WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

across society, including within faith communities, creating significant implications for psychiatric care. Many patients and clinicians remain underinformed about the poten tial risks associated with cannabis use, often influenced by misconceptions regarding “medical” cannabis. Contrary to popular belief, the approval and prescription of cannabis lack consistent, evidence-based standards and vary signifi cantly across states. This workshop, aimed at psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders, dispels the prevalent myths, elucidates the process of obtaining “medical” cannabis, and empha sizes the associated risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as adolescents and pregnant women. Conditions like anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and PTSD are frequently cited for cannabis use, yet clinicians must rely on evidence based guidelines rather than public opinion or anecdotal claims. By fostering informed decision-making, this work shop seeks to equip participants with the knowledge neces sary to navigate cannabis-related issues in psychiatric prac tice effectively. Learning Objectives 1. Identify common myths about cannabis held by patients and clinicians. 2. Recognize the risks of cannabis use, including cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, addiction, and its impact on clinical conditions (e.g., anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD). 3. Explain “medical” marijuana and the process for obtain ing it, along with a theological perspective on cannabis use for Christian clients. 117. Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain: Understanding the Intersection Between Physical a nd Emotional Pain and How to Heal Both 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Level: Advanced Daniel Amen, M.D. Amen Clinics Summary Chronic physical and emotional pain (PEP) affects millions, leading to emotional suffering, addiction, and depression. Traditional healthcare often treats these pains separately, but neuroscience reveals they are processed through over lapping brain pathways. When one type of pain intensifies, the other often follows, creating a destructive cycle known as the Doom Loop. This loop causes negative brain changes that amplify both physical and emotional distress over time. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health pro fessionals, and ministry leaders will evaluate how to break free from the Doom Loop by healing the brain. Participants will analyze how the brain processes both physical and emo

Continuing Medical Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit, AOA Category 2A credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP Level: Intermediate Harold Koenig, M.D. Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health Summary The focus of this AACC session is on: 1) reviewing research on religious faith/Christian counseling, cognitive function ing, and brain disease; 2) discussing the mechanisms by which devout Christian faith may influence cognitive func tioning and brain health; 3) suggesting behaviors, diet, and dietary supplements through which Christians can maxi mize their cognitive functioning with aging and minimize the risk of brain disease; and 4) providing further resources to help attendees learn more about this topic. This workshop has both clinical and research-based relevance and utility to licensed mental health professionals, including counsel ors and psychologists, as well as to other health profession als and clergy (particularly VA and military chaplains who must deal with persons experiencing traumatic brain injury). There will be plenty of time for participants to ask questions and interact with the presenter. Learning Objectives 1. Outline what research has discovered about the relation ship between religious involvement/Christian counseling and brain health, focusing on slowing down cognitive de cline with aging and within the context of dementia. 2. Describe the mechanisms by which Christian faith and Christian counseling may influence brain health and cogni tive functioning. 3. Identify various activities, dietary behaviors, and supple ments that may help reduce cognitive impairment with aging and the risk of developing brain disease. 116. Cannabis Use and Clinical Practice: Realities, Myths, Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Continuing Medical Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit, AOA Category 2A credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP Level: Intermediate Linda Mintle, Ph.D. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) and Implications 1.25 credit hours

Summary The commercialization of cannabis has increased its use

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