Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. –Psalm 23:4 (RSV) Too many individuals have known the reality of being in the “valley of the shadow of death.” Survivors of trauma—especially that experienced in childhood—can …
Tag Archive: ACEs
Mar 01
Becoming an authority in trauma-informed ministry
“ Becoming an authority in trauma-informed care” with Rev. Dr. Chris Haughee. Presented as part of the New Wine, New Wineskins conference on the Church and Mental Health, 2/27/2021. This workshop examines the interplay between legitimacy and power in the Church’s call to become an authority in trauma-informed care. While using for a framework the …
May 21
Renewed faith and greater connection: a testimony to God’s grace in Michael’s life
We recently received this wonderful testimony from Andrea, Michael’s mother, after a home visit her son took as he nears the end of his time in residential treatment: “Prior to his stay at Intermountain Residential, our son Michael was struggling so greatly that he had stopped attending religious education sessions and was not able to …
May 08
Intermountain Moment: 17-year old Kevin
“Kevin” recently returned to public school after serving a sentence in residential treatment for sexually abusing another child. The director of Intermountain’s school-based-services says that everyone was afraid of Kevin: the schools, his probation officer, his therapist. Even experienced staffers at Intermountain were afraid of Kevin. However, Kevin was what people call a “paper monster.” …
Apr 26
Flashback Friday: Five Minutes with Chaplain Chris Haughee
“Five Minutes with Chris Haughee: Helping Kids Heal” Originally posted last April at covenantcompanion.com/2018/04/16/five-minutes-with-chris-haughee-helping-kids-heal/ Chris Haughee is a Covenant chaplain working at Intermountain Residential, an intensive residential program for children who demonstrate behavioral challenges with campuses in Helena and Kalispell, Montana. Chris and his family attend Headwaters Covenant Church in Helena. Who are the children …
Mar 18
IM Moment: Changing attitudes towards mental health and the church
“In this life you WILL have trouble,” Jesus said, “but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The troubles that come our way are various and sometimes complicated. Physical, mental, emotional, and relational difficulties can intertwine themselves into a big, BIG ball of overwhelming force that threatens to shake our faith …
Jan 10
Intermountain Moment: Safety first! Working with trauma-affected individuals
Safety. It’s something that many of us take for granted. But for many of the clients Intermountain works with, and especially the trauma-affected children that come to us in our residential program, safety is certainly not a “given.” While it may seem odd to those who have not experienced childhood trauma or …
Dec 10
Chaplain Chris’ curriculum, “Bruised Reeds & Smoldering Wicks” is now bigger and better!
I am pleased to announce that a NEW, 8-week version of the study, “Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks,” is now available. Two additional weeks of materials have been added to address caring for adults who are experiencing trauma and a “where do we go from here?” lesson on implementation and strategic next steps for congregations …
Oct 18
Intermountain Moment: Helping the trauma-affected child succeed at play, with Kathleen Slack, M.S.
Play time can be hard for any child, but is especially difficult for trauma-affected children. Children that have been affected by early childhood trauma and severe stress are often given any number of labels to describe the symptoms of that trauma or adverse childhood experience: PTSD, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention …
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