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LEAD ARTICLES

This new certification helps people become trusted first responders in moments of crisis—whether in church, school, or everyday situations. It is an excellent fit for pastors, lay leaders, teachers, parents, and anyone who feels called to support others through life’s challenges. By increasing awareness, building confidence, and teaching essential response techniques, SMHFA is designed to help individuals provide time ly, compassionate care and reduce the stigma often associated with mental health issues. Professional Mental Health Coaching (PMHC) The second new certification program is the Professional Mental Health Coaching (PMHC) course, a 24-hour certification designed for those who wish to serve as a mental health coach in more formal or structured environ ments. This course builds on the foundational Mental Health Coach training and prepares individuals to operate within a professional or semi-profession al context. The PMHC program dives into elevated practical topics like: • How to start and grow a mental health coaching practice • How to navigate ethical and legal boundaries in this work • How to collaborate with licensed mental health professionals • Ways to navigate the mental healthcare system • The vital role peer support plays in the recovery process As mental healthcare continues to evolve, mental health professionals are beginning to see the value of trained peer support. While these individuals are not licensed therapists, they offer something many people seek—some one who listens, encourages, and walks with them through difficult seasons. They help fill a gap in care that traditional services sometimes miss. AACC’s Professional Mental Health Coaching course is designed to meet this growing demand. It acknowledges the lived experiences and spiritu al maturity many laypeople bring to the table and provides them with the structure and training needed to serve others with excellence and integrity. This course reflects AACC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local Church, especially pastors and leaders who are often the first people others turn to in a crisis. It also creates new opportunities for trained individuals to serve in places like community organizations, counseling offices, schools, and even businesses—anywhere mental health support is becoming more critical. Looking Forward As the Mental Health Coach program enters its sixth year, we pray that God’s hand continues to guide its direction and impact. What began as a response to a pressing need has become a global network of trained, compassionate individuals helping shape a more caring and responsive church. These coaches are making an impact and a difference in the lives of individuals in their churches and communities. They are transforming the way churches and communities think about mental health. With their help, we are dismantling stigmas, building healthier communities, and creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and valued. By adding the Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid and Professional Mental Health Coaching courses, AACC is expanding its vision to ensure more people have access to quality, Christ-centered mental health education and support. While the mental health crisis shows no signs of slowing down and men tal health challenges continue to affect individuals and families, churches and communities must be equipped to respond. These two new courses aim to meet that need with practical training, compassionate care, and a strong foundation in the truth of the Gospel. ;

A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS

President: TIM CLINTON VP of Publications/Editor-in-Chief: MARK CAMPER Advertising Director: KEISHA QUEEN

Graphic Designer: AMY LEACH COLE

Published quarterly by American Association of Christian Counselors, Inc., P.O. Box 739, Forest, VA 24551. AACC is an organization of evangelical pro fessional, lay, and pastoral counselors dedicated to promoting excellence and unity in Christian counseling. To ensure the confidentiality of all individuals men tioned in case material, names and identifying informa tion have been changed. Unsolicited manuscripts and poetry are not accepted. A query letter must be sent first, describing a proposed manuscript. Unfortunately, any unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned. CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CONNECTION grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be photocopied for use in a local church or classroom, provided no more than 250 copies are made, are dis tributed free, and indicate CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CONNECTION as the source. Advertising deadline for display advertising is approx imately six weeks before the month of publication. Please call for exact deadline dates. All advertising must be prepaid. If you have comments or questions about the content of CCC, please direct them to the Senior Editor. The views expressed by the reviewers, authors, or advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and a review in this publication does not imply an endorse ment. AACC and this publication do not assume responsibility in any way for members’ or readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information, suggestions, or recommendations made by the organization, its members, publications, or other resources. All rights reserved. Copyright 2019.

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