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January 20, 2008

MARK ALLISION: CPSP People in the News

Mark Allison, CPSP Diplomate, now directs a newly created CPE training program at the Veterans Administration Hospital located in Salt Lake City. The VA CPE program is accredited by the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy.

The program reflects the diversity found within CPSP and CPSP's creative commitment to ministry that extends beyond the walls of an institution. Mark has established clinical placements that "...include church or parish ministries, hospitals, rescue missions, the military, hospice, prison, elder-care facilities and law enforcement."

In a second and more detailed article, Circle of Healing, Learning, the writer describes Mark Allison and his understanding of the importance of clinical training for pastors and others committed to those who have fallen on hard times:

He understands the frustration. As a chaplain who served a recent tour of duty in Afghanistan, Allison knows first-hand about the "Mr. Fix-it" urge among his trainees. And he knows it's unrealistic. That's part of what he helps students — most with as much life experience as he has — understand as coordinator of the VA's new chaplaincy training program....There's more than just anxiety and a little fear as you try to help someone deal with life's greatest questions, especially in the face of circumstances that don't make logical sense or can't be changed. ...Chaplains learn to put their feelings, their beliefs and their judgments on hold as they listen and respond in a way that puts the patient, the soldier or the family members of a loved one at the center of the conversation.

We wish Mark well in his new position and we commend him for his vision as expressed in the unique CPE program he has created.

Perry Miller, Editor

Posted by Perry Miller, Editor at January 20, 2008 5:46 PM

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