Meet The Team - EMPATHIC PASTORAL CARE SOLUTIONS

Denice Foose and Ted Smith have a joint 17-year history in conducting in-depth programs to equip women and men for enhanced empathic connections. And given their commitment to this unique enterprise, they continue to teach, now with increased reliance on virtual platforms. For many years these programs were hospital-based, with multiple concurrent courses being offered annually of varying lengths: 3, 12, and 24 months. These programs attracted extremely diverse participant groups. Their motivations varied, some to strengthen their service in civic and volunteer organizations, while others sought to provide pastoral care ministry. Everyone, however, drew upon this experience to enhance relationships within their private and social lives. More recently the programs have been church-based. Cumulatively, several thousand persons have participated.

Now these seasoned educators are drawing upon their expertise to offer programs with a different educational format — online training. Combining interactional exercises with introductory theory and skill development, this technology-based venture emphasizes practical guidance for enriched human connections in a variety of content.

Denice S. Foose, BCC, MBA

Visionary leader and emotionally intelligent Certified Chaplain with extensive experience in faith-based hospitals and for-profit business enterprises. Integrates unique blend of deep spirituality, entrepreneurial outlook, and business acumen. Currently directs a large diocesan-wide pastoral care program for multiple healthcare settings, involving numerous Catholic Priests, scores of trained caregiving laity, and several administrative personnel. In addition, gives leadership to in-depth educational programs to equip laity for caring ministry. These innovative ministry and educational initiatives have gained regional and national recognition from several Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Credentials:

Denice is the Owner and Chief Content Developer at Empathic Pastoral Care Solutions. She is a Board Certified Chaplain and serves as the Director of the Catholic Chaplain Corps for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. She is the recipient of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains 2020 Distinguished Service Award.

Rev. Theodore M. Smith, D.Min.

Recently retired United Methodist minister with almost 40 years in professional hospital ministry as a chaplain and pastoral educator in four faith-based hospitals. In addition, many years were devoted to providing administrative and strategic leadership for two large chaplaincy departments. Now giving focused attention to a long-standing passion, currently serves as primary faculty person for the Pastoral Care Institute, a major educational program in pastoral care ministry for laity in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. A published author of several articles in professional journals and speaker at regional and national conferences, continued writing and teaching in lay training remains a professional commitment.

Credentials:

Ted is the Chief Training Instructor and Assistant Content Developer at Empathic Pastoral Care Solutions, and he is an ordained United Methodist Minister. Ted is both a retired ACPE Certified Educator and Board Certified Chaplain.

The classes I have taken with you on empathic listening have changed my interactions with everyone. Thanks to you, I have an invaluable awareness of a better way to interact with people. The class was a pivotal redirection of my paradigm on how to communicate. I finished the class with an acute awareness of the importance of pastoral ministry, of listening and giving feedback correctly, and of my call to participate."

"The material was well thought out and presented in a perfectly progressive manner, diving deeper into the material and training with each passing class. There was a fluid balance with the delivery from both instructors. This class moved the axis in which I listen to others in my daily life. I now “lean in” to others, meaning, focusing more on the others and not myself in the moment."

I answered the call to work in pastoral ministry but felt lacking to be as effective as I wanted to be. I grew in countless ways through the courses with Ted and Denice. Their real-life experiences, coupled with their engaging teaching style, gave me the confidence to incorporate empathic listening into my visits. It has been amazing to see how my interactions with patients and families have reached new depths! Rather than going home from my hospital visits feeling tired and uncertain, I leave feeling energized and truly blessed. Thank you Ted and Denice!"

Since taking "An Empathic Connection," the nature and effectiveness of my pastoral visits changed dramatically. I can sense a deeper connection with the patients, who seem more willing to express their feelings. I not only feel that I am bringing greater comfort to the patients I visit, but I also feel more confident and a deeper sense of personal satisfaction and spiritual growth from the visits."

Denice S. Foose, BCC, MBA​

Rev. Theodore M. Smith, D.Min.

PURCHASE TRAINING

Denice S. Foose, BCC, MBA