Spiritual Care Today | Conversations on Health and Spirituality

Teresa is an ordained United Church of Christ (UCC) minister who has been engaged in spiritual direction and discernment coaching with individuals, groups, and organizations since 1997. In 2015, she established the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction at First UCC Phoenix, followed by the Apprentice Training Program for aspiring spiritual directors in November of 2019.

With an M.Div. and Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary, Teresa is a highly qualified practitioner in the field. She has authored notable books such as 50 Ways to Pray (Abingdon Press), Spiritual Direction 101: The Basics of Spiritual Guidance (Apocryphile Press), and co-authored Incline Your Ear: Cultivating Spiritual Awareness in Congregations (Fortress Press), a book on communal discernment.

Teresa's expertise in spiritual direction and discernment coaching, as well as her experience in founding and managing the Phoenix Center and Apprentice Training Program, has made her a distinguished figure in the field. Her contributions to spiritual guidance and awareness have made an impact on both individuals and communities. Teresa is currently based in Phoenix, AZ and remains connected to First UCC Phoenix. You can reach Teresa on her website at: teresablythe.net

In this episode, we talk with Tuntufye Anangisye Mwenisongole, BD, MATS, MAPC, PGDE, DTh. Tuntufye is a pastoral psychotherapist in Tanzania and works with Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU). Tuntufye has been working at TEKU as a lecturer but also in various posts such as Dean Faculty of Theology, Director of Research, Consultancy, Publication and Postgraduate Studies. In this episode, we talk about his therapy with those affected by HIV/AIDS and how he integrates music in his work with clients.

This episode features an interview with Dawn Stary, a pastoral counselor, coach, and seminarian who provides care for clergy experiencing stress and burnout in their ministry. Our discussion focuses on managing expectations, setting boundaries, and implementing self-care.

This episode features an interview with Anne Vandenhoeck, who is the director of the European Research Institute for Chaplains in HealthCare (ERICH) and initiated with her team the international survey on chaplaincy during the first wave of the pandemic. Anne used to work as a chaplain in several hospitals and is currently teaching pastoral care and spiritual care at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Anne is also part of the faculty of ISPEC. To learn more about the project, go to: www.chaplaincyresearch.eu

This episode features an interview with Suzanne Tindall, an interfaith minister, hospice chaplain, and Certified Spiritual Director. Our discussion presents a short introduction to spiritual direction and how it differs from other forms of spiritual care. 

Suzanne Tindall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from California State University and a Master of Arts in Culture and  Spirituality from Holy Names University. She is an ordained interfaith minister and a Certified Spiritual Director through the Chaplaincy Institute.

This episode features an interview with Kayla Sadowy, who provides music therapy in hospice and other settings. We discuss how music therapy intersects with spiritual care, and how music can empower a patient 's spiritual journey. Kayla Sadowy holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University and a Masters of Music Therapy from Temple University. She is also pursuing her Masters of Divinity and is a candidate for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA. 

This episode features an interview with Pamela Ayo Yetunde, who discusses some of her most recent publications, including her newest book Buddhist-Christian Dialogue, U.S. Law, and Womanist Theology for Transgender Spiritual Care. Ayo is assistant professor of pastoral and spiritual care and counseling at United Theological Seminary and founder of Center of the Heart, which provides pastoral counseling, yoga, and conflict resolution education.

This is an interview with Charles Fensham, author of Misguided Love: Christians and the Rupture of LGBTQI2+ People. Charles is Professor of Systematic Theology at Knox College, University of Toronto. The book is published by the Journal of Pastoral Care Publications and discusses the history of harm toward sexual and gender minority Christians.