Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can overwhelm a person throughout the lifespan and produce not only continuous and immeasurable emotional pain and suffering, but also result in serious mental and physical health problems. Approximately one-half of adults in the...
Preconference Workshops
037 | Teen Loneliness, Loss, and Suicide: Healing a Lost Generation
Our culture has progressively changed over the past several decades, and though it has affected the broader population, teenagers have been affected the most. Loneliness is the most significant indicator of this impact, with teenagers and young adults being two times...
038 | Acceptance and Commitment Theory and Practice: Introduction and Faith-based Applications for Christian Clients
In this pre-conference workshop, the presenter draws upon the second edition of Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients: An Integrative Treatment Approach to present the theory and practice of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Participants will explore the...
039 | The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth: Full Disclosure for Couples Navigating Relational Betrayal
Trust is an integral part of growing close to a spouse. Trust will be broken when there are secrets or lies about behaviors. In rebuilding trust, creating a new foundation of truth-telling is essential. Full disclosure is a process to help couples heal from the pain...
040 | Holy Passion: Sex Therapy Trends and Insights from Over 50 Years of Clinical Practice
The presenters will integrate their 50 years of clinical expertise with relevant research as the basis for accurate assessment of sexual issues in couples. In this workshop, psychologists, other licensed mental health professionals, medical professionals, and ministry...
025 | The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope
Our encounter with suffering has many sources—not least of which is ourselves. Indeed, some of our suffering will endure throughout our entire lives. How is it possible for us to form hope in the face of suffering? Moreover, how does research from interpersonal...
024 | Military Strong: Resilience in the Midst of PTSD, Suicide, and Reintegration
The military ethos has been one of toughness and implies that service members can face any situation, overcome any threat, and defeat the enemy. Despite these expectations, servicemembers are continuously faced with traumatic events, which can result in problems with...
023 | Gender Identity & Religious Faith in Clinical Practice
Helping people navigate diverse gender identities and gender identity questions is complex and often polarizing work. For families informed by conventionally religious faith, some approaches to care raise as many questions as answers. This pre-conference workshop will...
022 | Spiritual Abuse: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Working with Those Hurt by the Church
After 20 years of groundbreaking research, counseling, and consulting, the presenters have found a rise in church leaders choosing charisma over character, causing a systemic rise of toxic faith communities. Lack of trust and increased disengagement with the Church...
021 | From Fixing to Attending: Faith-based Framework for the Use of Psychiatric Medications
Many Americans take medications for mental health problems, and faith-based clients and patients often have questions about the appropriate use of psychiatric medications. While medications can be helpful, the way that psychologists, other licensed mental health...