Frequently Asked Questions.

Is this the right course for me?

  • The course is designed for those who may not have had any previous training or education in mental health.

  • However, it requires some maturity to understand and work with the different topics. This will come more easily for those who are used to operating in a team, or who have worked with other people as part of their job or church work.

  • Some of our trainees have been nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

  • Some have been teachers, pastors, and artists.

How much time will it take?

  • The course runs one night per week for 2 hours, for the duration of the courses.

  • For those who decide to complete the 6 month course there will be:

    • Some extra reading to do, and a journal to keep

    • A field-work project (between 750 and 1,000 words)

    • Placement experience with your church or NGO

What will be the cost?

  • Mental Health Coach Part 1 course is $495

  • Mental Health Coach Part 2 course is $480

How do I fit things in with regards work, family and church life?

  • The course is not onerous. There is plenty of time to fit in all the other things in your life.

  • It can also be a lot of fun because you are learning new things, interacting with new people, and you are growing spiritually. It will add to your life!

  • It is also focused on developing your individual calling!

Will I be able to handle other people’s problems? What if I burn out?

  • The course is very strong on teaching how to keep boundaries.

  • It explains how to preserve your time, personal space and health, and carefully put responsibilities back on your client.

  • The courses explain all the resources and tools at your disposal to get help from other agencies and practitioners.

  • It teaches what to do if things risk getting complicated.

What can I do after this training?

  • The course is designed (although not exclusively) for those working in team, community, and church environments. It adds enormous wisdom and confidence in issues of mental health for those already working or volunteering in existing roles.

  • It is a stepping stone for training in counselling or psychology.

  • It can also support biblical and theological studies, since much of the teaching is at the interface between psychology, theology, and biblical studies.

How can I organise my church or workplace to get more involved in mental health?

  • Deacon Trust is very keen to see more involvement in mental health at the community level. It is able to offer advice and support to do this.

  • It also offers coaching and supervision for the work-force.

  • It wants to see hubs of mental health supports embedded in our communities to take the pressure off general practice and secondary care.

  • We have found the best way to begin is to develop partnerships and collaborations.

What research has gone into the design of the course?

  • The designers of the course have both practical and academic experience in medicine, nursing, counselling, psychotherapy, and theology.

  • We have taken what we believe to be the best in each of these fields, and applied it in fun and practical ways.

  • We continue to research the mental health field, and consult with other agencies and training bodies on a regular basis.

  • We believe that our course material is cutting edge, and will make a real difference to the mental health of New Zealanders.

  • Deacon Trust recognises the status of the Treaty of Waitangi/ Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and advocates for its principles. It seeks advice on te ao Māori at every opportunity.

  • It also seeks to understand the cultural practices of the many other ethnicities in our country, and interact with them.