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Over 1500 already registered! Sold out 10x in a row!

Sell out crowd of over 7000 expected!

The world’s premier Christian Counseling Event

September 23 – 27, 2025

Opryland Hotel • Nashville Tennessee

18

Plenaries

7

Clinical

Intensives

50

Preconference

workshops

175

Professional

workshops

200+

Exhibitors &

Sponsors

“fall kickoff” savings deadline

$249

AACC member price

$289

non member price

$169 Spouse/Student/International  |  $129 Worship/Plenary | $549 At-the-door

Friends & Family Deadline: November 1, 2024

Call for papers now open!

Submission Deadline November 1, 2024

Breaking News! Just added:

Chris Tomlin In Concert!

TIME magazine heralded Chris Tomlin as the “most often sung artist in the world” as his music has inspired and uplifted an entire generation of believers. Along the way, Chris has scored 21 number-one singles, 30 top-ten hits (more than any other Christian artist), and spent a total of 157 weeks at number-one during his career. Chris is also the first Christian artist to reach the billion streams threshold on Pandora.

Featuring…

 Gary Chapman, Ph.D.

Gary Chapman, Ph.D.

 Daniel Amen, M.D.

Daniel Amen, M.D.

 Lysa Terkeurst

Lysa Terkeurst

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.

Tim Timberlake

Tim Timberlake

Bob Goff

Bob Goff

Curt Thompson, M.D.

Curt Thompson, M.D.

John Townsend, Ph.D.

John Townsend, Ph.D.

Zach Clinton, M.A.

Zach Clinton, M.A.

And more to be announced soon!

Preconference Workshops

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Morning Pre-conference Workshops: 8:30 – 11:45 AM

001: At a Crossroads: Ethical and Legal Challenges for Faith-based Mental Health Professionals

David Jenkins, Psy.D., and Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., Esq.

002: PTSD and Complex Trauma: Differential Diagnosis and Evidence-based Treatment Models

Heather Davediuk Gingrich, Ph.D.

003: The Vulnerable Narcissist: Helping Clients Recognize and Survive These Toxic Relationships

David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D.

004: Neurotheology: The Presence, Process, Provision, and Power of God in Therapy

Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min., and Ian Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D.

005: Family Bonds and Binds: Using Play Therapy with Challenging Family Systems

Daniel Sweeney, Ph.D.

006: Practical, Evidence-based Interventions to Thrive Against Anxiety and Stress in Challenging Times

Linda Mintle, Ph.D.

007: The Death Grip of Shame Across the Lifespan: Breakthrough Identity and Freedom Strategies Anchored in Relationships

Megan Clunan, Ph.D., and John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D.

008: Mental Health Coach 2.0: Expanding Your Influence and Effectiveness

Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.

009: Creating Stability in the Chaos: DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.

010: The Effects of Christian Faith on the Brain, Cognitive Functioning, and Brain Disease

Harold Koenig, M.D.

011: Deconstructing Negative Self Talk: Practical Tools to Escape a Toxic Mindset

Charles Elliott, M.A., and Ashley Elliott, M.S.

012: Pornography, Sextortion, and Broken Relationships: Taking Back the Power Over One’s Body and Desires

Jim Cress, M.A., Sheri Keffer, Ph.D., Jason VanRuler, M.A.

013: Healing for the Brain and Soul: Neuro-based Coaching Strategies for Post-traumatic Growth

Georgia Shaffer, M.A.

014: Building Resiliency and Mental Toughness in Today’s Generation: Battling through the Pressure to Perform and Perfectionism in Everyday Life

Zach Clinton, M.A., and Ed Garrett, Psy.D.

015: Chronically Stressed and Highly Visible Relationships: Building and Protecting Intimacy and Connection in Marriage

Johnny Parker, D.S.L., and Lezlyn Parker, B.A.

016: Treatment Resistant Depression, Neurobiology, and Lasting Change: The Road Map to Newfound Joy and Living

Timothy R. Jennings, M.D.

017: Christian Superhero Therapy with Traumatized Youth and Young Adults: Speaking Their Language to Help Clients Engage in the Process

Kathie Erwin, Ed.D.

018: Anorexia, Bulimia, and Disordered Eating: Trends, Myths, and Evidence-based Solutions

Amy Feigel, M.A.

019: Race-based Trauma, Generational Trauma, and Diversity: Clinical and Ethical Responses

Fernando Garzon, Psy.D., Mark Crear, Ph.D., Diane Sharpe, Ed.D., and Elias Moithino, Ph.D.

020: Recovery Alive: New Science and Understanding of Addictions and Recovery 

John Eklund, M.S.W., and Brian Kelley, Ph.D.

021: Supporting Clients with ADHD Throughout the Lifespan

John Kuhnley, M.D., and Stephen Grcevich, M.D.

022: Toxic Faith and Spiritual Abuse: A Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Working with Those Hurt by the Church

Terra Mattson, M.A., and Jeff Mattson, M.A.

023: Gender Identity and Religious Faith in Clinical Practice

Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D.

024: Father Wounds: Helping Those Hurt by Their Earthly Father Connect and Heal With Their Heavenly Father

Michelle Watson Canfield, Ph.D., and Ken Canfield, Ph.D.

025: Worship, Awe, and Dynamic Spiritual Freedom in Christian Mental Health

Joshua Knabb, Psy.D.

Afternoon Pre-conference Workshops: 1:45 – 5:00 PM

026: The Brain, Dragons, and Couples: The Neuroscience of Helping Relationships Navigate the Big Emotional Issues

Daniel Amen, M.D., and Sharon May, Ph.D.

027: Story-informed Trauma Therapy: An Evidence-based Comprehensive Approach to Trauma Recovery

Michele Louviere, M.A., and Byron Kehler, M.S.

028: Abuse, Trauma, and the Emotionally Destructive Relationship

Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.

029: Youth in the Trenches: The Endangered Potential of Adolescents and Young Adults: Multiple Addictions, Trauma, Disconnection, Toxic Shame, and Spiritual Emptiness

Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D.

030: OCD and Religious Scrupulosity/Doubt: Game-changing Transdiagnostic Techniques for Difficult Issues

Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.

031: Ghosting, Situationships, and Other Relational Dynamics that Breed Loneliness and Bitterness in Our Modern World

Gregory Jantz, Ph.D.

032: For Such a Time as This: A Dynamic Christian Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy

Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D.

033: Preparing for Trauma Work: Specific Tools to Improve Emotion Regulation and Attachment Security 

Anita Kuhnley, Ph.D., and Lisa Compton, Ph.D.

034: Promoting Health, Spiritual Strength, and Well-being to Flourish in Stressful Times

Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D., and Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min.

035: Meditative Healing Prayer: Uniting Spiritual Truths and Neuroplasticity

Karl Benzio, M.D., and Ruth Hendrickson

036: Food Freedom: Utilizing CBT, DBT, and IFS for Healthy Relationships with Food

Rhona Epstein, Psy.D.

037: Teen Loneliness, Loss, and Suicide: Healing a Lost Generation

Mark Mayfield, Ph.D., and Chap Clark, Ph.D.

038:  Alone: Anxiety and the Absence of Presence

Curt Thompson, M.D.

039: PTSD, Suicidality, and Reintegration: Serving Today’s Warriors When War Comes Home

Dallas Speight, D.Min., Scott D. Speight, M.Div., M.MFT., and Tim Murphy, Ph.D.

040: Bridging the Divide: Navigating Familial Estrangement

Dee Dee Mayer, D.Min.

041: Internal Family Systems Therapy Anchored in Faith: How to Develop Healthy Boundaries for Your Soul

Kimberly Miller, M.Th., and Alison Cook, Ph.D.

042: Blaming the Brain Too Little or Too Much? Distinguishing Physical and Spiritual Causes

Ed Welch, Ph.D.

043: The Integrated Self: Healthy Emotions and Whole-person Spirituality

Gary J. Oliver, Th.M., Ph.D.

044: Practical Support for Trauma Recovery: 7 Spiritual and Lifestyle Keys that Set the Stage for Healing

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., and Kevin Ellers, D.Min.

045: Navigating the Chaos: Strategies to Use with Family Members Who Have Borderline or Narcissistic Traits

Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D.

046: Get Certified in the SYMBIS Assessment and NEW 5 Love Languages Assessment

Les Parrott, Ph.D.

047: Soul Care Rhythms for Clients to Decrease Burnout and Increase Joy

Debra Fileta, M.A.

048: EMDR, Nature, and Christian Faith *  

*Attendees must have completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training to participate. 

Kathleen Fitzgerald, M.A., and Brittany Edie, M.A. 

049: Advances in Forgiveness Interventions in Mental Health

Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D.

050:  Eyes Wide Open: Seeing and Addressing Spiritual Warfare in Your Life, Context, and Ministry

Lois Dodds, Ph.D., Laura Holmes, M.A., and Michael Perron

Workshops & Intensives

Track Workshops

  • Abuse, Violence, and Trauma-informed Care 

Track Leader: Heather Davediuk Gingrich, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Shannon Wolf, Ph.D., Molly Catherine Goodson, M.A., Esq. 

  • Addictions, Relapse, and Recovery 

Track Leader: David Jenkins, Psy.D. 

Track Coordinators: John Eklund, M.S.W., Brian Kelley, Ph.D., Shannae Anderson, Ph.D. 

  • Grief and Loss, Crisis Response, and Disaster Recovery 

Track Leaders: Jennifer Ellers, M.A., Kevin Ellers, D.Min. 

Track Coordinators: Michele Louviere, M.Div., Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Ed.D., Robert DeVries, Ph.D., Sabrina Black, M.A. 

  • UPDATED! Suicide, Self-harm, and Risky Behavior: Awareness, Prevention, De-escalation, and Postvention 

Track Leader: Mark Mayfield, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Rita Schulte, M.A., Tim Murphy, Ph.D., Diane Sharp, Ed.D. 

  • NEW! Compulsive Behaviors: Trends, Assessments, and Effective Treatment 

Track Leaders: Jim Cress, M.A., Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Rhona Epstein, Psy.D., Troy Haas, D.Min., Debra Laaser, M.A.

  • Sexuality, Sexual Interventions, and Sexual Health 

Track Leaders: Clifford Penner, Ph.D., Joyce Penner, M.N., R.N., Michael Systma, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Corey Gilbert, Ph.D., Debra Taylor, M.A., Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D. 

  • UPDATED! Love, Intimacy, Pre-marital Counseling, and Marriage Enrichment 

Track Leaders: Elias Moitinho, Ph.D., Ted Cunningham, MACE 

Track Coordinators: Robert S. Paul, M.S., Greg Smalley, Ph.D., Erin Smalley, Ed.D., John Trent, Ph.D.

  • Professional Life Coaching and Consultation 

Track Leaders: Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min., Georgia Shaffer, M.A. 

Track Coordinators: Dina Jones, M.A., Jason VanRuler, M.A. 

  • Executive and Leadership Coaching and Organizational Psychology 

Track Leaders: Mark Crear, Ph.D., John Townsend, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Jeff Mattson, M.A., Johnny Parker, D.S.L., Michelle Thompson, M.S.

  • NEW! Marriage and Family, Parenting, Family Systems, and Therapy 

Track Leader: Sharon May, Ph.D.  

Track Coordinators: Jim Burns, Ph.D., Alison Cook, Ph.D., Ron Deal, M.MFT., Kathy Koch, Ph.D. 

  • Couples in Crisis, Relationship Conflict, and Marital Recovery  

Track Leader: Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.  

Track Coordinators: Debra Fileta, M.A., Sheri Keffer, Ph.D., W. Jesse Gill, Psy.D., Mike Vaughn, M.A. 

  • NEW! Youth Mental Healthcare: NextGen Issues and Interventions 

Track Leader: Chap Clark, Ph.D.  

Track Coordinators: Megan Clunan, Ph.D., Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D., Daniel Sweeney, Ph.D., Jacqueline Wirth, Ph.D. 

  • UPDATED! Biblical Counseling, Theological Foundations, Chaplaincy, and Pastoral Care 

Track Leaders: Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D., Ian Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Kari MacKenzie, D.Min., Michael MacKenzie, D.Min., Dallas Speight, D.Min., Ed.D., Ed Welch, Ph.D. 

  • Spiritual Formation, Interventions, and Discipleship 

Track Leaders: Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D., Gary Oliver, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Bill Buker, Ph.D., Margaret Nagib, Psy.D., Jim Sells Ph.D.  

  • UPDATED! Mental Health Coaching, Lay Counseling, and Church-based Care 

Track Leader: Matthew Stanford, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Shaunti Feldhahn MPP, Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D., Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. 

  • Counseling Skills, Techniques, and Empirically Supported Treatments 

Track Leader: John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D. 

Track Coordinator: Donna Gibbs, Ph.D., Anita Knight Kuhnley, Ph.D., Terra Mattson, M.A.

  • UPDATED! Ethics and Practice Management: Advocacy, Public Policy, and Counselor Education and Supervision 

Track Leader: Mercy Connors, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Fernando Garzon, Psy.D., Kenyon Knapp, Ph.D., Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., Esq. 

  • UPDATED! Multicultural Counseling: Cross-cultural and Global Competency 

Track Leader: Wei-Jen Huang, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Lois Dodds, Ph.D., Fred Gingrich, Ph.D., Ingo Tophoven, Ph.D.

  • Clinical Assessment, Research, and Evidence-based Practices 

Track Leader: Harold G. Koenig, M.D. 

Track Coordinators: William Hathaway, Ph.D., Kathleen Fitzgerald, M.A., Everett L. Worthington, Ph.D.

  • Psychiatry, Behavioral Medicine, and Collaborative Care 

Track Leader: Karl Benzio, M.D. 

Track Coordinators: Linda Mintle, Ph.D., Stephen Grcevich, M.D., E. John Kuhnley, M.D., Warren Kinghorn, M.D., Th.D. 

  • Mental Health, the Brain, and Neuroscience 

Track Leader: Timothy R. Jennings, M.D. 

Track Coordinators: Gary Sibcy, Ph.D., Daniel Amen, M.D., Curt Thompson, M.D.   

  • Personality Disorders, Challenging Issues, and Complex Cases 

Track Leader: Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D., Amy Feigel, M.A., Siegel Bartley, Ph.D., Barbara Lowe Ph.D. 

  • UPDATED! Positive Psychology, Performance and Well-being: Human Flourishing and Resilience 

Track Leaders: Zach Clinton, M.A., Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Chris Adams, Ph.D., Ed Garrett, Psy.D., Scott Hawkins, Ph.D. 

  • Christian Psychology: Theory, Practice, and Integration 

Track Leader: Nicolene Joubert, Ph.D. 

Track Coordinators: Eric Johnson, Ph.D., Joshua Knabb, Psy.D., Mark McMinn, Ph.D. 

  • Social Work: Advancements in Theory and Practice 

Track Leader: David King, D.S.W. 

Track Coordinators: Kay Lyn Carlson, M.S.W., James Long, Th.D., Laurel Shaler, Ph.D. 

Intensives: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

  • 090: Comprehensive Biblical-Clinical Theory of Change: Targeted Treatment Strategies Based on Client Issue and Need 

David King, D.S.W., Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min., and Mercy Connors, Ph.D. 

  • 091: Relational and Attachment Trauma: Issues, Interventions, and Techniques 

Gary Sibcy, Ph.D. 

  • 092: Sexual Compulsivity, the Brain, and Patterns of Addiction and Recovery 

Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT, Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT, and Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT 

  • 093: Restoring Hope for Couples: An Integrative Approach to Marital Therapy 

Bob Paul, M.S., and Robert K. Burbee, Ph.D. 

  • 094: Christian-based Emotion-focused Therapy for Couples Program: Incorporating Faith into Evidence-based Practice 

Sharon May, Ph.D., and Linda Stewart, M.A. 

  • 095: Taming the Chaos Within: The Treatment of Borderline, Histrionic Narcissism and Antisocial Personality Disorder 

Shannae Anderson, Ph.D., and David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D. 

  • 096: Christ-centered Trauma Healing: Ethical and Culturally Responsive Theory, Tools, and Applications 

Eric Johnson, Ph.D., and Nicolene Joubert, Ph.D. 

Stay Onsite at the Magnificent Gaylord Opryland Hotel! Registration Opening soon!

Call 877-491-7397 to make your reservation by phone.

Please let them know you are registering for the AACC Bi-Annual Conference Code: AACC 2025

All reservations require one night stay deposit. Reservations cancelled within 72 hours of arrival date are subject to a cancellation fee. 

“We’re excited to be back at the magnificent Opryland Hotel! We can’t wait to see you there!!”

Tim Clinton, Ed.D., LPC, LMFT

President , AACC

Dear Colleague:

At AACC, we’ve been working feverishly on the 2025 “United” World Conference to be held at the magnificent Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 23-27, 2025. Don’t miss this one!

AACC is offering you a chance to register early with our “FALL KICKOFF” special registration rate. By registering today, you enjoy the absolute best savings we have to offer! When you lock in your registration, we are able to budget more effectively and pass the savings on to you!!