Welcome Letter
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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, syllabus, reading materials, worksheets, and a course outline. 
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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

Welcome Letter

Syllabus

From The Dean's Desk

Week 1 - Understand Grief

  • What Is Grief? Defining Loss and Its Emotional Impact
  • The Stages of Grief: A Nonlinear Process
  • Types of Grief: From Anticipatory to Disenfranchised
  • The Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Grief
  • How Culture and Beliefs Shape the Grief Process
  • The State of G.R.I.E.F.

Week 2 - Understanding Trauma

  • Understanding Trauma: A Foundational Teaching for Healing and Care
  • Understanding Trauma’s Layers, Expressions, and Long-Term Impact
  • The State of T.R.A.U.M.A.

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

Grief & Trauma Glossary

Final Written Assignment