WC25 Program_LR 8

AFTERNOON PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

026: The Brain, Dragons, and Couples: The Neuroscience of Helping Relationships Navigate the Big Emotional Issues 3 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Level: Intermediate Daniel Amen, M.D. Amen Clinics

tional, physiological, social, and relational sequelae, dysfunctions, and disorders. Trauma, in one form or an other, is what brings most of our clients into therapy with licensed mental health professionals and ministry leaders. Drawing upon support for narrative approaches, Story informed Trauma Therapy (SITT) is a comprehensive, di rective, and structured approach to trauma recovery. The strongest influence on our clients’ present behavior is their past experiences. Those experiences make up their “story.” When clients live with unresolved stories, they resurface and replay themselves continuously in their daily lives. This presentation introduces “Story” as the lens through which trauma experiences are examined. When clients do not understand their stories, they are left victim to the im pact they have on their lives in the present. Clients either know, understand, and accept their stories, or their stories live through them. Learning Objectives 1. Identify how unresolved trauma can be the root of cli ents’ presenting issues and why traditional therapy does not produce the life change that clients desire 2. Describe through evidence-based research why Story work is the most effective therapy for resolving past trauma and producing deep, substantive life change 3. Outline how Storywork can be implemented into thera peutic practice for psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders, increasing effective ness and creating lasting life changes for clients 028: Abuse, Trauma, and the Emotionally Destructive 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: Intermediate Leslie Vernick, M.S.W. Christ-Centered Counseling and Coaching Summary We have all heard the nursery rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It is a lie. The Bible says that words harm people and that reck less words pierce like a sword. Current research agrees that emotional abuse can harm a person’s mental health in many ways. However, the Christian community has been slow to recognize and validate the physical, mental, emo tional, and spiritual impact of emotional abuse. A black eye or fractured arm can be obvious evidence of something very wrong, but a broken spirit is more difficult to detect but every bit as real and painful. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals, medical professionals, and ministry leaders will learn how to identify emotional abuse and the damage it does to the individual and the relation Relationship 3 credit hours

Sharon May, Ph.D. Safe Haven Relationship Center

Summary This presentation explores how neuroscience can transform relationships by addressing deep emotional challenges. Drs. Sharon May and Daniel Amen explore the “12 Dragons from the Past”—emotional imprints that shape reactions and relational patterns—and provide strategies to tame them, promoting healthier connections. Attendees will learn how brain health, particularly prefrontal cortex function, influ ences emotional regulation, love, and intimacy. The session, designed for psychologists, licensed mental health profes sionals, coaches, and ministry leaders, also offers practical tools to enhance emotional intelligence, improve conflict resolution, and foster deeper understanding, creating lasting intimacy and stronger bonds in relationships. Learning Objectives 1. Analyze the connection between the neuroscience of the brain, emotional issues, and the ability to love well 2. Identify the “12 Dragons from the Past” and explain how they influence relational patterns and reactions 3. Develop strategies to tame each dragon by identifying at least one solution or method for managing its impact 4. Describe three ways low prefrontal cortex activity affects relational dynamics and emotional responses 027: Story-informed Trauma Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach to Trauma Recovery 3 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: Intermediate Michele Louviere, M.A. The Refuge 18-2

Summary Trauma is the “gateway” to various psychological, emo

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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