Healthy Information from the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center July/August 2010

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 644Des Moines, IA

is a publication of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, an independent, not-for-profit organization. Celebrating 38 years of ser-vice to adults, families, adolescents, and children for the purpose of enhancing emotional, spiritual, and relationship health. The Center has satellite offices in Ankeny, Lamoni, Leon, Mt. Ayr and Osceola. Editor : Kathleen Murrin

2929 Westown Parkway, Suite 110 • West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

www.dmpcc.orgVisit the Center’s website for more information on the Center’s

counseling services and staff, special events and classes.

In a consumer-oriented culture, the worth of an individual seems inherently tied to work and productivity. What happens, then, to a person’s sense of worth and self esteem when “pink slipped” into unemployment? In the slowing economy over the past couple years, it has been difficult to feel very safe and secure in one’s work. There are numerous scenarios where decisions totally outside one’s control have annihilated not only one’s employment but also one’s retirement.

Work and identity have long been connected for men. As gender parity has increased in the workplace, the connection of work with identity has become an issue for women also. Job loss and forced termination are “equal opportunity unemployers.” The grief, anger, and loss of esteem and identity weigh equally heavily upon women and men these days.

Individuals who lose employment may not understand their own emotional reaction to this loss. They may rationalize and minimize by saying, “It was only a job!” Or, “I was looking for a job when I found that one!” It is important for people to recognize what the job means to them personally to comprehend all the secondary effects of losing the job.

The loss of a job very often means the loss of one’s livelihood, paycheck and benefits. What is often overlooked is that job loss represents even more loss than that. It may also represent the loss of numerous personal relationships, the loss of a significant part of one’s emotional support network, and in some cases, it may represent the loss of a career path.

Grief is the normal reaction to loss. Those who specialize in working with grief indicate the only way to grieve is to go through the pain of the loss. Feelings of shock, disbelief, or denial may be the first reaction to job loss or termination. In a normal grief process, feelings can include shock, anger, numbness, disbelief, rage, guilt, sadness, and fear. These feelings tend to cycle and may manifest themselves several times over the course of unemployment, which can mean

JUNE 2010 INSTITUTE GRADUATES

The Center’s Institute for the Practice of Ministry is proud to announce recent graduates of two of its offerings.

The inaugural class of PrairieFire has completed this two-year program of spiritual renewal and formation. Those graduates are:

Lisa Beckwith, Sam Erwin, Nawal Ghali, Cheri Grauer, Meredith Houle, Sara Hopkins, Catherine Howe, Bob Kem, Karen King, Robin Kline, Kay Kopatich, Brenda McCartney, Ron McCartney, Ann Mertes, Margaret Mostek, Kevin Pokorny, Shirley Portner. PrairieFire offers an optional third year practicum experience leading to a certificate in the ministry of spiritual direction through the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, Kansas

We also wish to acknowledge and thank this class of graduates who graciously contributed over $1,200.00 for the start of a scholarship fund for future PrairieFire applicants.

In addition, the Center is happy to announce that the following persons have completed the two-year Pastoral Care Specialist Program: Lori Allen, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames; Donna Dressel, St. Boniface Church, Waukee; Rev. Gail Muckey, Peace United Church of Christ, Walnut, IA.

Campus High Five RACEto benefit C.O.O.L. Hold the date: Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Campus High Five race is not a cookie-cutter 5k with a $25 t-shirt and a momentary warm feeling at the finish. Leave your iPod at home, come to Iowa City, and don’t worry about coffee to wake you up. This is:

- a loud and social experience

- a community event for all running abilities and attitudes

- a celebration of the sport with live music and a post race party

Athletic events are a great way to allow people to make commitments to themselves through the motivation provided by benefiting others. This event was conceived to fund a non-profit aimed at empowering children. The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life) program is the chosen beneficiary of the inaugural Campus High Five Race!

In August start checking the website for registration information: www.campushighfive.com

over many, many months in today’s economy. Each time they appear, they will tend to be less intense. Gradually the energy contained in the feelings will dissipate. If the intensity continues, the person may want to seek the help of a professional counselor to facilitate the process.

In this time of economic adjustment, many of us know someone who has lost his/her job by one means or another. How can we be helpful and supportive to this person? The first rule of empathy is to validate the feelings the person is experiencing. It is critically important not to suggest how they should or shouldn’t feel. It is also not helpful to minimize their situation or assume that we know how to “fix it.” Avoid saying things like, “Get over it and move on!” “You should put an application in at ACME, I hear they are hiring!” It will be far more helpful to say something to the effect, “I know this is a really difficult time of transition for you. I want to be supportive.”

In offering assistance, keep in mind that everyone handles job loss differently. It is best if offers of assistance can be specific. An example might be, “I would be happy to assist you with updating your resume if that would be helpful.”

When facing our own job loss or someone else’s, it is important to recognize that self worth involves more than our work and productivity on the job. Self worth and self identity incorporate our relationships, our creative expressions, our strengths and weaknesses, our spiritual gifts, and beyond. We are more than our jobs. We are also more than our losses.

Lowell L. Houts, D.Min.Lowell Houts is a licensed mental health counselor and pastoral counselor. He

holds a doctoral degree in pastoral counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lowell provides counseling to individuals and couples concerning a wide range of personal and relationship issues. Lowell’s special professional interest is in

the area of recovery from trauma.  He has specialized training in EMDR.  Lowell sees clients in West Des Moines, Lamoni, Leon, Mt. Ayr, and Osceola.

JOB LOSS

32

AN INTRODUCTION TO SELF-PSYCHOLOGY ~ A 10-week course

Dates: September 10, 2010 - December 3, 2010 (Class will not meet 10/1, 11/5, 11/26) Time: Fridays, 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. for ten weeksLocation: Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center 2929 Westown Pkwy., Ste. 110, WDMCost: $200 CEUs: 15.00 hours This course provides 15.00 hours towards the continuing education requirements of the Iowa Board of Social Work Examiners and the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Instructor: J. Jeffrey Means, Ph.D.Registration: September 3, 2010 Deadline To register, contact the Center ~ 274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org

.This course is an introduction to self-psychology and its application to psychotherapy. The development and historical context for this theory will be reviewed, and key elements of the theory will be discussed. The main focus of the course will be the application of these principles to the practice of psychotherapy. The course will address the usefulness of this approach to contemporary problems presented in outpatient treatment settings. Readings from selected texts and journal articles, and clinical material shared by the instructor and participants, will provide the material for the class.

WE DID IT!!!

More than 100 dignitaries, donors, staff and Board members were present for the ceremony to break ground for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s new facility at 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Urbanda le, on Thursday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m.

During the program, Polk County Supervisor, E.J. Giovannetti, cited the important work of the Center in meeting the area’s critical mental health needs as one of the reasons the Center was able to raise more than $2.8 million during very tough economic times in support of this project. “Construction of this facility is a sign of this organization’s continuing mission to handle tough issues on a long term basis, so people can lead peaceful, healthy and productive lives.” The Polk County Supervisors provided a $100,000 Community Development Grant for the project. Other speakers at the event included Former Iowa Lt. Governor Sally Pederson and Des Moines attorney Dick Lozier, who co-chaired the campaign to raise the $2.8 million, and Ellery Duke, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Center.

Leadership donors who helped turn the project from a dream into reality were recognized. Pictured at the Groundbreaking, with hard hats and shovels, are (l to r): E.J. Giovannetti and Angela Connolly (Polk County Supervisors), Kay (and Bob) Riley, Owen J. Newlin, Ellery Duke, D.J. Newlin, Linda (and Tom) Koehn, Julie Stewart (Prairie Meadows), Stan W. Reynolds (Variety-The Children’s Charity), Judy (and Larry) Sheldon, Dean (and Sandra) Carlson. [Not pictured: Marian and Don Easter, Liz and Lisa Kruidenier]

The Campaign for Hope and Healing supports a $3.3 million capital project involving land acquisition and construction of a new facility for the Center. The new enhanced Center will provide 14,200 square feet of space, specially designed for counseling both children and adults, more than doubling the current leased

CENTER WELCOMESNEW STAFF

COUNSELOR

We are very pleased to welcome Alissa Birkenholtz, M.S.W., to the Center staff. Alissa is a licensed master social worker. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Drake University as well as a master of social work degree from The University of Iowa.

Alissa accepted the clinical position on staff at the completion of her advanced practicum here at the Center in May. We are excited that she has chosen the Center as her next step in her promising professional career.

Alissa works with older adolescents, adults, couples, and families, who are dealing with a variety of issues, such as personal growth and change, depression, anxiety, and various traumas. She has special interest in assisting clients in accessing their own personal strengths in order to recognize their potential and improve their relationships. Alissa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Call the Center to schedule an appointment (515-274-4006).

PASTORAL CARE SPECIALIST PROGRAM

The Center is once again proud to offer the Pastoral Care Specialist Program, a competency-enhancing two-year program designed for the professional development and renewal of pastors, chaplains, and other persons involved in ministries of pastoral care. The program provides an enriching blend of psychology and theology, as well as theory and practice, while encouraging the sharing of learned lessons. Participants meet once each month to learn about areas critical to effective pastoral care, and to receive support, encouragement, and consultation on their work. Participants can solidify what they already do well and integrate new knowledge and skills into their ministries. Seminar topics vary each year. This year’s program begins the second Tuesday of September (September 14, 2010) and runs through the second Tuesday of June (June 14, 2011). Participants meet from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Tuition for the program is $500 for each of the two years. Registration is limited. The deadline for registrations is September 3, 2010. For additional information or to obtain a registration form, contact Jeff Means, Ph.D., at (515) 274-4006 or jmeans@dmpcc.org. Or visit the Center’s website:http://dmpcc.org/churches/churches.html

Leaving Your LegacyThe ability to sustain the nurturing nature of the Center’s work into the future is in your hands. Your planned gift to the Center’s FOUNDATION will ensure that the time and compassion required for real healing and growth will be available to future generations of our community. Call Kathleen Murrin at the Center for more information on establishing your legacy through a bequest or other planned gift to the Center. Visit the Center’s website at www.dmpcc.org/contributions.html

space. The facility will be designed to meet the rapidly increasingmental health needs of central Iowa children and adults related to depression, anxiety, addictions, violence, abuse, fear and other mental health disorders.

The larger facility will provide space for employment of eight to ten additional licensed counselors, allowing twice as many children and adolescents and 70% more total clients to be served within the next five years.

SVPA designed the new Center and Hubbell is providing construction services. The scheduled date for completion is February 2011.

GROUND BLESSING

by Lowell L. Houts, D.Min., LMHC

As we bless this ground today, we set it apart for the special purpose of healing mind, body, and spirit.

Creator, Master Builder, and Architect of Our Lives:

May you bless those whose vision has brought us to this moment, those who gave form to the void, those who labored tirelessly to secure resources, those who provided resources, those who honed plans, and those who are breathing life into those plans.

Bless this ground that gives of itself to support this structure. May this building live lightly on the earth, using resources sparingly and respectfully.

Bless those who will construct this building. May each contractor, craftsman, apprentice, and laborer find their skills raised to the “next level.” May they work safely and without injury or harm, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May they find a sense of purpose and fulfillment as well as a means of support for themselves and their families.

Bless future generations who will come here to work and train, young graduate students who will see visions, and wise, seasoned clinicians who will still dream dreams, that all might continue the mission of providing hope and healing in mind, body, and spirit. Cement the past and the future with the present that we may be of one accord in our mission.

Bless this structure that it might be strong enough to hold the pain and grief of trauma and tragedy, yet porous enough to allow empathy, love, grace, and mercy to seep through the necessary procedures of doing business. May it pulsate with positive energy and may it flow with integrity and compassion for all who seek healing, and may those who seek healing, find the healing “Balm of Gilead” in this place. Amen!

The Instructor: J. Jeffrey Means, Ph.D., is the Director of the Institute for the Practice of Ministry for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center and Chair of the Behavioral Medicine Department at Des Moines University. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, pastoral counselor, and marriage and family

therapist. In addition to his experience working with individuals, couples and families, Dr. Means has interests in teaching, writing, supervision, professional formation, and consultation. He is the author of Trauma & Evil: Healing the Wounded Soul.

Groundbreaking photos by Karin Beschen

32

AN INTRODUCTION TO SELF-PSYCHOLOGY ~ A 10-week course

Dates: September 10, 2010 - December 3, 2010 (Class will not meet 10/1, 11/5, 11/26) Time: Fridays, 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. for ten weeksLocation: Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center 2929 Westown Pkwy., Ste. 110, WDMCost: $200 CEUs: 15.00 hours This course provides 15.00 hours towards the continuing education requirements of the Iowa Board of Social Work Examiners and the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Instructor: J. Jeffrey Means, Ph.D.Registration: September 3, 2010 Deadline To register, contact the Center ~ 274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org

.This course is an introduction to self-psychology and its application to psychotherapy. The development and historical context for this theory will be reviewed, and key elements of the theory will be discussed. The main focus of the course will be the application of these principles to the practice of psychotherapy. The course will address the usefulness of this approach to contemporary problems presented in outpatient treatment settings. Readings from selected texts and journal articles, and clinical material shared by the instructor and participants, will provide the material for the class.

WE DID IT!!!

More than 100 dignitaries, donors, staff and Board members were present for the ceremony to break ground for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s new facility at 8553 Urbandale Avenue, Urbanda le, on Thursday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m.

During the program, Polk County Supervisor, E.J. Giovannetti, cited the important work of the Center in meeting the area’s critical mental health needs as one of the reasons the Center was able to raise more than $2.8 million during very tough economic times in support of this project. “Construction of this facility is a sign of this organization’s continuing mission to handle tough issues on a long term basis, so people can lead peaceful, healthy and productive lives.” The Polk County Supervisors provided a $100,000 Community Development Grant for the project. Other speakers at the event included Former Iowa Lt. Governor Sally Pederson and Des Moines attorney Dick Lozier, who co-chaired the campaign to raise the $2.8 million, and Ellery Duke, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Center.

Leadership donors who helped turn the project from a dream into reality were recognized. Pictured at the Groundbreaking, with hard hats and shovels, are (l to r): E.J. Giovannetti and Angela Connolly (Polk County Supervisors), Kay (and Bob) Riley, Owen J. Newlin, Ellery Duke, D.J. Newlin, Linda (and Tom) Koehn, Julie Stewart (Prairie Meadows), Stan W. Reynolds (Variety-The Children’s Charity), Judy (and Larry) Sheldon, Dean (and Sandra) Carlson. [Not pictured: Marian and Don Easter, Liz and Lisa Kruidenier]

The Campaign for Hope and Healing supports a $3.3 million capital project involving land acquisition and construction of a new facility for the Center. The new enhanced Center will provide 14,200 square feet of space, specially designed for counseling both children and adults, more than doubling the current leased

CENTER WELCOMESNEW STAFF

COUNSELOR

We are very pleased to welcome Alissa Birkenholtz, M.S.W., to the Center staff. Alissa is a licensed master social worker. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Drake University as well as a master of social work degree from The University of Iowa.

Alissa accepted the clinical position on staff at the completion of her advanced practicum here at the Center in May. We are excited that she has chosen the Center as her next step in her promising professional career.

Alissa works with older adolescents, adults, couples, and families, who are dealing with a variety of issues, such as personal growth and change, depression, anxiety, and various traumas. She has special interest in assisting clients in accessing their own personal strengths in order to recognize their potential and improve their relationships. Alissa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Call the Center to schedule an appointment (515-274-4006).

PASTORAL CARE SPECIALIST PROGRAM

The Center is once again proud to offer the Pastoral Care Specialist Program, a competency-enhancing two-year program designed for the professional development and renewal of pastors, chaplains, and other persons involved in ministries of pastoral care. The program provides an enriching blend of psychology and theology, as well as theory and practice, while encouraging the sharing of learned lessons. Participants meet once each month to learn about areas critical to effective pastoral care, and to receive support, encouragement, and consultation on their work. Participants can solidify what they already do well and integrate new knowledge and skills into their ministries. Seminar topics vary each year. This year’s program begins the second Tuesday of September (September 14, 2010) and runs through the second Tuesday of June (June 14, 2011). Participants meet from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Tuition for the program is $500 for each of the two years. Registration is limited. The deadline for registrations is September 3, 2010. For additional information or to obtain a registration form, contact Jeff Means, Ph.D., at (515) 274-4006 or jmeans@dmpcc.org. Or visit the Center’s website:http://dmpcc.org/churches/churches.html

Leaving Your LegacyThe ability to sustain the nurturing nature of the Center’s work into the future is in your hands. Your planned gift to the Center’s FOUNDATION will ensure that the time and compassion required for real healing and growth will be available to future generations of our community. Call Kathleen Murrin at the Center for more information on establishing your legacy through a bequest or other planned gift to the Center. Visit the Center’s website at www.dmpcc.org/contributions.html

space. The facility will be designed to meet the rapidly increasingmental health needs of central Iowa children and adults related to depression, anxiety, addictions, violence, abuse, fear and other mental health disorders.

The larger facility will provide space for employment of eight to ten additional licensed counselors, allowing twice as many children and adolescents and 70% more total clients to be served within the next five years.

SVPA designed the new Center and Hubbell is providing construction services. The scheduled date for completion is February 2011.

GROUND BLESSING

by Lowell L. Houts, D.Min., LMHC

As we bless this ground today, we set it apart for the special purpose of healing mind, body, and spirit.

Creator, Master Builder, and Architect of Our Lives:

May you bless those whose vision has brought us to this moment, those who gave form to the void, those who labored tirelessly to secure resources, those who provided resources, those who honed plans, and those who are breathing life into those plans.

Bless this ground that gives of itself to support this structure. May this building live lightly on the earth, using resources sparingly and respectfully.

Bless those who will construct this building. May each contractor, craftsman, apprentice, and laborer find their skills raised to the “next level.” May they work safely and without injury or harm, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May they find a sense of purpose and fulfillment as well as a means of support for themselves and their families.

Bless future generations who will come here to work and train, young graduate students who will see visions, and wise, seasoned clinicians who will still dream dreams, that all might continue the mission of providing hope and healing in mind, body, and spirit. Cement the past and the future with the present that we may be of one accord in our mission.

Bless this structure that it might be strong enough to hold the pain and grief of trauma and tragedy, yet porous enough to allow empathy, love, grace, and mercy to seep through the necessary procedures of doing business. May it pulsate with positive energy and may it flow with integrity and compassion for all who seek healing, and may those who seek healing, find the healing “Balm of Gilead” in this place. Amen!

The Instructor: J. Jeffrey Means, Ph.D., is the Director of the Institute for the Practice of Ministry for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center and Chair of the Behavioral Medicine Department at Des Moines University. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, pastoral counselor, and marriage and family

therapist. In addition to his experience working with individuals, couples and families, Dr. Means has interests in teaching, writing, supervision, professional formation, and consultation. He is the author of Trauma & Evil: Healing the Wounded Soul.

Groundbreaking photos by Karin Beschen

Healthy Information from the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center July/August 2010

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 644Des Moines, IA

is a publication of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, an independent, not-for-profit organization. Celebrating 38 years of ser-vice to adults, families, adolescents, and children for the purpose of enhancing emotional, spiritual, and relationship health. The Center has satellite offices in Ankeny, Lamoni, Leon, Mt. Ayr and Osceola. Editor : Kathleen Murrin

2929 Westown Parkway, Suite 110 • West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

www.dmpcc.orgVisit the Center’s website for more information on the Center’s

counseling services and staff, special events and classes.

In a consumer-oriented culture, the worth of an individual seems inherently tied to work and productivity. What happens, then, to a person’s sense of worth and self esteem when “pink slipped” into unemployment? In the slowing economy over the past couple years, it has been difficult to feel very safe and secure in one’s work. There are numerous scenarios where decisions totally outside one’s control have annihilated not only one’s employment but also one’s retirement.

Work and identity have long been connected for men. As gender parity has increased in the workplace, the connection of work with identity has become an issue for women also. Job loss and forced termination are “equal opportunity unemployers.” The grief, anger, and loss of esteem and identity weigh equally heavily upon women and men these days.

Individuals who lose employment may not understand their own emotional reaction to this loss. They may rationalize and minimize by saying, “It was only a job!” Or, “I was looking for a job when I found that one!” It is important for people to recognize what the job means to them personally to comprehend all the secondary effects of losing the job.

The loss of a job very often means the loss of one’s livelihood, paycheck and benefits. What is often overlooked is that job loss represents even more loss than that. It may also represent the loss of numerous personal relationships, the loss of a significant part of one’s emotional support network, and in some cases, it may represent the loss of a career path.

Grief is the normal reaction to loss. Those who specialize in working with grief indicate the only way to grieve is to go through the pain of the loss. Feelings of shock, disbelief, or denial may be the first reaction to job loss or termination. In a normal grief process, feelings can include shock, anger, numbness, disbelief, rage, guilt, sadness, and fear. These feelings tend to cycle and may manifest themselves several times over the course of unemployment, which can mean

JUNE 2010 INSTITUTE GRADUATES

The Center’s Institute for the Practice of Ministry is proud to announce recent graduates of two of its offerings.

The inaugural class of PrairieFire has completed this two-year program of spiritual renewal and formation. Those graduates are:

Lisa Beckwith, Sam Erwin, Nawal Ghali, Cheri Grauer, Meredith Houle, Sara Hopkins, Catherine Howe, Bob Kem, Karen King, Robin Kline, Kay Kopatich, Brenda McCartney, Ron McCartney, Ann Mertes, Margaret Mostek, Kevin Pokorny, Shirley Portner. PrairieFire offers an optional third year practicum experience leading to a certificate in the ministry of spiritual direction through the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, Kansas

We also wish to acknowledge and thank this class of graduates who graciously contributed over $1,200.00 for the start of a scholarship fund for future PrairieFire applicants.

In addition, the Center is happy to announce that the following persons have completed the two-year Pastoral Care Specialist Program: Lori Allen, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames; Donna Dressel, St. Boniface Church, Waukee; Rev. Gail Muckey, Peace United Church of Christ, Walnut, IA.

Campus High Five RACEto benefit C.O.O.L. Hold the date: Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Campus High Five race is not a cookie-cutter 5k with a $25 t-shirt and a momentary warm feeling at the finish. Leave your iPod at home, come to Iowa City, and don’t worry about coffee to wake you up. This is:

- a loud and social experience

- a community event for all running abilities and attitudes

- a celebration of the sport with live music and a post race party

Athletic events are a great way to allow people to make commitments to themselves through the motivation provided by benefiting others. This event was conceived to fund a non-profit aimed at empowering children. The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life) program is the chosen beneficiary of the inaugural Campus High Five Race!

In August start checking the website for registration information: www.campushighfive.com

over many, many months in today’s economy. Each time they appear, they will tend to be less intense. Gradually the energy contained in the feelings will dissipate. If the intensity continues, the person may want to seek the help of a professional counselor to facilitate the process.

In this time of economic adjustment, many of us know someone who has lost his/her job by one means or another. How can we be helpful and supportive to this person? The first rule of empathy is to validate the feelings the person is experiencing. It is critically important not to suggest how they should or shouldn’t feel. It is also not helpful to minimize their situation or assume that we know how to “fix it.” Avoid saying things like, “Get over it and move on!” “You should put an application in at ACME, I hear they are hiring!” It will be far more helpful to say something to the effect, “I know this is a really difficult time of transition for you. I want to be supportive.”

In offering assistance, keep in mind that everyone handles job loss differently. It is best if offers of assistance can be specific. An example might be, “I would be happy to assist you with updating your resume if that would be helpful.”

When facing our own job loss or someone else’s, it is important to recognize that self worth involves more than our work and productivity on the job. Self worth and self identity incorporate our relationships, our creative expressions, our strengths and weaknesses, our spiritual gifts, and beyond. We are more than our jobs. We are also more than our losses.

Lowell L. Houts, D.Min.Lowell Houts is a licensed mental health counselor and pastoral counselor. He

holds a doctoral degree in pastoral counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lowell provides counseling to individuals and couples concerning a wide range of personal and relationship issues. Lowell’s special professional interest is in

the area of recovery from trauma.  He has specialized training in EMDR.  Lowell sees clients in West Des Moines, Lamoni, Leon, Mt. Ayr, and Osceola.

JOB LOSS