Anyone ever tried implementing this “Stress Inoculation Training” (SIT) deal that we’re hearing about from Brigada participants such as Alan? In a recent paper (Trauma and Traumatic Stress among Missionaries, published at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290562678_Trauma_and_Traumatic_Stress_among_Missionaries), the Journal of Psychology and Theology reported that, in their studies, 94% “reported having been exposed to trauma on the field, with 86% reporting exposure to multiple incidents.” If this is true (and we have no reason to doubt their study), maybe someone, somewhere, should add this training to their mix? Anyone know where missionary-specific “SIT” is available? (Please comment below. Thanks!)
Concilium Secure, http://www.concilium.us , use SIT in all there scenario based training. The CAST-FSC is a 3.5 day course and helps in many areas using SIT.
That’s awesome, Martin! Thanks!
Great Commission Consulting (www.2819consulting.com) offers a course called GRiT (Godly Resilience intensive Training) based on the soon to be published book series by Dr. Hamilton Burke (A clinical psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience): Effective Kingdom Service in Hostile Places (look for the three volume set on Amazon in the coming week). GRiT is an intensive 8 week course that is offered online and is designed for international workers who are serving in the most stressful places. GRiT applies Dr. Burke’s 20 plus years of overseas service and his experience working as a military psychologist, with the latest advances in the neurosciences to build Godly resilience in it’s participants. A new GRiT course will begin in early November. Write to 2819consulting@gmail.com for more information.
You can also try Morton Security. They put on a quarterly training pro bono, depending on interest.
I would say that the Center for Intercultural Training in North Carolina incorporates at least some SIT in their course, “Equipping for Cross-Cultural Life & Ministry”. Nothing approaching “traumatic”, but, a few carefully-crafted scenarios and simulations that are well debriefed.