The Ashland Theological Seminary hosted the Psychology of Debt and Giving workshop this past weekend on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The six hour free event due to an underwritten generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, included a pre-workshop breakfast to get to know other attendees followed by a Powerpoint presentation from the Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMCH) program at the Ashland Theological Seminary, Dr. Yvonne Glass. Group discussion activities and information packets were also included.

The day was separated into two parts, with the first half focused on the psychology of debt and understanding the statistics. The second half explored the psychology of giving and how the two go hand in hand. The individuals were then given ideas they could apply to their nonprofit organizations or ministries to help encourage the importance of the topic.

“One of the elements Dr. Glass presented is that giving is a human need people have. It is one of the most intense positive feelings. When we give it lowers our blood pressure, increases endorphins and it has all sorts of short term and long term effects on our health,” said Karen Reaume, grant coordinator for the Ashland Theological Seminary.

Five persons attended the course from Ohio ranging in ministers, social workers and interested individuals. All participants gave the workshop an excellent or satisfactory rating and said they learned something new to incorporate into their work or everyday life.

“The table conversations matched the principles presented and I [am] ready to apply the information directly to my community’s concerns,” a satisfied attendee said.

Incorporating group conversation also seemed to be very beneficial for the individuals as many said they were inspired by others’ experiences and hearing different ideas on how to include the newly learned concepts into their own communities.

“I think everyone mentioned different things they took away from the workshop. Almost everyone said they have one or more ideas they are going to take back to their workplace,” Reaume said.

The Ashland Theological Seminary has a variety of events for students and community members to attend including the Christmas Open House coming up on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include music, refreshments and tours of the Seminary’s Archaeological Collection and Manuscript Room. There will also be a service held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Ashland Theological Seminary website.