A few weeks ago I was honored by the Venue and Lead Magazines here in Cincinnati along with about 50 other leaders in health care. My cardiologist, Dr. Dean Kereiakes, was also included as were several very outstanding men and women. As I looked around at the group I thought how blessed I was to even be among such a group let alone one of the honorees.
The specifics focused on the fact that my colleagues and I started a unique Counseling Center 25 years ago in 1989 and it still exists. We founded Life Way Counseling Center as in-patient units for both adolescents and adults. The ideas were certainly unique at the time.
1. They integrated faith and medicine, psychology and theology.
2. They combined family therapy with individual therapy. We brought in the Patient's family, friends, Pastor, etc.
3. It included a strong psycho-educative component. We taught each and every resident how to think, act and interact healthily. We trained them to listen, care, think rationally, pray for each other, etc.
4. It was a dual diagnosis approach that housed both addicts and people with psychological concerns.
The outcomes were so great that several Psychiatrists not associated with us asked to place their patients with us. Two Muslim Doctors and a Jewish Doctor were the most excited and impressed. That lasted over seven years and we had to close it but the Clinic continues.
The group also started Equipping Ministries International, and Sweeten Life Systems. Each has a sterling record of equipping churches to minister to the mental, emotional, relational and spiritual lives of their members and friends. Those organizations have reached out to groups in over 100 nations. Find out more about SLS here.
Our latest venture in mental and family health is Patient Home Advantage. We are dedicated to help families do a better job of providing great care for disabled members.
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