More about the course

Building Bridges is design to equip faith leaders with the confidence and skills to make a positive impact on mental health advocacy and support, fostering healing, hope, and resilience within their congregations.

  • Participants will gain a deeper understanding of mental health disorders, learn to recognise signs and symptoms, and acquire effective communication strategies to sensitively engage with individuals facing mental health challenges. The program emphasises the importance of breaking stigma and fostering inclusivity within faith communities, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, and collaborating with mental health professionals to provide holistic support.

  • Participants will explore best practices for building supportive communities, including the development of support groups, provision of resources and referrals, and the integration of mental health awareness into religious services. Additionally, the program addresses the critical need for self-care among faith leaders, offering strategies for recognising and managing burnout, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed.

Ongoing Learning

As well as the self-study portion of the course, paticipants will also have access to quarterly trainings to expand their understanding of mental health. Both the self-study portion of the course and the ongoing quarterly trainings will enable you to build supportive, inclusive and compassionate communities.

  • Ongoing support

    Each quarter, participants dive deeper into topics such as effective communication strategies, best practices in mental health support, and innovative approaches to fostering inclusivity within faith communities. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and guest speakers, faith leaders gain practical insights and tools to enhance their mental health advocacy efforts.

  • Opportunities for networking

    Moreover, the quarterly training sessions serve as a platform for collaboration and networking, allowing participants to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and exchange resources. Together, we cultivate a supportive community dedicated to breaking stigma and promoting mental wellness.

  • Stronger together

    Join us in "Building Bridges" as we embark on a journey of continuous learning, empowerment, and positive change. Together, we can make a lasting impact on mental health support within our faith communities.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Instructions for this course

    • About this mini-course
  • 2

    Welcome to the course!

    • A message from your instructor

    • Purpose of the Program

    • Overview of the program

    • Before we begin...
  • 3

    Types of Mental Health Disorders

    • Types of Mental Health Disorders

    • Test your learning

    • Breaking Stigmas and Dispelling Myths
  • 4

    Effective Communication Strategies

    • Effective Communication Srategies

    • Test your learning

    • Activities to Support Effective Communication
  • 5

    Listening Well

    • Listening well _ Introduction

    • Self-awareness

    • Self-awareness worksheet

    • Listen Without Judgement

    • Listen Without Judgement PT 2

    • Worksheet

    • Be Fully Present

    • Identify and fix cognitive distortions

    • Listen for Non-Verbal Cues
  • 6

    A Person Centred Approach to Support

    • A Person-Centred Approach to Mental Health Support
  • 7

    Best Practice for Mental Health Support

    • Best Practice for Mental Health Support

    • Test Your Learning
  • 8

    Building Supportive Communities

    • Peer Support

    • Test your learning
  • 9

    Self-care

    • Guard Against Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
  • 10

    Resources

    • Before you go...

    • More resources for you

    • Signs of Anxiety in Teens

    • Signs of Depression

    • Signs of Bipolar

    • Signs of Schizoaffective disorder

    • Signs of Anxiety

FAQ

  • How long do I have access to Building Bridges?

    The cost covers one year access per person.

  • Can I share my login with other members of my leadership team?

    The cost is per person. However, we can discuss a group discount for your organisation if other members of your team would like access to the information.

  • What if I miss the Quarterly meeting?

    All the meetings will be recorded and uploaded in the program. You can catch up with the recordings at your convivence

  • Can I get a refund if I miss the quarterly meetings or don't have a chance to watch the videos in the program?

    The cost of the course is non-refundable 14 days after purchase.

  • Can I join the quarterly meetings before I complete all sections of the course?

    You can join the quarterly meetings at any point during the year. You can complete the self-study portion of the course first and then join the quarterly meetings or you can do them simultaneously. The live quarterly portion of the course is designed to expand on the self-study section, allow you to ask questions, and grow in your understanding of mental health.

Instructor

Counsellor & Author

Joanna Daniel

Joanna Daniel is a compassionate counselor, dynamic speaker, and accomplished author. As the founder of Wounds to Scars, an organization dedicated to empowering adult survivors of childhood trauma and supporting women who have experienced abuse, Joanna has become a beacon of hope for those in need of healing. With a deep commitment to making a positive impact, Joanna and the Wounds to Scars team facilitate conferences and retreats that provide safe spaces for individuals to embark on their journey of healing. Recognizing the importance of extending healing beyond individual experiences, Joanna is actively involved in creating and writing training programs for organizations and churches. These programs are designed to equip these entities with the tools and knowledge needed to create safe spaces for people to heal collectively, by fostering environments of trust and empathy.