Chaplain Alan Schmitt, AMITA Health, was a presenter at the National Association of Catholic Chaplains Conference in May.
His presentation, “Serving At-Risk Adolescents,” addressed the challenges of working with teens and the approaches that are most beneficial in helping teens develop spiritual connections. Alan presented a broad-based spirituality that is used effectively with adolescents. He explored the things that matter most to teens as well as helping those present learn how to guide teens in developing healthy connections and relationships as a vital part of their spiritual journeys.
Alan shared approaches to spirituality that are the most helpful for adolescents, such as discussing a painting that has some depth, pulling discussion ideas from a bag rather than reading them from a work sheet, building on teens’ input, and offering quieting meditation to help them relax and experience the more reflective side of themselves than they may rarely experience.
