WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

Summary This session focuses on suicide prevention and the promo tion of overall wellness within communities by addressing key behavioral and brain functions that contribute to heal ing. Attendees will explore simple, yet effective, strategies to help communities and clients within those communities foster wellness, such as the importance of building connec tions, providing access to resources, and encouraging self care practices. Emphasis will be placed on active listening and empathetic communication, equipping participants with skills to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment for clients experiencing emotional distress. While the level of expertise may vary, each psychologist, mental health profes sional, coach, and ministry leader will gain practical skills to contribute to community healing and support clients who may be experiencing emotional distress. Through this train ing, participants will recognize their vital role in creating a wellness-focused environment that promotes mental health and resilience for clients. Learning Objectives 1. Describe simple, effective strategies to encourage well ness, such as the importance of connection, access to re sources, and self-care practices. 2. Outline practical skills in active listening and empathetic communication to create a safe, nonjudgmental environ ment for those experiencing emotional distress. 3. Apply compassionate support within the scope of their abil ities as mental health professionals and non-professionals. 105. Resilient Love: Strategies for Couples to Thrive After Betrayal 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: Intermediate Debbie Laaser, M.A. Faithful & True

These components were initially defined through anecdot al research based on experience with hundreds of couples seeking to heal after sexual addiction, and the presenters are now developing a research project to validate the effec tiveness. Participants will distinguish the importance of full disclosure and truth-telling as prerequisites to progress in marriage and evaluate several practical therapeutic interven tions to use with clients, facilitating a path toward a trans formed relationship. Learning Objectives 1. Describe the importance of full disclosure and truth-tell ing as a pre-requisite to progress for their marriage. 2. Define the 16 components that help couples thrive in a re lationship. 3. Evaluate practical therapeutic interventions to help cou ples move from pain and betrayal to a transformed, healthier relationship. 106. Building, Maintaining, and Rekindling Intimacy in Marriage 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: Beginner Clifford Penner, Ph.D. Penner & Penner Summary Healthy sexual intimacy is foundational to building trust, vulnerability, and connection in marriage, positively influ encing families and communities. This workshop integrates faith-based teachings, relational principles, and evidence based insights to address the keys to intimacy in committed relationships. Drawing on over 50 years of clinical experi ence, the presenters will explore the roles and responsi bilities of spouses in fostering mutual sexual fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of mutuality, pleasure, and intentionality in sustaining passion. Participants will also learn how to identify and address past hurts and sexual dys functions that may interfere with intimacy. Practical tools, such as “The Formula for Intimacy,” will equip psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders to guide couples in creating deliberate, meaningful con nections. This workshop provides strategies to help couples deepen their intimacy and strengthen their relationships through evidence-informed and biblically aligned practices for willing Christian clients. Joyce Penner, R.N., M.N. Penner & Penner

Elizabeth Griffin, M.A. Faithful & True

Summary This is a workshop for licensed mental health profession als, pastors, and coaches serving couples impacted by sexual addiction. Relational betrayal is often slow and challenging. Often, the primary focus of treatment is placed on sobriety and communication patterns. In this session, licensed men tal health professionals and ministry leaders will explore 16 practical components couples can work on to transform re lationships, focusing on second-order changes that address emotional and spiritual dynamics, not just behavioral shifts.

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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