As Sangha leaders we are often met with opportunities to assist a member in emotional, cognitive or spiritual distress. These members may be or appear to be in a dangerous moment for themselves and/or those around them. What do we do? As importantly, what should we not do? Our goal is to keep this member safe and to enhance the safety and sense of safety for all members of the Sangha.
This workshop will provide an introduction to the practices of psychological first aid. Evidence-based and compassion-based responses to these challenging events will be presented. An optional case conference will follow the workshop and you will have an opportunity to share your experiences (confidentially) and get feedback and creative solutions.
Instructor: Steven Tierney, Kai Po Koshin, began Buddhist practice in 1994. He first received the precepts from Thich Nhat Hahn at Plum Village in 1997. He was ordained in 2013 and received Dharma Transmission in November 2021 in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Dr. Tierney is a psychotherapist in private practice and a Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology at the CA Institute of Integral Studies. He is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been named a Diplomate in Clinical Mental Health by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. He is also a certified suicide prevention and intervention trainer, providing workshops and classes for the past decade. Registration information: The SZBA relies on the generosity of its donors to support its mission and programs like these. We suggest a donation of $35 and deeply appreciate any amount you are able to give. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. We welcome anyone interested in this series to register, and especially members of Soto Zen sanghas. You will receive Zoom information once you register and closed captioning will be available. Please contact Zena Patton (Programs Coordinator) at programs@szba.org with any questions, concerns or access needs.
