Over 1500 already registered! Sold out 10x in a row!
Sell out crowd of over 7000 expected!
The world’s premier Christian Counseling Event
September 23 – 27, 2025
Opryland Hotel • Nashville Tennessee
18
Plenaries
7
Clinical
Intensives
50
Preconference
workshops
175
Professional
workshops
200+
Exhibitors &
Sponsors
“fall kickoff” savings deadline
$249
AACC member price
$289
non member price
$149 Spouse/Student/International | $129 Worship/Plenary | $549 At-the-door
Friends & Family Deadline: November 1, 2024
Call for papers now open!
Submission Deadline November 1, 2024
Breaking News! Just added:
Chris Tomlin In Concert!
TIME magazine heralded Chris Tomlin as the “most often sung artist in the world” as his music has inspired and uplifted an entire generation of believers. Along the way, Chris has scored 21 number-one singles, 30 top-ten hits (more than any other Christian artist), and spent a total of 157 weeks at number-one during his career. Chris is also the first Christian artist to reach the billion streams threshold on Pandora.
Featuring…
Gary Chapman, Ph.D.
Daniel Amen, M.D.
Lysa Terkeurst
Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
Tim Timberlake
Bob Goff
Curt Thompson, M.D.
John Townsend, Ph.D.
Zach Clinton, M.A.
And more to be announced soon!
Preconference Workshops
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Morning Pre-conference Workshops: 8:30 – 11:45 AM
001: At a Crossroads: Ethical and Legal Challenges for Faith-based Mental Health Professionals
David Jenkins, Psy.D., and Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., Esq.
002: PTSD and Complex Trauma: Differential Diagnosis and Evidence-based Treatment Models
Heather Davediuk Gingrich, Ph.D.
003: The Vulnerable Narcissist: Helping Clients Recognize and Survive These Toxic Relationships
David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D.
004: Neurotheology: The Presence, Process, Provision, and Power of God in Therapy
Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min., and Ian Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D.
005: Family Bonds and Binds: Using Play Therapy with Challenging Family Systems
Daniel Sweeney, Ph.D.
006: Practical, Evidence-based Interventions to Thrive Against Anxiety and Stress in Challenging Times
Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
007: The Death Grip of Shame Across the Lifespan: Breakthrough Identity and Freedom Strategies Anchored in Relationships
Megan Clunan, Ph.D., and John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D.
008: Mental Health Coach 2.0: Expanding Your Influence and Effectiveness
Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.
009: Creating Stability in the Chaos: DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma
Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
010: The Effects of Christian Faith on the Brain, Cognitive Functioning, and Brain Disease
Harold Koenig, M.D.
011: Deconstructing Negative Self Talk: Practical Tools to Escape a Toxic Mindset
Charles Elliott, M.A., and Ashley Elliott, M.S.
012: Pornography, Sextortion, and Broken Relationships: Taking Back the Power Over One’s Body and Desires
Jim Cress, M.A., Sheri Keffer, Ph.D., Jason VanRuler, M.A.
013: Healing for the Brain and Soul: Neuro-based Coaching Strategies for Post-traumatic Growth
Georgia Shaffer, M.A.
014: Building Resiliency and Mental Toughness in Today’s Generation: Battling through the Pressure to Perform and Perfectionism in Everyday Life
Zach Clinton, M.A., and Ed Garrett, Psy.D.
015: Chronically Stressed and Highly Visible Relationships: Building and Protecting Intimacy and Connection in Marriage
Johnny Parker, D.S.L., and Lezlyn Parker, B.A.
016: Treatment Resistant Depression, Neurobiology, and Lasting Change: The Road Map to Newfound Joy and Living
Timothy R. Jennings, M.D.
017: Christian Superhero Therapy with Traumatized Youth and Young Adults: Speaking Their Language to Help Clients Engage in the Process
Kathie Erwin, Ed.D.
018: Anorexia, Bulimia, and Disordered Eating: Trends, Myths, and Evidence-based Solutions
Amy Feigel, M.A.
019: Race-based Trauma, Generational Trauma, and Diversity: Clinical and Ethical Responses
Fernando Garzon, Psy.D., Mark Crear, Ph.D., Diane Sharpe, Ed.D., and Elias Moithino, Ph.D.
020: Recovery Alive: New Science and Understanding of Addictions and Recovery
John Eklund, M.S.W., and Brian Kelley, Ph.D.
021: Supporting Clients with ADHD Throughout the Lifespan
John Kuhnley, M.D., and Stephen Grcevich, M.D.
022: Toxic Faith and Spiritual Abuse: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Working with Those Hurt by the Church
Terra Mattson, M.A., and Jeff Mattson, M.A.
023: Gender Identity and Religious Faith in Clinical Practice
Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D.
024: Father Wounds: Helping Those Hurt by Their Earthly Father Connect and Heal With Their Heavenly Father
Michelle Watson Canfield, Ph.D., and Ken Canfield, Ph.D.
025: Worship, Awe, and Dynamic Spiritual Freedom in Christian Mental Health
Joshua Knabb, Psy.D.
Afternoon Pre-conference Workshops: 1:45 – 5:00 PM
026: The Brain, Dragons, and Couples: The Neuroscience of Helping Relationships Navigate the Big Emotional Issues
Daniel Amen, M.D., and Sharon May, Ph.D.
027: Story-informed Trauma Therapy: An Evidence-based Comprehensive Approach to Trauma Recovery
Michele Louviere, M.A., and Byron Kehler, M.S.
028: Abuse, Trauma, and the Emotionally Destructive Relationship
Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
029: Youth in the Trenches: The Endangered Potential of Adolescents and Young Adults: Multiple Addictions, Trauma, Disconnection, Toxic Shame, and Spiritual Emptiness
Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D.
030: OCD and Religious Scrupulosity/Doubt: Game-changing Transdiagnostic Techniques for Difficult Issues
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
031: Ghosting, Situationships, and Other Relational Dynamics that Breed Loneliness and Bitterness in Our Modern World
Gregory Jantz, Ph.D.
032: For Such a Time as This: A Dynamic Christian Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy
Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D.
033: Preparing for Trauma Work: Specific Tools to Improve Emotion Regulation and Attachment Security
Anita Kuhnley, Ph.D., and Lisa Compton, Ph.D.
034: Promoting Health, Spiritual Strength, and Well-being to Flourish in Stressful Times
Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D., and Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min.
035: Meditative Healing Prayer: Uniting Spiritual Truths and Neuroplasticity
Karl Benzio, M.D., and Ruth Hendrickson
036: Food Freedom: Utilizing CBT, DBT, and IFS for Healthy Relationships with Food
Rhona Epstein, Psy.D.
037: Teen Loneliness, Loss, and Suicide: Healing a Lost Generation
Mark Mayfield, Ph.D., and Chap Clark, Ph.D.
038: Alone: Anxiety and the Absence of Presence
Curt Thompson, M.D.
039: PTSD, Suicidality, and Reintegration: Serving Today’s Warriors When War Comes Home
Dallas Speight, D.Min., Scott D. Speight, M.Div., M.MFT., and Tim Murphy, Ph.D.
040: Bridging the Divide: Navigating Familial Estrangement
Dee Dee Mayer, D.Min.
041: Internal Family Systems Therapy Anchored in Faith: How to Develop Healthy Boundaries for Your Soul
Kimberly Miller, M.Th., and Alison Cook, Ph.D.
042: Blaming the Brain Too Little or Too Much? Distinguishing Physical and Spiritual Causes
Ed Welch, Ph.D.
043: The Integrated Self: Healthy Emotions and Whole-person Spirituality
Gary J. Oliver, Th.M., Ph.D.
044: Practical Support for Trauma Recovery: 7 Spiritual and Lifestyle Keys that Set the Stage for Healing
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., and Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
045: Navigating the Chaos: Strategies to Use with Family Members Who Have Borderline or Narcissistic Traits
Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D.
046: Get Certified in the SYMBIS Assessment and NEW 5 Love Languages Assessment
Les Parrott, Ph.D.
047: Soul Care Rhythms for Clients to Decrease Burnout and Increase Joy
Debra Fileta, M.A.
048: EMDR, Nature, and Christian Faith *
*Attendees must have completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training to participate.
Kathleen Fitzgerald, M.A., and Brittany Edie, M.A.
049: Advances in Forgiveness Interventions in Mental Health
Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D.
050: Eyes Wide Open: Seeing and Addressing Spiritual Warfare in Your Life, Context, and Ministry
Lois Dodds, Ph.D., Laura Holmes, M.A., and Michael Perron
Workshops & Intensives
Track Workshops
- Abuse, Violence, and Trauma-informed Care
Track Leader: Heather Davediuk Gingrich, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Shannon Wolf, Ph.D., Molly Catherine Goodson, M.A., Esq.
- Addictions, Relapse, and Recovery
Track Leader: David Jenkins, Psy.D.
Track Coordinators: John Eklund, M.S.W., Brian Kelley, Ph.D., Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
- Grief and Loss, Crisis Response, and Disaster Recovery
Track Leaders: Jennifer Ellers, M.A., Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
Track Coordinators: Michele Louviere, M.Div., Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Ed.D., Robert DeVries, Ph.D., Sabrina Black, M.A.
- UPDATED! Suicide, Self-harm, and Risky Behavior: Awareness, Prevention, De-escalation, and Postvention
Track Leader: Mark Mayfield, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Rita Schulte, M.A., Tim Murphy, Ph.D., Diane Sharp, Ed.D.
- NEW! Compulsive Behaviors: Trends, Assessments, and Effective Treatment
Track Leaders: Jim Cress, M.A., Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Rhona Epstein, Psy.D., Troy Haas, D.Min., Debra Laaser, M.A.
- Sexuality, Sexual Interventions, and Sexual Health
Track Leaders: Clifford Penner, Ph.D., Joyce Penner, M.N., R.N., Michael Systma, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Corey Gilbert, Ph.D., Debra Taylor, M.A., Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D.
- UPDATED! Love, Intimacy, Pre-marital Counseling, and Marriage Enrichment
Track Leaders: Elias Moitinho, Ph.D., Ted Cunningham, MACE
Track Coordinators: Robert S. Paul, M.S., Greg Smalley, Ph.D., Erin Smalley, Ed.D., John Trent, Ph.D.
- Professional Life Coaching and Consultation
Track Leaders: Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min., Georgia Shaffer, M.A.
Track Coordinators: Dina Jones, M.A., Jason VanRuler, M.A.
- Executive and Leadership Coaching and Organizational Psychology
Track Leaders: Mark Crear, Ph.D., John Townsend, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Jeff Mattson, M.A., Johnny Parker, D.S.L., Michelle Thompson, M.S.
- NEW! Marriage and Family, Parenting, Family Systems, and Therapy
Track Leader: Sharon May, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Jim Burns, Ph.D., Alison Cook, Ph.D., Ron Deal, M.MFT., Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
- Couples in Crisis, Relationship Conflict, and Marital Recovery
Track Leader: Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
Track Coordinators: Debra Fileta, M.A., Sheri Keffer, Ph.D., W. Jesse Gill, Psy.D., Mike Vaughn, M.A.
- NEW! Youth Mental Healthcare: NextGen Issues and Interventions
Track Leader: Chap Clark, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Megan Clunan, Ph.D., Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D., Daniel Sweeney, Ph.D., Jacqueline Wirth, Ph.D.
- UPDATED! Biblical Counseling, Theological Foundations, Chaplaincy, and Pastoral Care
Track Leaders: Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D., Ian Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Kari MacKenzie, D.Min., Michael MacKenzie, D.Min., Dallas Speight, D.Min., Ed.D., Ed Welch, Ph.D.
- Spiritual Formation, Interventions, and Discipleship
Track Leaders: Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D., Gary Oliver, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Bill Buker, Ph.D., Margaret Nagib, Psy.D., Jim Sells Ph.D.
- UPDATED! Mental Health Coaching, Lay Counseling, and Church-based Care
Track Leader: Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Shaunti Feldhahn MPP, Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D., Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D.
- Counseling Skills, Techniques, and Empirically Supported Treatments
Track Leader: John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Track Coordinator: Donna Gibbs, Ph.D., Anita Knight Kuhnley, Ph.D., Terra Mattson, M.A.
- UPDATED! Ethics and Practice Management: Advocacy, Public Policy, and Counselor Education and Supervision
Track Leader: Mercy Connors, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Fernando Garzon, Psy.D., Kenyon Knapp, Ph.D., Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., Esq.
- UPDATED! Multicultural Counseling: Cross-cultural and Global Competency
Track Leader: Wei-Jen Huang, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Lois Dodds, Ph.D., Fred Gingrich, Ph.D., Ingo Tophoven, Ph.D.
- Clinical Assessment, Research, and Evidence-based Practices
Track Leader: Harold G. Koenig, M.D.
Track Coordinators: William Hathaway, Ph.D., Kathleen Fitzgerald, M.A., Everett L. Worthington, Ph.D.
- Psychiatry, Behavioral Medicine, and Collaborative Care
Track Leader: Karl Benzio, M.D.
Track Coordinators: Linda Mintle, Ph.D., Stephen Grcevich, M.D., E. John Kuhnley, M.D., Warren Kinghorn, M.D., Th.D.
- Mental Health, the Brain, and Neuroscience
Track Leader: Timothy R. Jennings, M.D.
Track Coordinators: Gary Sibcy, Ph.D., Daniel Amen, M.D., Curt Thompson, M.D.
- Personality Disorders, Challenging Issues, and Complex Cases
Track Leader: Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D., Amy Feigel, M.A., Siegel Bartley, Ph.D., Barbara Lowe Ph.D.
- UPDATED! Positive Psychology, Performance and Well-being: Human Flourishing and Resilience
Track Leaders: Zach Clinton, M.A., Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Chris Adams, Ph.D., Ed Garrett, Psy.D., Scott Hawkins, Ph.D.
- Christian Psychology: Theory, Practice, and Integration
Track Leader: Nicolene Joubert, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Eric Johnson, Ph.D., Joshua Knabb, Psy.D., Mark McMinn, Ph.D.
- Social Work: Advancements in Theory and Practice
Track Leader: David King, D.S.W.
Track Coordinators: Kay Lyn Carlson, M.S.W., James Long, Th.D., Laurel Shaler, Ph.D.
Intensives: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- 090: Comprehensive Biblical-Clinical Theory of Change: Targeted Treatment Strategies Based on Client Issue and Need
David King, D.S.W., Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min., and Mercy Connors, Ph.D.
- 091: Relational and Attachment Trauma: Issues, Interventions, and Techniques
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
- 092: Sexual Compulsivity, the Brain, and Patterns of Addiction and Recovery
Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT, Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT, and Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT
- 093: Restoring Hope for Couples: An Integrative Approach to Marital Therapy
Bob Paul, M.S., and Robert K. Burbee, Ph.D.
- 094: Christian-based Emotion-focused Therapy for Couples Program: Incorporating Faith into Evidence-based Practice
Sharon May, Ph.D., and Linda Stewart, M.A.
- 095: Taming the Chaos Within: The Treatment of Borderline, Histrionic Narcissism and Antisocial Personality Disorder
Shannae Anderson, Ph.D., and David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D.
- 096: Christ-centered Trauma Healing: Ethical and Culturally Responsive Theory, Tools, and Applications
Eric Johnson, Ph.D., and Nicolene Joubert, Ph.D.
Stay Onsite at the Magnificent Gaylord Opryland Hotel! Registration Opening soon!
Call 877-491-7397 to make your reservation by phone.
Please let them know you are registering for the AACC Bi-Annual Conference Code: AACC 2025
All reservations require one night stay deposit. Reservations cancelled within 72 hours of arrival date are subject to a cancellation fee.
“We’re excited to be back at the magnificent Opryland Hotel! We can’t wait to see you there!!”
Dear Colleague:
At AACC, we’ve been working feverishly on the 2025 “United” World Conference to be held at the magnificent Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 23-27, 2025. Don’t miss this one!
AACC is offering you a chance to register early with our “FALL KICKOFF” special registration rate. By registering today, you enjoy the absolute best savings we have to offer! When you lock in your registration, we are able to budget more effectively and pass the savings on to you!!