process for candidates who have experienced sexual abuse. Read more...

What every vocation director should know about process addictions

What every vocation director should know about process addictions

By Christiana Ashabo

As process addictions continue to increase, it’s important for vocation directors to understand how they develop and how to recognize them. Read more...

The inner journey of accepted applicants

The inner journey of accepted applicants

By Sister Jane Becker O.S.B.

The months between acceptance and formation involve outward movement to be sure, but it can pale compared to what’s happening within. Read more...

The essentials of candidate assessment

The essentials of candidate assessment

By Father Raymond P. Carey

Every vocation director needs skills in assessing applicants. Behavioral assessment is one of the best ways to objectively consider whether a candidate is likely to fit well and be a productive, contributing member. Read more...

Case studies in assessment of international candidates

Case studies in assessment of international candidates

By Emily R. Cash Psy.D.

Three case studies shed light on the nuanced process of assessing someone from a culture outside your own. Read more...

Can this candidate be flexible and adapt?

Can this candidate be flexible and adapt?

By Sister Dorothy Heidersheit O.S.F.

Rigid personalities can cause strife in religious life. Here’s an overview of how to assess for adaptability. Read more...

What to know about candidates with a history of depression or anxiety

What to know about candidates with a history of depression or anxiety

By Sister Karen Coté I.H.M.

Depression and anxiety can undermine a person's ability to live religious life well. It helps to have a basic understanding of these conditions when assessing candidates so that compassionate, informed decisions can be made in regard to entrance. Read more...

Understand candidates on the autism spectrum

Understand candidates on the autism spectrum

By Brother John Mark Falkenhain O.S.B.

The characteristics of those on the autism spectrum present challenges to religious communities. Learn what the characteristics of this condition are and what they mean in the context of religious life. Read more...

Trauma can impact candidates and communities

Trauma can impact candidates and communities

By Stephen Carroll Ph.D.

The tentacles of trauma can run deep, but communities can identify and cope with this too-common condition. Read more...

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Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, O.F.M.Conv.

Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, O.F.M.Conv.

Being connected to others doing similar ministry is a big reason that Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, O.F.M.Conv. is part of the NRVC. He is vocation director for the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Our Lady of the Angels province. He is also a Mid-Atlantic Member Area Coordinator, along with Sister Jean Rhoades, D.C. Read more...

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