Recent research indicates that there is a growing interest in spirituality among the general population, which, while beneficial in many respects, can also present unique challenges in mental health care. Diverse spiritual practices, such as those associated with New Age, paganism, and occultism, have the potential to contribute to maladaptive patterns, re-traumatization, and the exacerbation of mental health issues like addiction and dissociation. Unfortunately, some therapeutic practices inadvertently promote these potentially harmful influences, leaving clients more confused and vulnerable. In response to this trend, an “Other Influences Assessment” has been developed to help mental health professionals and ministry leaders identify and assess the impact of these unconventional spiritual practices on mental health. This session will explore how these influences manifest, introduce the assessment tool, and provide an evidence-based, biblically integrated treatment model to address these challenges and guide willing Christian clients toward healing and restoration.
611 | The Rise of Diverse Spiritual Practices: How to Assess for the Impact of New Age, Occultism, and Paganism on Christian Clients
PRESENTERS
Natalie Atwell, Ed.D.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Advanced
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Analyze the impact of unconventional spiritual practices, such as the occult and paganism, on mental health, highlighting the factors that are often overlooked in traditional counseling settings.
2 Assess and classify the experiences that clients have with diverse spiritual practices, and utilizing the “Other Influences Assessment” to identify unexplained challenges in clients.
3 Compare and contrast evidence-based treatment strategies with a biblically integrated therapeutic model, applying these approaches to address unconventional spiritual practices in clinical settings with willing Christian clients.