It is a known fact that 911 is the number to call on emergency responders when someone is experiencing a medical emergency or crisis. However, if you belong to a faith-based community calling on a pastor, minister, priest, intercessor or other faith-based leader about your experience or need is also an essential first line of support. Some examples of issues that spiritual first responders are requested to offer support through include the sudden loss of a loved one, a health crisis, involvement in a tragic event like a serious car accident or a house fire. Pastors often put the needs of others before their own even if their own struggles are overwhelming. Pastors may also experience their own traumas from childhood, complicated loss, church trauma, financial crises, threats, scandal and public shaming.
Due to status, time limitations, and confidentiality issues many pastors suffer in silence until a health crisis hits or another means of exposure of issues occurs forcing them to get support. This video is to help raise awareness to common issues and to make faith-based leaders aware of support options available to them before a critical need occurs.
In the following video Shahidrah Cowgill, Clinical Director at the FFC Center, interviews Pastors Kathy and Larry Burden about their experiences in the ministry over a 33 year career of service involving personal trauma, secondary trauma, tactics for recovery and EMDR therapy. They will be sharing resources about helpful trainings, readings and supports that have helped them along the way.
The FFC Center was founded in 2011 in Frisco TX, with a focus of providing quality counseling support to children, teens, adults, and families. We offer concierge counseling services, clinics, and exclusive membership resources and classes that encourage our clients to Recover Strong, Live Fully, and Thrive Unleashed.
Shahidrah Cowgill – who has written 34 posts on Fundamental Foundations Counseling Center.
