CCC 27-3

LEAD ARTICLES

When coaches can competently recognize when someone is hurting, listen with empathy, and gently point them toward the help they need, they are helping the Church become a more caring and responsive place

for emotional and spiritual support.

This program is designed to equip everyday individ uals with the skills and tools needed to support those struggling with mental and spiritual health challenges. It has become a transformative force in churches and com munities around the world. Since the program began, more than 30,000 churches have participated, and over 65,000 people have completed the training. The strong response shows just how much people are looking for practical, biblically grounded ways to care for others in their churches and communities. A Movement Toward Compassionate Care The Mental Health Coach program was created in response to a reality many pastors and church leaders were already confronting. People often turn to their churches for help during personal crises, yet most congre gations have not historically had the training or resources to respond effectively to mental health issues. The MHC program addresses this need by offering a structured, comprehensive, faith-centered approach to mental health support that non-professionals can implement. This training has helped churches become more compassionate and better equipped to walk with people through issues like trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and emotional pain. Mental Health Coaches are showing up in their congregations and neighborhoods, serving as a link between spiritual care and professional mental health support. When coaches can competently recognize when someone is hurting, listen with empathy, and gently point them toward the help they need, they are helping the Church become a more caring and responsive place for emotional and spiritual support. The goal of this pro gram has never been to replace licensed counselors or

train non-professionals to diagnose or provide treatment but instead to offer meaningful support early on, often when someone needs it most. Building on a Strong Foundation In celebration of this milestone anniversary, AACC is pleased to announce two new certification programs that will be released in May to expand the reach and depth of the Mental Health Coach initiative through training. These courses are designed to meet the increas ing demand for practical and professional mental health training grounded in Christian principles. Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) We are excited to announce the new Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) training to help more people become better mental health friendly and aware. This free, nine-module certification is a peer-to-peer training pro gram designed to prepare anyone, regardless of their level of training, to effectively recognize, relate, respond, and refer to mental, emotional, and spiritual health challenges. Created by AACC, SMHFA combines biblical truth with proven mental health strategies. Through the course, participants will learn how to: • Identify the common signs and symptoms of mental, behavioral, and spiritual distress • Respond with empathy and practical support • Apply trauma-informed care principles • Use de-escalation techniques appropriately • Refer individuals to professional care when nec essary • Offer hope-focused interventions in situations involving suicidal ideation or acute emotional distress

2 Christian Counseling Connection