WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

Summary Ethical codes recognize the spiritual dimension as essential to competent mental healthcare, yet many mental health profes sionals lack sufficient training in addressing spirituality and faith within the therapeutic process. In this workshop, psychol ogists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry lead ers will examine the importance of integrating spirituality into assessing and treating mental health issues, focusing on its role in holistic care. Participants will explore effective practices for helping build and deepen Christian clients’ spirituality while examining biblical and historical church principles in conjunc tion with recent research on healthy spirituality. This session will provide practical strategies for mental health profession als to incorporate faith-based approaches within therapy and enhance their ability to work with clients from diverse spiritual backgrounds. By the end of the session, participants will have a stronger understanding of how to address the spiritual needs of clients, particularly Christian clients, and have the confidence to incorporate these elements into their therapeutic practices. Learning Objectives 1. Outline the importance of addressing the spiritual dimen sion in mental healthcare to promote holistic client care. 2. Identify evidence-based practices and strategies for devel oping and strengthening the client’s spirituality during the therapeutic process. 3. Analyze biblical and historical church principles, along with current research, to understand the role of faith and spirituality in fostering healthy mental and emotional well being for Christian clients. 112. Emotional and Relational Intelligence in Church: The Essential Role of Healthy Emotions in Growing a Healthy Congregation 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: IBCC Level: Beginner Gary Oliver, Th.M., Ph.D. The Center for Healthy Relationships John Brown University Summary This workshop examines the integration of theological prin ciples with clinical insights, focusing on how church lead ers, pastors, lay counselors, and coaches can guide individu als toward spiritual transformation and emotional maturity. Drawing on foundational biblical concepts such as Biblical Anthropology, Christology, and Soteriology, participants will explore how sanctification influences emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual functioning. Specifically, the workshop will highlight the role of Emotional and Relational Intelli gence (ERI) and recent advancements in neurobiology in facilitating growth in Christlikeness. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these concepts intersect to en hance their ability to impact individuals within their congre

gations, fostering more authentic Christ-centered emotional, relational, and spiritual development. The goal is to provide practical tools for church leaders to help people more effec tively embody the transformative power of Christ’s love, as articulated in John 13:34-35. Learning Objectives 1. Discuss the practical implications of a meaningful Biblical Anthropology, Christology, and Soteriology in the process of helping people change and grow. 2. Describe the core tenants of Emotional and Relational Intel ligence (ERI) for a pastor, pastoral or lay counselor, coach, or therapist—what it is, what it isn’t, why it is essential, and how. 3. Identify specific ways that a theology of relationships and spiritual disciplines can be used to help dismantle unhealthy and dysfunctional habits and facilitate growth potential. 113. Church-based Care to Mitigate the Mental Health Crisis: The Effectiveness of Mental Health Coaching and Lay Counseling 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: IBCC Level: Beginner Matthew Stanford, Ph.D. Hope and Healing Center & Institute Summary The rising demand for accessible mental health support highlights the importance of integrating faith-based resourc es into mental healthcare. This presentation explores the role of mental health coaches and lay Christian counselors in ad dressing the mental health workforce gap within churches and faith-based organizations. Drawing insights from recent studies and practical applications, participants will learn how to enhance mental health literacy, provide effective early intervention, and foster supportive church communi ties. This session will empower mental health coaches, pas tors, and lay counselors to lead transformative mental health initiatives within their faith communities. Learning Objectives 1. Identify key strategies for mental health integration, in cluding the “4 Rs” (Recognize, Refer, Relate, Restore), to cre ate a comprehensive approach to integrate mental health care within church settings. 2. Analyze paraprofessional training models and examine the feasibility and scalability of mental health coaching programs tailored for faith-based organizations focusing on training structures, competencies, and implementation strategies. 3. Develop actionable plans to overcome barriers to address resistance and challenges in establishing mental health ministries, leveraging church networks to foster collabo ration between pastors, lay counselors, and mental health professionals.

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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