Removing the stigma of mental illness so religious leaders are equipped with empowering beliefs and spiritual practices to support their communities
My jobs have always been driven by a sense of mission – camp counselor, community organizer, victim advocate, minister, teacher. I know what it’s like to love the work because of the kind of change you hope to make in the world. I also know that it’s hard. Our hearts get involved. Sometimes we see gains. Other times, losses. And burnout is real.
Experiencing loss - and working with people who experience loss – can make one question purpose, sanity, one’s sense of self. And we rarely have the tools to manage this kind of loss.
After years of this work and studying loss, change and resilience, I believe we can both accept that loss is a part of life and growth, and move forward with an adventurous spirit.
SEE DR. MONICA IN ACTION
Dr. Coleman has the blueprint and she unashamedly shares the designs for success through her personal and professional witness.
Nikia R., Executive Director, non-profit organization
TOPICS
religious leaders
GIVING VOICE TO DEPRESSION
Like many other experiences of suffering, living with depression can render hope and faith difficult. This workshop discusses how living with depression challenges common faith teachings. We redefine faith in the context of depression and examine ways that religious leaders can give voice to experiences of depression. Religious leaders will learn liberating messages of faith and spiritual practices that support faith and mental wellness.
mental health advocates
helping your religious clients live with depression
Religious beliefs and practices may help people to better cope with stressful life circumstances; however, religious beliefs may also increase guilt and lead to discouragement. This workshop discusses how common faith teachings complicate the experience of living with depression and redefines faith in the context of depression. Mental health professionals will learn what spiritual practices support mental wellness.
mission-driven professionals
NAVIGATING CHANGE WITH GRACE
Society does not teach us how to lose. We are taught how to win and influence people. Thus we often take losing as failure. We will explore how, amidst loss, people can choose life. Values-driven employees will avoid burnout by learning a constructive understanding of loss and change, and techniques for navigating change and cultivating wellness.
Dr. Coleman has a way of grabbing your mind and forcing it to grapple with very deep issues without you even noticing that it's happening. An effortless speaker, the power of her message is immense and her ability to speak to our theme was more than impressive. Participants left feeling energized, elevated and most of all, inspired.
Anna S., Lecture Series Director
MONICA A. COLEMAN
A renowned leader in process and liberation theories, Dr. Coleman speaks throughout the U.S. and international settings. In every presentation, she educates, cultivates and empowers people of purpose to connect their beliefs with both their personal experiences and social action. Dr. Coleman speaks on many of the issues that other leaders avoid: mental health, religious diversity, difficult change. At colleges, churches, foundation meetings or leadership retreats, Dr. Coleman speaks with sincerity and depth of knowledge. She offers key insights about these issues with pragmatic solutions for individuals and communities.
Dr. Monica Coleman is a superb teacher, an innovative theologian. Wildly engaging and dynamic. Gripping. All without notes!
Andrea W., Seminary Professor
Dr. Coleman is engaging and welcoming and she combines personal stories with practical suggestions and strategies for living with depression.
Jean P., Retreat Center Program Coordinator
