WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

422. In Light of Recent Developments: A Cautious and Exploratory Approach for Gender Atypical and Dysphoric Clients 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: IBCC Level: Advanced

3. Analyze recent research supporting more cautious, less in vasive approaches to treating gender dysphoric and gender atypical clients, examining how psychotherapy can be used as an initial response. 423. GenAI for Local and Global Mental Health Needs: A Discussion and Demonstration of Potential Uses by Mental Health Professionals and Church-based Organizations 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NAADAC, NBCC, 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 Ingo Tophoven, Ph.D. Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary Summary This interactive workshop is designed for psychologists and li censed mental health professionals interested in exploring the transformative potential of generative AI (GenAI) as a tool for addressing mental health needs in local and global contexts. Participants will engage with GenAI technologies through live demonstrations tailored to the unique challenges faced in mental health and pastoral care. These demonstrations will provide hands-on insights into how GenAI can facilitate thera peutic dialogue, resource development, and personalized support for individuals and communities. In addition to these practical applications, the workshop will critically examine ethical considerations, cultural implications, and best prac tices for integrating GenAI into existing therapeutic and pas toral frameworks. Emphasizing a holistic approach to men tal health, the session will foster a collaborative environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and explore how technology can be used to enhance the mission of mental healthcare while supporting faith and spirituality in individualized care. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to leverage GenAI responsibly and creatively, optimizing its potential to promote human flourishing in their professional and ministerial roles. Learning Objectives 1. Analyze the potential applications of GenAI in supporting mental healthcare across diverse settings, evaluating its ben efits and limitations in mental health and pastoral contexts. 2. Examine the ethical and multicultural considerations in volved in integrating GenAI into therapeutic practices, identi fying potential risks and opportunities for diverse populations. 3. Develop actionable strategies for incorporating GenAI into their professional practice, ensuring it complements tradi tional approaches while enhancing therapeutic outcomes and fostering holistic well-being.

Chuck Romig, Ph.D. John Brown University, Professor Emeritus

Joe Cook, Ph.D. Liberty University

Karin Dumont, Ph.D. Liberty University

Summary Gender-affirming care for individuals who believe they might be transgender is widely adopted by mental health professional associations in the United States; however, no universal consensus exists on a standard of care for such cli ents. Several European countries have moved away from the affirming approach due to various research projects, such as the Cass Report, opting for more cautious methods that use psychotherapy as the initial response to gender dyspho ria. Furthermore, the new administration’s Executive Orders on sexuality have given rise to confusion for psychologists and licensed mental health professionals on how to treat in dividuals with gender dysphoria. In this workshop, partici pants will explore how to navigate this complex and rela tively recent phenomenon and the foundational principles behind gender ideology and queer theory, which underpin gender-affirming care. Participants will critique the philo sophical and worldview foundations and assumptions of both gender ideology and queer theory while identifying the core concepts and goals of these movements. Additionally, participants will discuss research supporting more cautious and less invasive approaches to treating gender atypical and dysphoric clients. An identity development, exploratory model for mental health practice will be offered as an ethical alternative to gender-affirming care, with ethical justifica tions for its use. Learning Objectives 1. Assess and critique the foundational principles and as sumptions behind gender ideology and queer theory. 2. Compare and contrast the core elements of a gender-af firming approach with an identity development, exploratory model of mental health therapy, exploring ethical justifica tions for utilizing the latter in treating gender atypical and dysphoric clients.

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