When Christian mental health professionals work in or partner with the public school system, values conflicts are inevitable. Although these professionals may hold personal religious beliefs, counselor ethical codes and standards require them to honor students’ autonomy and avoid imposing spiritual beliefs (ACA, 2014; CACREP, 2024; ASCA, 2022). However, there is a delicate balance between honoring biblical truth and adhering to professional standards and the American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics (2023) requires that counselors exercise great care in working with clients regardless of their status, affiliations, or beliefs while still providing services that are based in Biblical truths. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals will recognize how to honor one’s beliefs while serving students in public schools. Participants will discuss the historical and Biblical scope of “Separation of Church and State” to explain how faith-based mental health professionals adhere to state regulations while comparing counseling standards to Biblical principles and societal trends to implement effective services in schools. Additionally, participants will create a personal and professional integration plan to be the salt and light in public education.
621 | Salt and Light in Public Education: Ethical Integration of Faith in Practice for School Counselors
PRESENTERS
Summer Kuba, Ph.D., Capri Brooks, Kerry Bowles, Shannan Shiderly
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
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Discuss how to navigate the balance between honoring one’s personal Christian beliefs and adhering to counselor ethical codes, ensuring respect for students' autonomy while serving in public schools.
2 Examine the historical and biblical context of the "Separation of Church and State," and how faith-based mental health professionals can comply with state regulations while respecting their beliefs.
3 Create a personal and professional integration plan to effectively implement mental health services in public schools while being the Salt and Light, integrating biblical principles with counseling standards.