WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

Alan Weissenbacher, Ph.D. Santa Clara University

Continuing Medical Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit, AOA Category 2A credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP Level: Intermediate Joe DeCree, M.A. Trinity Operations Center

Summary The brain changes its form and function based on the thoughts and actions most frequently performed; what is thought and done today alters the brain, influencing future thoughts and actions. This can sometimes lead to unwanted habits, addictions, or intrusive thoughts, and despite at tempts to develop strong willpower, change may remain elu sive. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals and ministry leaders will explore the biological reasons be hind habit formation and why willpower often fails. Through this understanding, participants will create a plan to har ness the brain’s ability to change. Participants will identify patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that have become linked in the brain and develop a targeted plan to “untie” these unwanted connections. Additionally, partici pants will describe the “willpower trap” and how it connects to prayer, creating a prayer plan that supports positive life changes for willing Christian clients. Participants will also create a 30-day plan for improving Christian spiritual disci plines in alignment with how God has designed the brain to learn and grow. Learning Objectives 1. Identify patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors linked in the brain and create a targeted plan to “untie” these unwanted linkages. 2. Describe the “willpower trap” and how it relates to prayer, developing a prayer plan that helps the brain move toward positive life change for those clients who wish to incorporate faith into their treatment. 3. Create a 30-day plan to improve spiritual disciplines by partnering with how God designed the brain to learn and grow from a Judeo-Christian worldview. 713. Story-healing: The Use of Narrative Therapy Tools to Enhance Lay Counseling 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: IBCC Level: Beginner Tova Kreps, M.S.W. Wellspring Counseling, Inc. Summary This workshop integrates core principles of narrative therapy into everyday communication strategies to pro mote emotional healing and personal growth. Designed for coaches, pastoral counselors, ministry leaders, and lay counselors, the session equips participants with practical techniques to facilitate meaningful storytelling and active

Jeanette Houghtelling, DNP Great Valley Health Center

Summary The veteran mental health crisis is real, with suicide rates officially at 22 per day, though underreported. The Veterans Administration is overwhelmed, especially in rural areas, and the new “Veteran’s Community Care Program” aims to ease access to civilian providers. However, civilian providers often struggle to establish rapport with military veterans. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health profes sionals, medical personnel, ministry leaders, and coaches will examine the unique challenges combat veterans face when reintegrating into family dynamics and communities after service, which often inhibits their desire to seek men tal and medical care. Participants will recognize the specific disruptions combat veterans experience, such as a lack of understanding of the military culture and experience, which create barriers to engaging in treatment. Additionally, par ticipants will identify practical techniques for building rap port with veterans and fostering a productive therapeutic re lationship. Participants will gain insights and tools they can immediately apply in their practice. Learning Objectives 1. Identify the unique challenges combat veterans face when reintegrating into family dynamics and communities after service and understand the impact of these challenges on their mental health and willingness to seek care. 2. Recognize the specific disruptions combat veterans expe rience that create barriers to engaging in treatment, includ ing the cultural differences between military and civilian en vironments and how they affect therapeutic rapport. 3. Apply practical techniques to build rapport and foster a productive therapeutic relationship with combat veterans, equipping participants with tools they can use immediately in their practice to engage and support veterans effectively. 712. The Willpower Trap: Using Brain Plasticity to Change Thoughts and Behaviors 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: NAADAC, IBCC Level: Intermediate

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