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Honorary Degree Bestowed on CEO of Life Perspectives

Divine Mercy University to Give Honorary Degree to Fredenburg for advancements
in reproductive grief care and awareness

SAN DIEGO (April 19, 2021) – Life Perspectives®, the global leader in education, research, expertise and support after reproductive loss including miscarriage and abortion, without religious or political affiliation, today announced, along with Divine Mercy University (DMU), a graduate school of psychology and counseling dedicated to the scientific study of psychology, that Life Perspectives’ CEO, Michaelene Fredenburg, would receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris clausa, from the University. Fredenburg was also tapped to be the 2021 commencement speaker for this year’s graduating class.

“We wanted to recognize Michaelene’s decades of work in fulfilling a vital need by supporting those suffering from pregnancy loss,” said Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, JD, JCL, president of Divine Mercy University. “Her efforts to help those grieving after reproductive loss are unprecedented and have had an enormous and positive ripple effect.”

Fredenburg is the founder, president and CEO of Life Perspectives. Life Perspectives brings to light the widespread need for help that is faced by the millions impacted by miscarriage, abortion and other reproductive losses. Life Perspectives changes the way that people think and talk about pregnancy loss and creates traditions that focus on healing, remembrance and hope. Life Perspectives offers a safe place for those impacted, to receive the support that they need.

“I am so grateful and appreciative of this honor,” said Fredenburg. “I am thrilled to be recognized as a catalyst in changing our culture’s perceptions and reactions to pregnancy loss.” As one of the world’s foremost experts on reproductive grief care, Michaelene Fredenburg has been interviewed on more than 100 radio and television programs discussing grief after pregnancy loss. Fredenburg is author of the book Changed: Making Sense of Your Own or A Loved One’s Abortion Experience (available in English, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Ukrainian) and the booklet “Hope after Loss” that discusses miscarriage. Fredenburg is also editor of Grief and Abortion: Creating a Safe Place to Heal and has written numerous articles about reproductive grief and loss. She has also testified before Congress and presented to delegates from across the globe.

“There are so many people who live with deep, unresolved wounds as a result of pregnancy loss,” said Fredenburg. “I am honored to be recognized for my efforts to make it culturally acceptable to acknowledge and listen to those who are impacted.”

According to Life Perspectives, two million couples experience reproductive loss in the U.S. each year – with one out of four pregnancies ending in miscarriage and one out of four women undergoing an abortion by the age of 45. Although each of these losses occur very differently, and feelings about them are as unique as fingerprints, those who do grieve after pregnancy loss often suffer silent and alone.

“Divine Mercy University has the deepest respect for Michaelene and her work,” added Sikorsky. “Our mission at DMU aligns with her goal – to provide refuge and compassion for families, while respecting their dignity and mental wellbeing. We are pleased to offer Michaelene this well-deserved honorary degree and commencement speaker opportunity.”

 

COMMENCEMENT SPEECH

In addition to bestowing an honorary degree upon Fredenburg, Divine Mercy University has also offered Fredenburg the role of commencement speaker for the graduation class of 2021.

When: Friday, May 7th
2:00 – 5:00 PM ET

Where: Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
46833 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling, VA 20164

Watch Live: DMU’s YouTube page

 

ABOUT DIVINE MERCY UNIVERSITY

Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a Catholic graduate institution of higher education offering degree programs in psychology and counseling. Founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, the university is dedicated to the scientific study of psychology with a Catholic understanding of the human person, marriage, and the family. The university offers Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Psychology and Counseling, and a Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology. Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. For more information, visit https://divinemercy.edu.

Media contact at Divine Mercy University:
Natalia Almomani
nalmomani@divinemercy.edu

 

ABOUT LIFE PERSPECTIVES

Life Perspectives® is the global leader in education, research, expertise and support after reproductive loss including miscarriage and abortion, without religious or political affiliation. Life Perspectives provides training and resources to health professionals including hospitals, medical professionals, therapists, social workers and pregnancy centers, as well as community and faith leaders.

Life Perspectives is also nationally accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) as a Continuing Education Provider. Life Perspectives is also approved by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs. Life Perspectives is at the forefront of creating impartial and impactful research to understand the way individuals process reproductive losses, and to establish global standards for offering compassionate care. Life Perspectives also offers a safe place, without religious or political affiliation, for those impacted by miscarriage and abortion at MiscarriageHurts.com® and AbortionChangesYou.com®. Life Perspectives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Media Contact at Life Perspectives:
Sandra Yacura
sandra@lifeperspectives.com
760.212.3306

 

New Scholarship Fund in Honor of Eric Travis Schilling

As many of you know, Eric Travis Schilling passed away in June of this year. A graduate of Baylor University, he was completing his coursework in the Master’s in Counseling program at Divine Mercy University and he was on pace to finish his studies this fall.

Travis’s obituary poignantly explains that he lived to love and serve the Lord. He sought to help those who were suffering and felt great responsibility to take care of his family. He was always smiling and happy, never taking himself too seriously. Goofy, hilarious and kind beyond measure, Travis enriched the lives of those he knew. He was 29 years old.

Travis is pictured second from the right in the back.

To honor Travis’s memory and help students with financial needs, we would like to set up the Eric Travis Schilling Scholarship Fund at Divine Mercy University. Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 from students, alumni, faculty and staff to be awarded in the coming months. The more we raise the more we can help students in need.

It is important to note that we have received a matching pledge so all contributions made before Dec. 31st will be doubled!

Please consider making a donation by clicking here and choosing the Scholarship option on the donation page. Then specify your gift is to honor Eric Travis Schilling.

Thank you very much and may God bless you for your generosity!

In Christ,

Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, JD, JCL
President, Divine Mercy University

Needed: Full-Time Clinical Psychology Faculty

Full-Time Clinical Psychology Faculty

Location: Sterling, VA

PsyD Program

 

Apply here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/jobs/Apply/360759

The Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) at Divine Mercy University (DMU) invites applications for a full-time clinical faculty position in the doctoral program in clinical psychology (Psy.D). This position will involve teaching assigned coursework, clinical supervision of students, dissertation advising, research and scholarship, as well as potential administrative duties.

Located in Northern Virginia, the IPS doctoral program in clinical psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). IPS is a cutting-edge institution offering a unique integration of sound science and the effective scientific practice of psychology with the Catholic understanding of the person, marriage and family.

Applicants must have the following minimal qualifications: a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution; Experience teaching one of the following at the graduate level: Child, Marriage, and Family therapy, Psychological Assessment, or Basic clinical skills courses emphasizing empathy and attachment; evidence of recent relevant work in the field, including teaching, research, publications, or clinical practice; and current licensure or immediate license eligibility as a clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Preference will be given to candidates who (1) are graduates of regionally accredited programs, (2) have teaching experience in regionally accredited clinical psychology programs, (3) have a specialization in one of the areas listed above, (4) demonstrate current research and scholarship in the discipline, and (5) demonstrate a desire and ability to teach and supervise students in a manner consistent with the DMU/IPS mission. Applicants without a significant academic track record, but with demonstrated strengths in clinical training, supervision, and teaching, will be given serious consideration. Rank of appointment and salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

To be considered, the following is required:

Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, actively committed to increasing diversity within its community. As required by the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, IPS does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.

Requirements
Applicants must have the following minimal qualifications:

  1. A doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution;
  2. Experience teaching one of the following at the graduate level: Child, Marriage, and Family therapy, Psychological
  3. Assessment, or Basic clinical skills courses emphasizing empathy and attachment;
  4. Evidence of recent relevant work in the field, including teaching, research, publications, or clinical practice;
  5. Current licensure or immediate license eligibility as a clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Apply here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/jobs/Apply/360759

DMU and McLean Hospital Launch Three-Year Strategic Collaboration Agreement

Divine Mercy University (DMU) has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with McLean Hospital. Founded in 1811, McLean Hospital is a leader in psychiatric care, research, training, and advocacy, and is the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

This new strategic collaboration is the fruit of a generous grant from the Orange Crimson Foundation and the result of a series of meetings held over the last fifteen months. Both institutions have experienced these collegial interactions in an overwhelmingly positive manner, learning from each other and developing a strong and friendly rapport.

The collaboration will consist of three principal areas:

The initial period of the collaboration will be for a period of three years and work will begin during the 2020-21 school year.  Dr. Scott L. Rauch, McLean Hospital’s President and Psychiatrist in Chief commented on the project, “It has been our great pleasure to discover, along with the DMU team, the significant synergies between our approaches toward improving the lives of people and families affected by psychiatric illness. We see this as an opportunity to grow our services and help many more mental health providers deliver evidence-based care to their communities.”

The joint research efforts will involve DMU students and faculty and McLean Hospital’s Spirituality and Mental Health Program, which is led by Dr. David H. Rosmarin.  Studies have shown that more than 50% of patients receiving medical or psychological care express a desire to discuss spiritual matters with their health care providers. However, traditional psychiatric and psychological training does not include instruction around spiritual matters, and absent a strong evidence base, it is unlikely that many providers will adopt a provision for spiritually-inflected care. “I am truly excited to partner with DMU, a global educational leader in integrating a theological framework into mental healthcare, with a steady cadre of students eager to make research contributions toward this effort,” said Dr. Rosmarin.

I could not be more excited about the opportunities this presents for our students and faculty in regard to clinical training and research, and for the broader fulfillment of our mission in all of our programs. McLean Hospital’s scientific expertise is second to none and their ground-breaking work on studies relating spirituality to mental health blends perfectly with our unique mission.

Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, JD, JCL

President, Divine Mercy University

The Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies Offers Virtual and On-Campus Trainings

The Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies (CTRS) at Divine Mercy University (DMU) is announcing its fifth year of trauma trainings. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center has been able to offer trauma trainings complete with learning skills, small group work, discussions, and practicing of skills through the Zoom platform. We are continuing to offer programs online and when possible, will be offering specific trainings on campus. Whether on campus or online, we have been able to and will continue to offer the entire array of Green Cross Academy for Traumatology (GCAT) trainings as well as some of our own.

Since CTRS is affiliated with GCAT, we offer the entire array of courses that lead to trauma certifications that are recognized in the First Response community. As a GCAT training site, we also deploy to crisis and trauma areas. Participants are encouraged to join GCAT and to provide direct services as a team coming from DMU into crisis situations and disaster events as they unfold. Our summer immersion program gives participants the opportunity to practice skills learned each year. We have not identified the country for which we will travel to this year and in fact, may choose to stay in the United States due to the pandemic. We respond to requests throughout the year as well on an as-needed basis and only go to places we are invited.

All students, employees of DMU, alumni, and community professionals far and wide are welcome to join us in receiving trainings that can reach and support those who are suffering and in need after disaster or crisis situations. The current pandemic certainly qualifies as both a disaster and an ongoing crisis situation. CTRS along with GCAT have formed an association with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) to provide ongoing support groups to medical and first-responder personnel. Students at DMU are encouraged to offer counseling services in cooperation with this program once they have completed trauma certification and/or are in practicum or internship. We do hope that you find interest in our offerings, and become active in our programming. Workshops can be taken in sequence, or intermittently; within a single year, or over several. These workshops can be taken as single workshops or in pursuit of certification with GCAT. We look forward to your participation and meeting you at an upcoming training, either in person or online. If you have any questions, please be in touch with us via email at ctrs@divinemercy.edu.

View the Training Schedule for the Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies.

An Award-Winning Book that Combines Catholic Christian Principles with Mental Health Practice has been Published by Divine Mercy University Press

Divine Mercy University Press (DMU Press) is excited to announce the publication of the textbook volume entitled A Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person: Integration with Psychology and Mental Health Practice. The volume integrates the insights of three wisdom traditions—the psychological sciences, philosophy, and theology—to provide a framework for understanding the person for application in mental health practice. The book received the 2020 Expanded Reason Award given by the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger / Benedict XVI and Universidad Francisco de Vitoria Madrid.

The volume is a unifying framework for the integration of already-existing personality theories and therapeutic models. In addition, it enhances assessment, diagnosis, case conceptualization, and treatment planning by addressing eleven essential dimensions of the person needed in mental health practice aimed at healing and flourishing. The volume also explores how the “Meta-Model” framework can improve client care. Finally, it demonstrates how the Meta-Model assists mental health professionals to better understand how they can be faithful to their Christian identity as they serve all clients—Christians, persons from other faiths, and non-believers.

The editors of the volume are professors from Divine Mercy University: Dr. Paul C. Vitz, Dr. William Nordling, and Dr. Craig Steven Titus. Other contributors to the book include a multidisciplinary team of scholars that have worked together on the Meta-Model for 20 years.

“The editors and authors of this important book are re-capturing the essence of humanity based on Biblical principles, Catholic tradition, and natural law,” said Robert D. Enright, PhD, professor of Educational Psychology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. “They are reclaiming the objective essence of what it means to be a person. I highly recommend this work as one that will endure for many decades and probably for centuries.”

The volume was designed to educate and train professors, practitioners, and students in the mental health field to apply the “Meta-Model” framework in their clinical work and in psychological research. It also represents a significant contribution to theological and philosophical understandings of the person. 

To learn more about the volume, visit the DMU Press website at www.divinemercypress.store. The volume can be purchased via Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Watch a full interview of the editors speaking about the book:

For media requests or more information, contact Ebony Shamberger, Marketing and Communications Manager, at 703-719-4278 or communications@divinemercy.edu. 

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Divine Mercy University Press is committed to publishing significant books in areas relevant to the University’s mission, especially the areas of integrated psychology, psychology and faith, philosophical psychology, clinical psychology, and philosophical anthropology. The DMU Press has two series: The John Henry Cardinal Newman Series and The Monograph Series.

Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a Catholic graduate institution of higher education offering degree programs in psychology and counseling, founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. The university is dedicated to the scientific study of psychology with a Catholic understanding of the human person, marriage, and the family. The university offers Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Psychology and Counseling, and a Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology.

Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award masters and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Divine Mercy University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org)

The IPS doctoral program in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). *Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202)-336-5979 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org / Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Green Cross Academy Collaborates to Create Support Groups for First Responders

The Green Cross Academy of Traumatology (GCAT) is collaborating with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) to help in their efforts to create online support and education groups for physicians, nurses, healthcare workers, and others on the frontlines dealing with COVID-19. 

Note: Dr. Benjamin Keyes, the Director Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies and the Director of Training and Internships (Eastern States) for DMU’s School of Counseling, serves as the Executive Director for the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology.

The GCAT has a unique focus on disaster stress so for GCAT members we are looking for both clinicians as well as those certified at the various GCAT certifications. For example, those certified at the Compassion Fatigue Educator and Therapist levels can conduct groups geared towards mitigating stress and teaching relaxation techniques.

We are asking our members and friends of Green Cross Academy to donate one and a half hours a week to create a Support Group that will allow doctors, nurses, medical staff, and all first responders (police, firefighters, EMT’s, dispatchers, etc.) to have a place to drop in once a week to vent, air out, share supportive activities, debrief, and to learn about stress reduction techniques and compassion fatigue. This is not a therapeutic relationship, nor is this a therapy or process group. This is a Support Group. We are attempting with other organizations to come, to network the United States to provide this much needed service. We are asking you to consider making the room for this and we will coach you through the process. Start by registering with AAETS. 

To qualify you must have a Zoom account that is Professional Level or above. You can also use other modalities as long as they are secure. As a facilitator you and/or another colleague (2 Licensed MH Therapists (PhD, LCSW,LPC, LMFT, Certs. Pastoral Counselor) or Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialists, Field Traumatologists or Certified Clinical Traumatologists) set a time in the week the group will meet. Please click here to access a general flyer that can be used to promote these groups. The Support Groups are FREE! This is a donation of time to your community and to those working to get us through the crisis of Pandemic. This is what you can do to make a BIG difference and contribute to the effort to heal the country. This will be a 1.5 hour online weekly event. When a GCAT member signs up, we will be notified. In fact, we will be sharing the list as we will be placing your group and times and location on both websites in order to steer those interested to your locations. Please remember that this is not therapy. If you are interested, please click here. 

By adding an attachment for signing up, you control those coming into your group. We are working on a disclaimer that participants will sign acknowledging that attendance does not create a therapeutic relationship. That practitioners are not liable for the content nor actions/behaviors of participants though basic rules will apply and that a Support Group is NOT Therapy or Counseling. The above organizations’ goal is to coordinate efforts to increase the support available to healthcare workers and first responders. 

By submitting your application, you are aware that your information may be shared. You are also aware that these organizations will not attest to your skills or be responsible for the services you provide. The organizations advise those providing services to not engage in psychotherapy or other medical types of interventions and to limit services to supportive/educational interventions.

As the president of AAETS, Dr. Brad Lindell, says: “The above organizations’ goal is to coordinate efforts to increase the support available to healthcare workers and first responders.”

If you have any questions, please contact the main office at gcatofficemanager@gmail.com.

Message from the President: DMU COVID-19 Action Plan

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

The University continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and its implications for the University. We would encourage everyone to remain vigilant, following the CDC guidelines to reduce the transmission of the disease including proper personal hygiene. The CDC website provides the most reliable and up-to-date information and is updated daily by 4:00pm.

The University’s Executive Committee has established a Preparedness and Response Sub-Committee to address the COVID-19 situation. This committee has been tasked with:

Based on the Sub-Committee’s evaluation of the current situation and taking into consideration recent local, state, federal and regulatory agency recommendations, we are implementing the following temporary policies and procedures to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease on campus and keep our university community safe:

Please be aware of the steps we have taken on campus to help keep our community safe:

It is our hope that the measures being implemented both on campus and within local communities will limit the impact of the virus. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate with the University community as needed. If you have questions or concerns I encourage you to communicate with your advisor or supervisor so that they can address any concerns you may have.

Finally, I invite everyone to join me in prayer each day for all those suffering and impacted by this cruel virus throughout the world. May our merciful Lord come to our aid during this trial and remind us that neither moral nor physical evil have the last word in His eternal plan. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones as we navigate this situation together.

Sincerely yours,

Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, JD, JCL
President
Divine Mercy University

Reproductive Grief Care Training, hosted by Life Perspectives

Note: This event has been updated to be available through online access

One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage and one in four women in the US will have an abortion by the age of 45. Although these losses occur very differently, the grief experience is similar and affects men, women, family members, and friends.

In this training you will:

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED – sign up for future events

Event Details

When: Saturday, May 2nd, 2020

Time: 12pm ET to 1:30pm ET

Location: Online

Cost: $14 (No CE offerings involved)

More Info: Contact communications@divinemercy.edu

Speaker Bio

Michaelene Fredenburg, President and CEO, has been a non-profit executive for over 25 years founding Life Perspectives in 2000. Life Perspectives has since grown to a national organization with a number of international partners. Michaelene is considered an expert in reproductive loss having authored the book Changed: Making Sense of Your Own or A Loved One’s Abortion Experience, the booklets Hope After Loss (miscarriage) and Changed (English, Spanish, Italian, Russian & Ukrainian), and serving as the editor of the book Grief and Abortion: Creating a Safe Place to Heal. Michaelene has written numerous articles about reproductive grief and loss and has participated in over 100 radio and television programs.

Michaelene testified before United States House and Senate Committee hearings about the need for studies that evaluate the emotional and physical impact of all pregnancy outcomes and has presented to physician delegates from Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan through the State Department’s International Visitors Program. She is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at universities and events. In 2018, Michaelene was invited by Ukrainian Catholic University to train psychologists, doctors, nurses, NGOs, social workers and clergy from various cities in Ukraine and Macedonia in partnership with the Ukrainian Public Ministry of Health. Michaelene also co-developed reproductive loss Continuing Education Curricula that is accredited by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN).

More Info about Life Perspectives

Life Perspectives is approved by the National Association of Social Workers and California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to grant continuing education units for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs, and maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Responding to the urgent need to provide support for over 2 million couples experiencing reproductive loss in the U.S. each year, Life Perspectives is dedicated to effecting widespread adoption of a reproductive loss standard of care through grief care education, data collection and research, and the provision of healing resources.

Prevention of COVID-19 Coronavirus

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

We understand that many of you are concerned about the COVID-19 Coronavirus. We want to assure you that the University is closely monitoring the situation and the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our highest priority.

The CDC is recommending the following prevention efforts you can take to avoid exposure and prevent the spread of the disease:

Instructions on disease prevention from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

 

The Centers for Disease Control website has the most comprehensive and reliable information: www.cdc.org

We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation and will update you as we have additional information and guidance.

Sincerely,

Helen Truppo

—
Helen Truppo
Director of Operations
Executive Assistant to the President
Divine Mercy University