Presented by Alan J. Schmitt, MA, BCC

Thursday, December 10, 2020 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Program Summary
This webinar will identify challenges and helpful interventions in working with teens with mental health issues. We will identify ways to approach spirituality in a broad manner which does not alienate adolescents but builds upon things that enhance the human spirit, like music, art, teamwork, and meditation. We will explore group topics and approaches that draw youth into the process, encourage self-reflection and sharing. We will also learn how to facilitate the teens to be seekers in a journey of discovery which brings the day’s topic to life.

Program Objectives
Identify the challenges in working with adolescents with mental health issues.
Be introduced to a broad-based spirituality to help adolescents identify positive spiritual connections.
Learn new interventions in spiritual care for at-risk youth.

About the Presenter
Alan has worked with adolescents for six years in behavioral health and for 25 years in parish education programs and teen ministries, especially appreciating the service, retreat, and social components. His journey toward pastoral ministry began in a faith-based volunteer program immediately out of college at St. John’s University in Minnesota, serving in a mountain town on the western slope of the Rockies in Southwest Colorado with an inspired pastor in a community with a big heart. He returned to the Midwest four years later, earned an MA in theology at Loyola University in Chicago, began to serve at a suburban parish, and met his wife the following summer at a young adult ministry program. His pastoral and personal journey continued from there, raising 3 sons, serving in a variety of parishes and completing CPE at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove, IL.

NACC Certification Competencies Covered by the Webinar: ITP2, ITP3, ITP5, PPS3