Self Care: Nothing Selfish About It
10/9/2020
“There are usually two reactions when someone suggests self care to me,” says the Rev. Debra Flint. “ First is ‘I simply don’t have time,’ and second is ‘Self Care isn’t the most important thing right now, given the needs that are in front of me.’”
But Debra's experience and training in trauma informed care has helped her reassess those thoughts and put them into perspective.
An ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive training in trauma work, and a Gestalt Pastoral Care minister and spiritual director, Debra Flint operates The Quiet, a small retreat house and counseling center in the New Castle Area.
She will be the keynote speaker at the Conference United Methodist Women’s virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 24, and she’ll also lead a workshop.
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| Rev. Debra Flint |
"As human beings, we are not immune to the suffering of others. Vicarious stress is real!" Rev. Flint says. "The brain, body and spirit experience tremendous change when we are exposed to stress and trauma.” In her keynote address, she will briefly explain how the brain functions and is affected.
Rev. Dr. Renee Mikell, assistant to the Bishop, will be the speaker for worship at the annual meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m.
The theme of the event is Soul Care, Self Care and Caring for Others.
“Self Care is essential for those who plan to be engaged in mission work over the long-haul,” Rev. Flint added. And that self care goes beyond taking bubble baths and reading a good book.
In her talk, she’ll offer some examples from scripture of people who have used self care wisely in order to complete God’s call on their lives.
Rev. Flint has a Master’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia University and completed her divinity training at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Drew University.
Her workshop session will look more deeply into trauma and its impact on the body, mind, and spirit. She’ll also discuss congregational trauma and how churches and communities change when there are significant challenges.
“We’ll also look at how to address these things in healthy ways rather than in reactive and unhealthy behaviors,” she said. These include some “evidence based” techniques for healing from trauma: physical movement, crafting, singing, faith imagination, and abdominal breathing, counseling, tapping, EMDR, contemplative prayer and the like.
Learn more about the meeting and register
