Vera Chimbanda
Chicago
Dr. Vera has been a disciple for 31 years, and she worked for ten years in a full-time Ministry. She has lived and worked in many countries, including Brazil, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and Swaziland. She was involved in planting churches throughout Portuguese Africa and Brazil and was ordained Women's Ministry Leader in the International Churches of Christ for the Portuguese-Africa region. Dr. Vera is an educator with dual master's degrees in mental health and school counseling, a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision, and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has over twenty years of international teaching, counseling, and supervision experience in three languages (English, Portuguese, and Spanish) and clinical experience with individuals of various ages and diverse backgrounds, especially with Youth At-Risk in the inner city of Chicago. Dr. Vera's research interests include cross-cultural conflict resolution, cross-cultural supervision, international counselors in training, social justice, advocacy, and multiculturalism. She serves as a House Church Leader in the Chicago Church and continues to support missionary work in Brazil and Africa. Dr. Vera's passion for spiritual and emotional wellness and preparing all counselors and doctoral students to be leaders and make a difference working with individuals from all backgrounds, incredibly diverse and marginalized populations, to contribute and serve the community and navigate many challenges with a Biblical perspective.
Out of Hell: Mental Health Care and a Journey of Healing
Embarking on a path toward mental healing through self-care can be an incredibly empowering and transformative experience with God working in us and through us. It requires us to understand and address our mental health needs with patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to prioritize our well-being. By taking small steps towards self-care, we can gradually unravel the mystery of mental health and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. While the journey may not be easy, it can lead to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and a more fulfilling life in Christ.
Taking a Look at Trauma-Informed Care: Gaining Insight into Why God Allows Unthinkable Events to Happen
When it comes to dealing with traumatic events, it's important to approach the situation with a trauma-informed care mindset. This means understanding the impact that the event has had on the individual and recognizing that their behavior and reactions are a result of their trauma. But why does God allow such unthinkable events to happen in the first place? It's a question that many struggle with, and the answer is often complex and difficult to comprehend. This class aims to provide tools for Trauma-Informed Care, including a reflective approach and Biblical insights for dealing with traumatic events.
