Greater Chicago Area
Hi! I'm a pastoral social worker - an interdisciplinary professional at the boundary of theology and social work - and I believe it is time to be curious! Especially curious of the emotional processes that increase our stress and anxiety. As a psychotherapist, educator, and UCC clergy member for the past 20 plus years, I encourage folks to enhance their capacity to know goodness and to change. Learning and experimenting with the triggers that limit our capacities can change how we think about our self, relate to others, and see the world around us. - - - The Basics - - - Rev. William G. Ressl, MDiv, MSW, PhD, LCSW. Expert in family systems, clinical social work, systematic theology, and ritual studies with a background in law, economics, and the arts. Psychotherapist/LCSW -> a transformational coach encouraging new understandings of individual and relational empowerment. Educator -> an academic journey companion supporting the growth of individual curiosity that supports self-care, well-being, and wellness. In the academy he has taught social work and theology at the undergraduate, advanced master’s, and doctoral level. Clergy Member -> Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) having served as Co-Pastor providing a pastoral presence grounded in the progressive transformational message of Christ’s love. - - Fun Facts - - Favorite Clinicians -> Murray Bowen (family systems theory), Carl Jung (Jungian psychoanalysis), Robert Moore (Neo-Jungian psychoanalysis), and Froma Walsh (family resilience). Favorite Theologians -> Paul Tillich (Systematic Theology), Mary Daly (American Radical Feminist), Delores Williams (Womanist), Archie Smith, Jr. (Black Pastoral Theology), Leonardo Boff (Latin American Theology), C.S. Song (Asian Theology), and Mercy Amba Oduyoye (African Women’s Theology). Favorite Scholars on Rituals -> Arnold van Gennep (ethnographer/folklorist), Mircea Eliade (historian of religion), and Victor Turner (cultural anthropologist). Bill has defined -> "Pastoral Social Work" that advances knowledge and understanding of the sacred reflective space of meaning making and self-discovery. He has authored: “A World in Need: Brokenness and Reconciliation Explored through Paul Tillich’s Doing of Social Work” in Tillich Jahrbuch / Yearbook. Berlin, Germany: Walter de Gruyter Press (2020). “Tillich’s Influence on Pastoral Social Work” in Why Tillich? Why Now? Macon, GA: Mercer University Press (2021). Favorite Bible Verse -> Romans 8 - it may just change your life. Hopeful Legacy -> He did more good than harm to the world.
Designated Term Co-Pastor, with the Rev. Dr. Penny L. Taylor, LCSW, assisting the community of St. Peter United Church of Christ (UCC) to re-imagine the possibilities by placing a priority on people versus the building.
Co-Founder and Vice President of the Penny & Bill Company. The Penny & Bill Company is a US faith-based corporation with the stated goal for helping clients and customers access the wisdom of the ages through counseling and creative, innovative technologies that offer exceptional online educational learning and mindful contemplative practices that inspire, empower, and transform. Key areas of focus include: Center to Awakne Kindness which offers person-to-person individual and couples counseling on-ground and through secure teletherapy and Grow I Am Self-Development Active Learning Platform offering digital and printed self-development self-development videos (Awaken Kindness Network), podcast (Awaken Kindness with DaRevsUSA), journals, and books.
Offering a wide variety of client-focused and goal-oriented therapy techniques for individuals, couples, families, and faith-based communities.
Taught SW 404 Social Work with Individuals & Family in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.
As a Co-Pastor, I offered confidential pastoral care supporting families through life’s hardest and most joyous moments. Worked to offer best possible user worship experiences on-ground and online (video and video conferencing). Key highlights include: Worked closely and provided guidance implementing revisioning initiatives of the Congregation. Participated in revitalization programs offered by the wider church. Active promoter grandparents raising grandchildren ministry supporting thousands of families. Drove +200K in donations for continued operation and needed improvements.