Welcome Letter
Greetings Student, Raphael Onyekachi,
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is with great joy and anticipation that I welcome you to the intensive course Grief & Trauma called Navigating Loss, Awakening Life. This course has been prayerfully designed to equip, enlighten, and empower you in the areas of spiritual care, emotional understanding, and trauma-informed ministry. You are not just a student—you are a vessel of healing in the making.
Throughout the next three weeks, you will explore the biblical foundation of grief and trauma, gain insight into human suffering through both theological and psychological lenses, and develop practical strategies for offering compassionate, Spirit-led care to others. Whether in your personal walk, ministry service, or professional endeavors, this course will challenge and strengthen your heart, mind, and spirit.
Course Schedule:
Dates: Saturdays, April 26 – May 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Platform: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86754026407?pwd=mIliG5YaHRE8U7V46cumJV6ecZiD7j.1
Instructor: Dr. Althea Winifred
This is your student access to your student portal, reading materials, worksheets, and a course outline.
This is not merely an academic class—it is a sacred space for growth, healing, and preparation. I encourage you to approach each session with an open heart, a willing spirit, and a commitment to reflection. As it is written, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, KJV).
If you have any questions or need spiritual support during this journey, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am honored to walk alongside you in this transformational season.
Welcome to the journey of healing. Welcome to the ministry of wholeness.
In His Strength,
Dr. Althea Winifred
Founder & Instructor
Substance Institute | Ministries of Substance
SubstanceInstitute@gmail.com | 770-568-1626
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is with great joy and anticipation that I welcome you to the intensive course Grief & Trauma called Navigating Loss, Awakening Life. This course has been prayerfully designed to equip, enlighten, and empower you in the areas of spiritual care, emotional understanding, and trauma-informed ministry. You are not just a student—you are a vessel of healing in the making.
Throughout the next three weeks, you will explore the biblical foundation of grief and trauma, gain insight into human suffering through both theological and psychological lenses, and develop practical strategies for offering compassionate, Spirit-led care to others. Whether in your personal walk, ministry service, or professional endeavors, this course will challenge and strengthen your heart, mind, and spirit.
Course Schedule:
Dates: Saturdays, April 26 – May 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Platform: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86754026407?pwd=mIliG5YaHRE8U7V46cumJV6ecZiD7j.1
Instructor: Dr. Althea Winifred
This is your student access to your student portal, reading materials, worksheets, and a course outline.
This is not merely an academic class—it is a sacred space for growth, healing, and preparation. I encourage you to approach each session with an open heart, a willing spirit, and a commitment to reflection. As it is written, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, KJV).
If you have any questions or need spiritual support during this journey, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am honored to walk alongside you in this transformational season.
Welcome to the journey of healing. Welcome to the ministry of wholeness.
In His Strength,
Dr. Althea Winifred
Founder & Instructor
Substance Institute | Ministries of Substance
SubstanceInstitute@gmail.com | 770-568-1626
From The Dean's Desk![]()
Week 1 - Understand Grief
Student's Manual - Week 1
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Stage of G.R.I.E.F by Dr. Althea Winifred
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50 Types of Grief
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Homework - Write your Weekly Journals & Reflections Notes - 5/5/2025
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Week 1 - Case Study - Understanding Grief
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Course Video:
Grief & Trauma - Week 1 - Understanding Grief - 4/26/2025 Week 2 - Understanding Trauma
Student's Manual - Week 2
![]()
50 Types of Trauma
![]()
Homework - Write your Weekly Journals & Reflections Notes - 5/10/2025
![]()
Week 2 - Case Study - Understanding Trauma
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Course Video:
Grief & Trauma - Week 2 - Understanding Trauma - 5/3/2025 State of T.R.A.U.M.A. by Dr. Althea Winifred
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Grief & Trauma Glossary![]()
Final Written Assignment![]()
Grading & Completion CriteriaThis is a pass/fail certificate course based on engagement and reflective participation.
G.R.I.E.F. Assessment:
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g.r.i.e.f._assessment_-_identifying_your_stage_of_grief.pdf | |
File Size: | 1289 kb |
File Type: |
G.R.I.E.F. Assessment Report Results

raphael_onyekachi_4_25_2025.pdf | |
File Size: | 467 kb |
File Type: |
Week Three: The Depth of Human Pain – Theological, Emotional, and Psychological Dimensions
- Overview
- Theological Dimensions of Suffering
- The Emotional Patterns of Grief
- The Psychological Impact of Trauma
- Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
- Application: Integrating Theology, Emotion, and Psychology
- Reflection Questions
- Conclusion: Holding Space for the Deep Waters
Student's Manual - Week 3

week_3_-_student_manual_-_grief___trauma_navigating_loss_awakening_life.pdf | |
File Size: | 57 kb |
File Type: |
Homework - Write your Weekly Journals & Reflections Notes - 5/17/2025

week_1_-_3_-_journals___reflections_notes_sheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 105 kb |
File Type: |
Week 3 - Case Study - The Depth of Human Pain – Theological, Emotional, and Psychological Dimensions

week_3_-_student_case_study_assignment.pdf | |
File Size: | 137 kb |
File Type: |
Course Video:
Grief & Trauma - Week 3 - The Depth of Human Pain – Theological, Emotional, and Psychological Dimensions
- 5/10/2025
Grief & Trauma - Week 3 - The Depth of Human Pain – Theological, Emotional, and Psychological Dimensions
- 5/10/2025
Subject: Thank You – Grief & Trauma: Navigating Loss, Awakening Life
Greetings Student, Raphael Onyekachi,
I extend my heartfelt thanks to you for allowing me the sacred opportunity to guide you through the intensive course, Grief & Trauma - Navigating Loss, Awakening Life.
It has been an honor to walk with you through this journey of reflection, revelation, and healing. Your willingness to engage deeply with the course material—both personally and academically—demonstrates the strength of your calling and the tenderness of your heart.
Grief and trauma are not only complex, but deeply sacred dimensions of the human experience. Thank you for allowing this course to become a place where truth, tears, theology, and transformation could meet. Your commitment to understanding these dimensions not only equips you to support others, but also honors your own process.
May you continue to grow in clarity, compassion, and courage as you carry this learning forward. I pray that every layer of insight you’ve gained will strengthen your purpose and deepen your impact in the lives of those who are hurting.
With gratitude and grace,
Dr. Althea Winifred
Founder & Dean
Substance Institute | Ministries of Substance
[email protected] | 770-568-1626
I extend my heartfelt thanks to you for allowing me the sacred opportunity to guide you through the intensive course, Grief & Trauma - Navigating Loss, Awakening Life.
It has been an honor to walk with you through this journey of reflection, revelation, and healing. Your willingness to engage deeply with the course material—both personally and academically—demonstrates the strength of your calling and the tenderness of your heart.
Grief and trauma are not only complex, but deeply sacred dimensions of the human experience. Thank you for allowing this course to become a place where truth, tears, theology, and transformation could meet. Your commitment to understanding these dimensions not only equips you to support others, but also honors your own process.
May you continue to grow in clarity, compassion, and courage as you carry this learning forward. I pray that every layer of insight you’ve gained will strengthen your purpose and deepen your impact in the lives of those who are hurting.
With gratitude and grace,
Dr. Althea Winifred
Founder & Dean
Substance Institute | Ministries of Substance
[email protected] | 770-568-1626