The unique insights of Dr Frank Lake have stood the test of more than 40 years and they remain as important and valuable today as they were at the time of their original conception. This is the legacy for which we are both the custodians and the executors. The Frank Lake legacy contains essential truths regarding what it means to be human and his original analysis teaches, in the context of the faith, both the theory and the practice of pastoral care with counselling skills.
Seminar members are often individuals who are seeking to help others and are aware that they need more resources to be effective. Frequently these individuals are seeking such personal development for professional reasons concerned with their work as pastoral caregivers, health care workers, social workers, teachers, clergy [read our Theological Statement of Belief], counsellors, therapists or as members of befriending organisations. Knowledge and insights are acquired through participation in a series of seminars. Crucially, participants are provided with the kind of experiential learning opportunities that are necessary to develop the self-awareness that is appropriate for effective pastoral work.
The seminars explore the power of personal narratives to heal and restore spiritual and psychological well-being. The story of these personal journeys of discovery through life are told in a supportive environment that includes authentic listening skills within a framework of trusted relationships.
The seminars invite participants to explore coping with change; different personality types; psychological defences; depression and care of the clinically depressed; the stages of selfhood and identity; birth and peri-natal experience; infancy and childhood; crisis and adolescence; autonomous relationships and sexuality, mid-life; meaning and purpose; bereavement and dying; transitions and spiritual life and the church and community.
