ATLANTA — Mercer University’s Center for the Study of Narrative will host a lecture by McAfee School of Theology’s Dr. Denise Massey, professor of pastoral care and counseling, on Wednesday, March 25, at 5 p.m. The event is part of the annual Narrative Showcase and will be held on the Atlanta campus, in the second floor auditorium of the Atlanta Administration and Conference Center.
Dr. Massey will deliver “Narrative Theology as a Resource for Deep Understanding and Effective Helping.”
Dr. Massey received an M.Div. in pastoral care, a Th.M. in pastoral care and a Ph.D. in psychology of religion and pastoral care from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to coming to McAfee, Dr. Massey was director of pastoral care and clinical pastoral education at Kindred Hospital in Louisville. She led the hospital to be accredited as a teaching site with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. She also provided pastoral counseling with the Pastoral Care and Counseling Center of Louisville.
At McAfee, Dr. Massey advises students who are interested in chaplaincy and pastoral counseling, in addition to teaching courses in spiritual care, emotional intelligence for ministry and leadership, dreams as a resource for spiritual care, spiritual care with addicted persons, spiritual care through coaching, and spiritual formation.
A certified supervisor with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Dr. Massey is also a life coach and has lectured extensively in organizations affiliated with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. She has published articles in religious journals and books, and she is the author of the book “CARING: Six Steps to Effective Pastoral Conversations.”
Dr. Don Redmond, professor of counseling and director of the Center for the Study of Narrative, will reflect on the recently completed 12th Narrative Theory Study Abroad to Holland and Paris, and several digital narratives from current graduate counseling students will be screened.
Recent graduates of Mercer’s doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision will present findings from recently successfully defended qualitative dissertation research. Dr. Toni Monroe will present “Depth in the Story: Trauma Experience Using Trauma-Focused Care with Men in Residential Treatment,” and Dr. Caroline Fernandes will present “Alchemy of the Wounded Healer: A Narrative Inquiry into Licensed Healthcare Professionals’ Lived Experiences of Psychedelics Use Across Personal and Clinical Contexts.”
The event is free and open to the public and includes a complimentary buffet dinner. Please contact Dr. Don Redmond at Redmond_db@mercer.edu for additional details.
The Center for the Study of Narrative is a multidisciplinary initiative housed within the College of Professional Advancement, incorporating counseling, theology, psychology, sociology and literary studies, among others. Faculty and students collaborate to emphasize qualitative research methods and “story listening” to study the lives of individuals and larger populations.
