12 Challenges Everyone in Ministry Needs to be Aware of - Paul Johnson

Season 5 | Episode 17

In this episode Jez speaks to Paul Johnson about emotionally healthy ministry.

A description of what a decompression session is and the importance of it for staff teams is outlined below:

What are Decompression Sessions? Decompression Sessions (DcS) are becoming increasingly common in vocational areas which have a high emotional demand. DcS sessions aim to make a leader’s role more sustainable and promote good emotional health.

As the name suggests they are monthly, 50 minute, confidential sessions for leaders to process any areas of life or work that are burdening them. If they choose to, a spouse or partner may also attend. Current rates are £50p/hr

Employers are increasingly recognising the need to provide for their staff members’ emotional well-being and as a practice to mitigate against ‘burnout’ or severe emotional depletion. As a result often (although not always) the sessions are paid for by the employer, not the employee. However the content of these sessions will remain between the employee and the DcS deliverer. 

As such the Decompression Sessions are designed to form part of a staff care package alongside pension, health insurance etc. This can then be reviewed annually by the employer.