WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

idence-based interventions across the lifespan. In addition, the concept of neurodiversity will be explored, examining its clinical implications and how to tailor interventions to support neurodiverse individuals effectively. Attendees will gain practical tools to enhance their clinical competency in working with individuals with ASD, ensuring they can pro vide accurate assessments and implement evidence-based treatment approaches within diverse therapeutic settings. Learning Objectives 1. Differentiate the primary symptoms of the three levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and analyze the concept of neurodiversity in clinical practice. 2. Analyze the standardized diagnostic tools and assess ments for ASD to enhance diagnostic accuracy. 3. Identify evidence-based treatments and resources for individuals diagnosed with ASD and other neurodiverse conditions, integrating them into comprehensive treatment plans. 516. Uniting Faith and Science: Unleashing Your Patient’s Decision-making Superpower 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: ASWB, 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 Karl Benzio, M.D. American Association of Christian Counselors Summary Real change is difficult for most people, leaving those strug gling with psychological issues feeling frustrated and power less after failed attempts. This Spirit-Mind-Body workshop combines neuroscience, neuroplasticity, psychological principles, and spiritual teachings to present the SPEARS decision-making model. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, ministry leaders, and coaches will evaluate the model cre ated by the presenter, which has sparked transformation and reached patients, especially from a Christian faith back ground. Participants will learn to identify, list, and distin guish the six essential elements in every decision, under stand the sequence they follow, and apply this model to facilitate immediate impact on client decision-making. At tendees will also use the SPEARS tool to help clients analyze unhealthy decisions; in essence, performing a psychologi cal autopsy to uncover why illogical options seem logical. Finally, participants will integrate spiritual beliefs for willing Christian clients with scientific principles to help others ex perience practical, lasting change.

Learning Objectives 1. Evaluate and understand the SPEARS decision-making model, learning the six essential elements involved in every decision and the sequence they follow to facilitate impactful decision-making in clients or patients. 2. Apply the SPEARS tool to analyze and deconstruct un healthy decisions, conduct a psychological autopsy to un cover the reasons behind illogical choices, and use this insight to guide clients toward healthier, more rational deci sion-making. 3. Integrate spiritual beliefs for willing Chrisitan clients with neuroscience and psychological principles, equipping par ticipants to support clients in achieving practical, lasting transformation by aligning their decision-making processes with both spiritual and scientific perspectives. 517. Healing Sexualized Attachments: The Application of Attachment and Interpersonal Neurobiology in the Treatment of Sexual Issues in Women 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Level: Advanced Melissa Ingraham, M.A. Overflowing Christian Counseling, LLC Summary This workshop integrates attachment theory and interper sonal neurobiology into the treatment of sexualized attach ments in women, including unwanted same-sex attraction, compulsive sexual behaviors, and pornography addiction. Research indicates a rapid increase in sexualized friendships and pornography use among women. Yet, the unique chal lenges faced by Christian women in this area remain un der-addressed, often leading to heightened levels of shame. Through a literature review and case presentations drawn from over twenty years of clinical and ministry experience, participants will explore the development of sexualized at tachments and their impact on identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. Emphasis will be placed on the role of secure attachment in therapeutic work, providing clinicians and ministry leaders with evidence-based strategies to help willing Christian female clients process their experiences and reduce shame. Additionally, attendees will learn how to pre pare these clients for integration into Christian confessional communities, fostering relational and spiritual healing. This workshop is designed for licensed mental health profession als and ministry leaders seeking to enhance their ability to support women struggling with sexualized attachments. Rebecca Sisneros, M.A. Christian Counseling Services

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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