WC25 Program_LR 8

MORNING PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Megan Clunan, Ph.D. Moody Bible Institute

APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, NAADAC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Education Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: ACSI 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) Summary Anxiety and prolonged stress are increasingly prevalent, impacting the mental health of millions. However, neurosci ence has shown that the brain can be retrained to manage and reduce anxiety effectively. This workshop explores the neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety, examining how the brain and autonomic nervous system respond to stress. Psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medi cal professionals, coaches, and ministry leaders will focus on the two primary brain pathways that contribute to anxiety, detailing how these circuits can be rewired through targeted interventions. Attendees will gain insight into the interplay between the limbic and autonomic nervous systems, which triggers fight, flight or freeze responses. By employing evi dence-based top-down and bottom-up strategies and faith based help for Christian clients, clinicians will learn practi cal, science-backed techniques to help clients reduce anxiety and regulate their nervous systems. Learning Objectives 1. Outline basic neuroscience related to brain structures and neuroplasticity in the treatment of stress and anxiety in a way that clients can understand 2. Describe how the parasympathetic nervous system works to calm stress and anxiety using polyvagal theory, the power of connection, and somatic techniques 3. Apply evidence-based strategies for both amygdala-based and cortex-based anxiety 4. Compare and contrast a growth vs. fixed mindset and utilize strategies to build resiliency, such as lifestyle chang es, faith-based practices for Christian clients, and positive emotions 007: The Death Grip of Shame Across the Lifespan: Breakthrough Identity and Freedom Strategies Anchored in Relationships 3 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, NAADAC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Education Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: ACSI Level: Intermediate

John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D. Liberty University

Summary:

Summary The pervasive presence of shame in today’s culture has made it a more prevalent issue in mental health. According to a Ju deo-Christian worldview, originating in the Fall (Genesis 3), shame has become a tool of the enemy. When not processed through a redemptive lens, it distorts clients’ identities and enslaves their lives. This pandemic of shame continues to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), leaving a trail of devel opmental devastation, which is seen in struggles like sui cide, insecure attachment, compromised intimacy, ineffec tive communication, low self-esteem, addiction, and more. This session will allow participants to explore how shame infiltrates and corrupts a client’s sense of self, relationships with others, and their relationship with God. Drawing on developmental psychology, interpersonal neurobiology, and Christian psychology, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, coaches, and ministry leaders will examine the internalization of shame and its expression in various contexts. Participants will engage in experiential learning and clinically creative techniques to process developmental shame and discover strategies to dismantle its corrosive ef fects, fostering healing and freedom. Learning Objectives 1. Identify how shame is formed, shaped, and expressed throughout the lifespan 2. Analyze the impact of shame on Christian clients from a biblical, psychological, and neurobiological perspective, spe cifically how it affects identity and relationships 3. Develop strategies to dismantle the corrosive impact of shame in Christian clients’ lives, integrating faith-based principles and therapeutic approaches 008: Mental Health Coach 2.0: Expanding Your Influence and Effectiveness 3 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: IBCC Education Continuing Education Accreditations for those holding a School Counselor Certificate: ACSI Level: Intermediate Matthew Stanford, Ph.D. Hope and Healing Center & Institute

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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