Christian Counseling Connection
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LEAD ARTICLES
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s it possible to train counselors from 5,000 miles away… in real time?
This spring, the AACC found the resounding answer to be, “Yes!” Slated
to offer a trauma recovery institute in Timisoara, Romania, AACC Board
Chair, Dr. Diane Langberg, had to unexpectedly reschedule her travel
plans due to the death of her mother. Immediately, the planning team began
to pray and research potential options to avoid canceling the conference, and
the answer came through Internet technology.
Using Google+ live video, Drs. Diane Langberg, Philip Monroe and I ad-
dressed the conference attendees in real time, welcoming them and supple-
menting DVD-based lectures with live question and answer time. Psychia-
trists, psychologists, counselors, social workers and pastors traveled from
around Romania to learn about “The Management of Trauma: Clinical and
Spiritual Perspectives.” These clinicians, practicing in Eastern Europe in the
wake of communism, continue to face immense challenges in treating com-
plex and multi-generational trauma. Furthermore, with little emphasis on
spiritual integration in their secular training programs, attendees were eager
to explore a model for biblical intervention and counseling.
Through video chat, Romanian professionals also had the opportunity
to converse with American colleagues attending Drs. Langberg and Monroe’s
Global Trauma Recovery Institute.
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These U.S.-based master’s and post-grad-
uate students were able to learn more about trauma counseling in Romania,
creating a three-way dialogue and rich learning opportunity for everyone in-
volved. “What an illustration that we are one body… knit together across the
ocean,” Dr. Langberg pointed out.
Ironically, the event’s theme was “Dialogue on the Bridge,” drawing from
a Romanian sculpture. “When we planned this event, we did not plan or
dream to bridge so far” Dr. Ileana Radu laughed, considering the situation. Dr.
Radu is Founder and Director of the Dianoia Professional Institute of Family
Therapy and Systemic Practice in Timisoara and served as a key organizer for
the event.
Despite the unfortunate loss of Dr. Langberg’s mother, it seemed that God
providentially allowed hardship to open up a unique opportunity for cross-
cultural learning and professional development… spanning 5,000 miles!
“Step-by-step, we witnessed the unfolding of His plan and it was such a privi-
lege to be a part of it,” Stefana R
ă
corean said as Dianoia’s Director of Training.
Due to the positive reception from attendees, plans are already in place for
another live training institute in Timisoara next year.
In today’s technological world, the AACC seeks to facilitate every available
means to equip Christian counselors around the globe. “We are the Church,”
Dr. Langberg points out. “We are His people and I believe with all my heart
He has called us to go out of ourselves and follow Him into the suffering of
this world, bearing both His character and His Word….”
Dr. Langberg went on to say, “If we think carefully about the extensive
natural disasters in our time—such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tsuna-
mis—and combine those victims with the many manmade disasters—inner
city violence, wars, genocides, sex trafficking, rapes, and child abuse—we
would have a staggering number. I believe if we would stop and look out
on suffering humanity, we would begin to realize that trauma is perhaps the
greatest mission field of the 21st century.”
This story serves as just one example of how technology can be used to
further God’s kingdom. However, wisdom is certainly needed in order to lis-
ten and learn from a culture seeking to serve rather than presenting ourselves
as the “experts.”
Due to your generosity through the AACC Foundation, we are also
thrilled to welcome Christian counselors from various nations who will be
joining us at the 2013 World Conference in Nashville to continue this dia-
logue. These individuals include Stefana R
ă
corean from Romania, as well as
counselors and caregivers from Brazil, Rwanda, Ghana, Malaysia, Australia,
South Africa, the United Kingdom, India and more. As we seek to carry out
this mission, we invite you to join us in getting to know these international
guests and making them feel welcome.
If you are interested in AACC’s international efforts, make sure to attend
Dr. Diane Langberg’s workshop, “Addressing Trauma in International Settings:
Three Models in Dialogue,” at the upcoming World Conference on Friday,
September 13, from 8:45 - 10:00 a.m., with co-presenters Drs. Philip Monroe,
Matthew Stanford and Harriet Hill. In addition, don’t miss the International
Networking Mixer scheduled for Thursday, September 12, from 8:45 - 9:45
p.m.
Laura Captari
is a freelance writer and licensed professional
counselor in training. She serves as Director of Professional and
Public Relations at the American Association of Christian Coun-
selors, and has co-authored two books,
Orphan Justice: Caring
for Orphans Beyond Adopting
, with Johnny Carr, and
Smart
Girls, Smart Choices: Avoiding the 10 Biggest Mistakes Young
Women Make
, with Megan Clinton. Laura is married to her favorite Romanian,
Dorin, and enjoys traveling and serving in other cultures, investing in gut-hon-
est relationships, and mentoring women.
Endnote
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For more information, see
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“What an illustration that we are
one body
… knit
together across the ocean.”
–Dr. Diane Langberg
