What is a Soul Care Practitioner?
Soul care practitioners are those who work providing a compassionate and healing presence to others through spiritual direction, chaplaincy, counseling, pastoring, and others in similar fields either on a paid or volunteer basis.
We have found in our work leading supervision groups and training programs that when soul care practitioners from different fields gather together, the work and wisdom is greatly enriched. The personal and professional issues are often very similar.
Are there any pre-requisites for participating?
We ask that participants:
• are actively working in a field of soul care whether full-time or part-time or in a volunteer capacity
• experience their work as a “ministry” or calling rather than just a job
• have a grounding in some form of spiritual practice and connection to a sacred Source larger than themselves
• are looking for a place of community, support, and challenge in their work
What is the benefit of applying to complete a SCI Certificate?
When you apply to complete a certificate through SCI you are making a commitment to your own deep inner work and soul nourishment through over 150 hours of continuing education. You will also be journeying with others who have made a similar commitment and so in each class you will find some familiar faces and friends.
In addition, SCI Certificate participants get first chance to register for online classes and receive a small discount on online class program fees (currently $25 per class for a total of $100).
Is there a recommended sequence to the classes?
We recommend you take Live It to Give It first as it lays a strong foundation. However there will be exceptions to these and we understand that sometimes scheduling prevents following this order.
The Final Integrative Project is always completed after you have taken the three online classes and two retreats.
Can I take just one class?
Yes, you are welcome to take individual classes. However, registration priority for online classes is given to those who have applied to complete a Certificate. Registration for the live classes is open to all with no priority.
If I have already participated in an Awakening the Creative Spirit intensive or a Soul Care Supervision Group can these be applied toward completing an SCI Certificate?
Yes! Both the Awakening the Creative Spirit program and the Supervision Groups have been the rich fodder for the development of SCI and we are pleased to honor your precious participation as a part of this program (the 3-year time limit does not include those courses you took prior to the establishment of the SCI.)
Are there CEUs available?
Our SCI programs can be applied to the educational hours required by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. Each course provides details for the number of hours.
We are exploring other CEU options as well. We are happy to provide you a letter of completion at the end of each course with the number of hours and program objectives for you to submit to your licensing body. We have offered this to a number of students and had them accepted, however you are responsible for finding out what kind of reporting is required.
What do I need to participate?
The online courses require some comfort and patience with technology. For most courses you just need a browser to access the private class forum, an email account where you can receive reflections, and either a phone line (or Skype) to access the weekly call or speakers on your computer to listen once the recording has been posted. Occasionally there will be other recordings or videos available depending on the class.
An open heart, a sense of humor, and a willingness to be vulnerable are also pretty essential.
Suggested commitment of 5 hours per week for participation in online discussion and calls, spiritual practice, meditation, experiential reflections.
Is there financial assistance available?
We have very limited financial assistance available for these programs. If you would be otherwise unable to participate, please send a “Financial Assistance Request” to Christine@AbbeyoftheArts.com. Include information about yourself, your work, how the SCI program would benefit you, and what other financial resources you will be seeking to support this process. We cannot provide full scholarships to these programs.
Do I need to be part of a particular faith tradition or community to participate?
We welcome participants who are on an intentional spiritual path from a variety of traditions. The main criteria is that you experience your work as more than a job and that there is a sacred source you turn to, to support you.
The three main faculty members are rooted in Christian tradition, but will draw on resources from different sources and perspectives.
How will I feel safe participating online with folks I can’t see?
Our experience with online learning has been that a remarkably safe and intimate community can be formed quite quickly, especially when the class size is limited and everyone agrees to confidentiality. You are always in control of how much personal information you choose to reveal to the group.
What is the total cost of completing a certificate with SCI?
Currently our online programs are $350 each for the online classes and we require three total classes ($1050).
Our live retreats vary in cost from $900-$1575 plus travel expenses and we require two out of three (~$3000).
The Final Integrative Project requires a $250 fee to cover phone and email time for your mentor ($250).
Total program cost: ~$4300 (can be completed over three years) plus travel expenses.