CPE that Supports People with Disabilities

by Kathy Dickson

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) has been a long time coming for me. CPE is described by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education as: “interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings theological students and ministers of all faiths…into supervised encounter with persons in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, students develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships.”

I graduated from seminary 13 years ago. Since then, I have supported CPE leaders, programs and students discerning about CPE during all of those years, in my role leading contextual education and vocational discernment at MTSO. Serving on two peer advisory groups for CPE programs in large hospital systems in Columbus, Ohio over time has been enlightening regarding the clinical setting for CPE as well as the evolution of new ways to do CPE. Over the years, chaplaincy training programs have evolved as community-based options have opened up space for chaplains in community settings and others outside of direct healthcare settings. As a result of the pandemic, both sites and CPE programs alike developed even more opportunities for spiritual care training in a variety of community contexts while learning as a cohort online.

I have been a field associate with ADN for 15 years, with different years and seasons calling for different kinds of involvement—writing, guest speaking, leading workshops or conversations, or assisting the executive director and program director with projects. Former executive director and program director, Paul Liechty and Christine Guth, commissioned me for that kind of work at Christine’s kitchen table when I was a seminary student. I didn’t know much of what would lie ahead and now, while engaged in a current unit of CPE, I have been able to offer spiritual support to others, including those experiencing various disabilities. You are invited as part of the ADN community to receive support from me as part of my CPE program. It is not counseling or spiritual direction, but listening, walking with, and being present for individuals, family members or church leaders who may desire support through a variety of life situations, health crises, and the experience of disability. People have and may continue to reach out to set up a zoom, call or in person conversation as part of this experience by emailing: adnet@adnetonline.org.

Kathy is a field associate with ADN. She is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and for accessibility and disability rights. Living with a family member with IDD opened her eyes to the experience of disability in a sometimes inaccessible world from an early age. She has served as a disability advocate, family caregiver, camp counselor, care assistant, ADA coordinator in both professional and volunteer capacities, and leans on her own disability wisdom as well. She has an MDiv from MTSO where she serves on staff in a variety of capacities, including ADA Coordinator, and on the national core council for the Institute on Theology and Disability the last five years, and with ADN as a volunteer field associate for the last 15 years.