CAMPaM

CAMPaM network is a network of people with interest in ministry and healing. They are from all walks of life and professions such as ministers, chaplains, healthcare practitioners and professionals, complementary healers such as massage therapists, bodyworkers, energy workers and more. Anyone with an interest in healing and ministry is welcome to join CAMPaM ACPE Network and enjoy the many benefits of the network.

CAMPaM:

Exploring the Experience of Complementary Alternative Methods of Healing in the Mystery of Pastoral Ministry
One evening when I was on call in the hospital, I got a page from pediatrics. The call was from the staff who were struggling to get a 6 year old girl to calm down so that she might take her evening medication. They had “tried everything.” Nothing had worked. As I arrived, I saw that the little girl was indeed very agitated and as yet unwilling to cooperate with any of the staff. My mind raced through all the research I had done over the years on alternative methods of calming, healing, relaxation, and similar interventions. Many such techniques are, of course, highly effective with a lucid, willing adult, but how much of this would be helpful here? Clearly, the methods relying on reason, logic, or abstract spiritual theology would not work here. Whatever intervention I tried would have to be very simple and very tangible. With this in mind, I decided to experiment with a simple, easy-to-do method of calming her by focusing on balancing her energy centers. Though it may sound involved, the practical application is actually quite simple. Along with a prayer and this simple, non-invasive method, she was calmed quickly and was soon able to take her medication.

Such interventions, while not yet common in the current healthcare scene, are certainly growing quickly in popularity. When the veil of mystery which surrounds them is removed, one can see that are in fact quite practical, straightforward, and easy to use. I have become increasingly convinced that it is my task, as well as my pleasure, to help remove some of this mystery and share such methods with all those who may have serious interest in the ministry of healing.

Following societal trends, today’s healthcare scene is growing and changing at an unprecedented rate. One of the more significant marks of this change is a growing emphasis on a more integrated approach to healthcare. This is due to the increasingly accepted understanding of the human as a holistic reality rather than dualistic. As the face of healthcare changes, Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is also gaining in acceptance and respect, not to mention popularity. As a result, the healthcare industry is currently inviting CAM practitioners into mainstream healthcare practices. Recognizing this growing interest in CAM, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently funding research programs into many beneficial programs involving complementary healing. Over seventy-five medical schools, including Harvard, one hundred and fifty nursing schools, and many more private institutions, have introduced spirituality and/or complementary alternative medicine as part of the curriculum for their students. Following this lead, numerous hospitals and clinics all across the nation are now providing CAM to their staff, patients, and families as a way of incorporating and benefiting from this changing worldview.

Keeping up with this fast changing healthcare scene, three years ago I embarked on an exciting journey to explore the effects of Complementary Alternative Medicine within Pastoral Ministry. Coming from India, with its rich background in traditional healing modalities, I enjoyed combining my studies in the complementary healing sciences with my pastoral education and experience ministry. In fact, what I found was a natural marriage. As healing is a reality that must affect the whole person, I found an intrinsic and inseparable connection between these physical healing modalities and pastoral practices. Increasing the healing space of the person through some simple, easy-to-do healing modalities remains entirely congruent with ministry. The result is a caring, effective, and measurable way to minister to others. Thankfully, I was blessed in my efforts with great support from CPE supervisors, pastoral care directors, and friends who practice both complementary healing arts and pastoral ministry. Through my studies, I have come to the conclusion that the knowledge and integration of a few non-invasive, easy to use modalities can often transform a simple pastoral visit into powerful event in a person’s life.

In the spring of 2003, I completed the task of compiling the results of my investigation into a study program of 32 hours, which can be broken down into four modules of eight hours each. This four day course includes the history, meaning, philosophy, and practical applications of more than twenty-five easy to administer complementary alternative methods of healing. It is presented from a chaplain’s perspective, careful not to step on the toes of other healthcare professionals. As this new program was designed to incorporate some essential concepts of Clinical Pastoral Education, as well as study the rich traditions and practices of the complementary healing arts, it is named “CAMPaM” – Complementary Alternative Methods of healing in the mystery of Pastoral Ministry.

At the end of the curriculum development and program planning, I submitted the finished result to the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). The APC has approved the program for 3.2 units of Continuing Chaplain Education (32 contact hours).

Shortly after the completion of the course, it was presented to the staff chaplains and CPE students of Christus Santa Rosa Healthcare in San Antonio, TX. The pastoral care staff who took the course found that, as they integrated a more holistic approach to ministry, incorporating a few simple alternative techniques, they felt their pastoral effectiveness improved, as did patient satisfaction. Administrative recognition of this positive impact has helped to bring the CAMPaM services offered by the Pastoral Care department to the other hospitals of the same system.

Also there is another session coming up in this summer for the CPE residents and follow up for the chaplains. Some of those who went through have put into practice what they have learned and others are still working on integrating it into their practice. Other systems and CPE programs around the country are considering CAMPaM modules for their departments and CPE training program now

Keeping up with this fast changing healthcare scene, three years ago I embarked on an exciting journey to explore the effects of Complementary Alternative Medicine within Pastoral Ministry. Coming from India, with its rich background in traditional healing modalities, I enjoyed combining my studies in the complementary healing sciences with my pastoral education and experience ministry. In fact, what I found was a natural marriage. As healing is a reality that must affect the whole person, I found an intrinsic and inseparable connection between these physical healing modalities and pastoral practices. Increasing the healing space of the person through some simple, easy-to-do healing modalities remains entirely congruent with ministry. The result is a caring, effective, and measurable way to minister to others. Thankfully, I was blessed in my efforts with great support from CPE supervisors, pastoral care directors, and friends who practice both complementary healing arts and pastoral ministry. Through my studies, I have come to the conclusion that the knowledge and integration of a few non-invasive, easy to use modalities can often transform a simple pastoral visit into powerful event in a person’s life.

In the spring of 2003, I completed the task of compiling the results of my investigation into a study program of 32 hours, which can be broken down into four modules of eight hours each. This four day course includes the history, meaning, philosophy, and practical applications of more than twenty-five easy to administer complementary alternative methods of healing. It is presented from a chaplain’s perspective, careful not to step on the toes of other healthcare professionals. As this new program was designed to incorporate some essential concepts of Clinical Pastoral Education, as well as study the rich traditions and practices of the complementary healing arts, it is named “CAMPaM” – Complementary Alternative Methods of healing in the mystery of Pastoral Ministry.

At the end of the curriculum development and program planning, I submitted the finished result to the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). The APC has approved the program for 3.2 units of Continuing Chaplain Education (32 contact hours).

Shortly after the completion of the course, it was presented to the staff chaplains and CPE students of Christus Santa Rosa Healthcare in San Antonio, TX. The pastoral care staff who took the course found that, as they integrated a more holistic approach to ministry, incorporating a few simple alternative techniques, they felt their pastoral effectiveness improved, as did patient satisfaction. Administrative recognition of this positive impact has helped to bring the CAMPaM services offered by the Pastoral Care department to the other hospitals of the same system.

Also there is another session coming up in this summer for the CPE residents and follow up for the chaplains. Some of those who went through have put into practice what they have learned and others are still working on integrating it into their practice. Other systems and CPE programs around the country are considering CAMPaM modules for their departments and CPE training program now.

CAMPaM is a dynamic, interactive training designed for chaplains, CPE students, and anyone with a serious interest in the ministry of healing. Focusing on a practical application of the healing arts founded on an adequate theoretical base, each one-day module introduces various aspects of the healing ministry and follows up with a demonstration of its application. The later modules introduce one to the advanced practices of complementary alternative medicine. Prepared in accordance with the standards of NACC, ACPE, and APC, this course is very much ‘competency based.’ The division of the course into four separate 8-hour modules allows it to be spaced over time, which also allows the course to become more interactive and efficient. In the interim periods, participants have time to integrate and utilize the healing principles in their own lives and their ministry. They can then come back and share their insights and experiences with the instructor and other participants, and gain from the feedback they get.

Module I: Introduces a student to the basics of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), and describes its relationship to Pastoral Ministry (PaM). This module focuses on a few practical CAM modalities, considers their theoretical underpinnings, explains their differences, and evaluates their performance levels.

Objective: To create awareness and enhance knowledge of Complementary Alternative Methods of Healing, and to provide introductory training in body-mind-spirit healing modalities.
Outcome: Awareness, knowledge and skills needed to implement a few basic centering, empowering, and healing techniques for the well being of our clients/patients.
Module II: Presents further opportunity for chaplains to equip themselves with some commonly used and easily applicable CAM Modalities.

Objective: To deepen the experience of CAMPaM through practical study of easy to learn and simple to do CAM Modalities.

Outcome: Knowledge and basic understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of several healing modalities.

Module III: Focuses on integrating the experience of CAMPaM. Module III explores some of the most commonly practiced and highly beneficial CAM modalities from the perspective of pastoral care. This module presents these modalities from a Christian theological perspective, making them readily acceptable in our own cultural setting.

Objective: To integrate the experience of CAM and apply the spiritual healing modalities and techniques that facilitate faster healing in the body and mind of a patient/client.

Outcome: Knowledge and skills in several spiritual healing methods and Personal development into a resource for healing and knowledge among healthcare professionals.

Module IV demonstrates common and safe techniques of CAMPaM. Module IV’s ease and flow is a result of the previous studies and practical experiences. It concentrates on the easy to do, highly beneficial methods. This module also provides a student with increasing popular energy medicine techniques and practitioner level certification.

Objective: To provide opportunity to demonstrate some of the very beneficial healing methods used in today’s changing healthcare industry.

Outcome: Practical knowledge of and skills for energy healing modalities to bring about transformation in oneself and one’s clients.

As a result of this chaplain/CPE focused study and training, a chaplain can develop the skills needed to fine tune one’s gifts and talents for use in the clinical setting. Set to meet the call “What are we, as chaplains, contributing to the body of knowledge?” by Sr. Jean DeBlois in her address of the NACC National Conference of 2004, CAMPaM focuses on increasing the ‘healing space’ in definable terms for increased accountability. This course also prepares a person to write notes in the chart that will clearly indicate in measurable terms what have we contributed to the body of knowledge.

CAMPaM Activities and Teacher’s Training Program

Toward the end of last year, I invited a small group of people with interest in complementary alternative methods of healing and pastoral ministry to form a network. The same invitation was also given to the chaplains present at the NACC conference. The network currently includes about 30 chaplains, and other CAM professionals have expressed interest in joining as well. As this group began to grow, we applied for a network status with Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Our application was accepted by the ACPE board and the network is currently an official network with the ACPE. (http://www.campam.org)

CAMPaM also recently received national recognition when I was invited to present it to the NACC National Conference in Kansas City, MO (March 2004). It was well received, and the course is currently being reviewed for continuing education by NACC

To further the study of complementary alternative methods of healing in the context of pastoral ministry, the Ozarks Wellness Educational Institute has recently been established. The institute is currently planning to offer an intensive two week CAMPaM “teachers training” program to chaplains with at least four units of Clinical Pastoral Education. This training will enable a person to become a certified CAMPaM instructor and will therefore allow organizations to retain an “in-house” instructor, able to train and certify other practitioners of complementary alternative healing.