Mental Health Learning Institute Intensives

Approved for 6 CEs for Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Approved for 6 CMEs for Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Doctors, Physicians Assistants, and Midwives

Approved for 6 CEUs for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

Level: Intermediate

Presenters:

John Kuhnley, M.D.

Liberty University

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Anita Kuhnley, Ph.D.

Liberty University

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Summary:

Medication may be effective as part of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model for enhancing the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. Numerous factors influence medication choice, management, adherence, and response. Psychiatric medications provide neurobiological adjustments necessary for clients to regulate emotions, adjust thought patterns, and achieve homeostasis to respond better to other clinical interventions and improve baseline functioning. Research has found that medication is most effective when combined with psychotherapy or counseling. Prescription of medication requires full evaluation, identification of specific targets, and understanding of benefits, side effects, and precautions by the prescriber conveyed to the client. Medical personnel, psychologists, and licensed mental health professionals with a basic understanding of the principles of psychiatric medication management are vital resources to clients and prescribers to seek the best outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Discuss the role of the most prevalent psychiatric medications prescribed for children, adolescents, and adults
2. Differentiate fact from fiction and debunk the myths of medication (including the differential onset of action of various medications, what to expect from medications, etc.)
3. Identify the neurobiology, indications, mechanism of action, and management of psychiatric medications
4. Analyze vignettes illustrating the integration of medication management, counseling, and communication with the multi-disciplinary team, including prescribers
5. Summarize and apply interventions (e.g., attachment-based psychotherapy techniques, emotional regulation and emotional intelligence development, and integrative medicine approaches)
6. Describe strategies that psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and medical personnel can add to their toolbox to help clients understand their medications, communicate with prescribers, increase medication compliance, and enhance treatment outcomes

Approved for 6 CEs for Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers 

Approved for 6 CMEs for Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Doctors, Physicians Assistants, and Midwives  

Approved for 6 CEUs for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners  

Level: Intermediate 

Presenters:  

Sharon May, Ph.D.  

Safe Haven Relationship Center  

2888 Loker Ave. E, Ste. 102  

Carlsbad, CA 92010 

Gary Sibcy, Ph.D. 

Liberty University  

1971 University Blvd.  

Lynchburg, VA 24515 

Summary:  

Attachment theory holds tremendous potential in conceptualizing and treating various forms of psychopathology, including childhood problems, relationship conflicts, chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and more. This intensive will explore the inherent power of the therapeutic relationship to change the brain’s chemistry, structure, and function. The role of various neurobiological systems will be identified, including the brainstem and vagal tone, sympathetic-parasympathetic balance, the limbic system (amygdala, hippocampus, and septum), the prefrontal cortex, left vs. right hemisphere activation, mirror neurons, neural integration, and relational neuroplasticity. “Secure Base” Psychotherapy offers an attachment-informed system for assessment and treatment through establishing a curative relationship, navigating treatment resistance, and healing attachment wounds. Psychologists, other licensed mental health professionals, and medical personnel will learn how to accurately assess attachment, along with powerful, evidence-based techniques, for processing strong attachment-related emotions, revising core attachment beliefs, developing emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness skills, breaking chronic patterns of withdrawal, isolation, hostility, and addictions, and generalizing treatment results to situations and relationships outside of therapy. Role-plays and case studies will be used throughout. Specific attention will be given to Christian integration and pertinent multicultural and ethical guidelines for Christian clients. 

Learning Objectives:  

Participants will: 

1. Describe foundational principles of attachment theory through the lens of the secure base system, including exploration, threat, attachment emotions (intimacy, anger, anxiety, depression, and grief), proximity seeking, signaling, and the safe haven experience      
2. Identify the core features of interpersonal neurobiology  
3. Summarize Siegel’s triangle of well-being (mind, brain, and relationships)   
4. Outline brain basics and how various neurobiological systems are activated and changed in the context of restorative relationships      
5. Summarize each attachment style and its development across the lifespan   
6. Assess how attachment styles influence emotion regulation, self-worth maintenance, resilience, risk, parenting, romantic intimacy, spiritual growth, and risk and resilience to various forms of psychopathology      
7. Describe the main tenants of “Secure Base” Psychotherapy, an integrated approach for assessing attachment and linking the assessment results to an integrated, attachment-informed case-formulation system      
8. Critique core therapeutic relationship techniques for skillfully establishing and maintaining a strong, curative, secure-base therapy relationship  
9. Demonstrate crucial skills needed to detect and manage treatment resistance and potential therapy wounds       
10. Outline six core, evidence-based therapy strategies (including more than a dozen specific techniques) within an attachment-informed perspective to common clinical cases, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and disruptive mood dysregulation 

Approved for 6 CEs for Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers 

Approved for 6 CMEs for Medical Doctors, Osteopathic Doctors, Physicians Assistants, and Midwives  

Approved for 6 CEUs for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners  

Level: Intermediate 

Presenters: 

Molly-Catherine K. Goodson, M.A., Esq. 

Amy Feigel, M.A. 

Light Counseling 

20564 Timberlake Rd., Ste. B. 

Lynchburg, VA 24502 

John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D. 

Liberty University  

1971 University Blvd.  

Lynchburg, VA 24515 

Summary: 

This intensive aims to provide psychologists, mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques to effectively work with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The focus is on understanding the complex nature of trauma and addressing the specific challenges that arise when working with individuals who have experienced these forms of violence. Participants will learn about the impact of sexual assault and domestic violence on mental health and how to assess for and address trauma-related symptoms. The intensive will also cover evidence-based treatment approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-focused therapy. Participants will learn how to address practical concerns related to safety for victims and how to find community resources. Additionally, participants will gain practical skills for addressing safety concerns and providing support to survivors through case studies and group interaction. 

Learning Objectives:  

Participants will: 

1. Define sexual assault and domestic violence within the context of a variety of relationships.
2. Identify the signs and symptoms of sexual assault and domestic violence trauma in clients.
3. Analyze the psychological and spiritual impact of sexual assault and domestic violence trauma in clients.
4. Design effective strategies for engaging with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence within various settings.
5. Assess for trauma-related symptoms in survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
6. Use evidence-based treatment approaches to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
7. Design effective safety plans and support systems for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Approved for 6 CEs for Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers 

Level: Beginner 

Presenters: 

Bob Paul, M.S. 

Focus on the Family 

8605 Explorer Dr. 

Colorado Springs, CO 80920 

Robert K. Burbee, Ph.D. 

Focus on the Family 

8605 Explorer Dr. 

Colorado Springs, CO 80920 

Summary: 

This intensive is designed to introduce psychologists and other licensed mental health professionals to the use of Focus Marital Therapy (FMT), the model and method of therapy used for over 24 years by Focus on the Family in their Hope Restored Marriage Intensive programs. The training will include an introduction to FMT’s six core principles and various intervention strategies that can be implemented with a variety of marital issues that cause distress in the Christian dyad. Participants will watch film footage of actual therapy sessions to provide a tangible illustration of key intervention strategies and techniques and how they can be applied in therapeutic situations. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Contrast the picture of a healthy marriage to an image of a typical, normal marriage  
2. Outline the six core principles of Focus Marital Therapy and the various interventions utilized within these principles  
3. Describe a simple visual depiction of a healthy marriage, including a clear illustration of appropriate boundaries and relational responsibilities  
4. Develop a treatment plan that can be used by psychologists and other licensed mental health professionals for Christian clients with the essential components of an ideal emotional and physical relational environment to effectively promote the development of a deep, intimate marital connection and bond  
5. Utilize the Reactive Cycle tool to help couples in marital distress map out their personalized version of this cycle that underlies marital conflict 
6. Apply three key tools with clients—Heart Talk, Steps to a Win-Win, and the Care Cycle—that, when used skillfully in the right moments, will equip couples to manage most relational challenges 

Approved for 6 CEs for Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers 

Level: Beginner 

Presenters: 

Karl Benzio, M.D. 

AACC 

P.O. Box 739 

Forest, VA 24551 

Zach Clinton, M.A. 

AACC 

P.O. Box 739 

Forest, VA 24551 

Summary: 

Change is confusing for clients of psychologists and licensed mental health professionals. Lasting change requires foundational work, which is hard, so most clients either live stuck in the teetering life they have built or make superficial attempts toward change. Lots of energy, stress, and cost with minimal progress is extremely frustrating for both clients and licensed mental health professionals. As a result, significant attention has been given to identifying, understanding, and facilitating a comprehensive model for therapeutic change. In this intensive, participants will learn about integrating biblical principles with recent interpersonal neuroscience and attachment theory advances that significantly influence therapeutic perspectives and lasting change. Participants will learn about the six elements of the decision-making process and how to utilize various evidence-based techniques which can be used with these clients to bring about lasting change. The presenters will describe treatment plans incorporating an understanding of spirit, mind, and body integration and interdependence. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Identify the six elements, with their correct sequence, in every patient’s decision and teach it to patients 
2. Analyze key aspects of various evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities—mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, ACT—with Christian principles into a decision-making SPEARS model that aligns with the patient’s faith system 
3. Describe the positive role emotions have in decision-making so patients can more readily identify, tolerate, and manage their uncomfortable emotions for transformational gain 
4. Create a treatment plan that utilizes psychoeducation with patients and clients about the damaging effect their emotions play in hijacking a patient’s decision-making process and output 
5. Identify how early childhood attachment and interpersonal neurobiology can affect your patient’s decision making 
6. Evaluate how Pavlovian, or classical conditioning, distorts what is stored in the client’s unconscious space 

Approved for 6 CEs for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Chemical Dependency Counselors 

Level: Beginner 

Presenters:  

Mark Mayfield, Ph.D. 

AACC 

P.O. Box 739 

Forest, VA 24551 

Jon Durst, M.A. 

Light Counseling 

20564 Timberlake Rd., Ste. B 

Lynchburg, VA 24502 

Josh Hartle, B.S. 

Light Counseling 

20564 Timberlake Rd., Ste. B 

Lynchburg, VA 24502 

Alex Smith, B.S. 

AACC 

P.O. Box 739 

Forest, VA 24551 

Summary: 

After graduation, many licensed mental health professionals dream about building a robust practice that can deeply impact the community. However, the majority of mental health professionals do not know where to begin since most of the educational experience is geared toward the actual practice of counseling or psychotherapy. Navigating the jump from clinician to entrepreneurial business owner can be daunting. In this intensive, the presenters will walk participants through the strategic process of creating an ideal business plan for mental health practices, discuss the ethical and legal requirements of the field while preserving a Christian worldview, and develop a comprehensive “next steps” process to help mental health professionals successfully move forward ethically and successfully in 2024. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Compare and contrast the current mental health business models and their benefits and struggles  
2. Evaluate a step-by-step, thorough, future strategic ethical business plan for licensed mental health professionals in private practice 
3. Discuss the current ethical and legal landscape 
4. Evaluate the current ethical and legal landscape while preserving their Christian worldview 
5. Develop practical “next steps” to launch a robust practice in 2024 

Approved for 6 CEs for Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Chemical Dependency Counselors 

Level: Advanced 

Presenters:  

Eric Johnson, Ph.D. 

Houston Christian University 

7502 Fondren Rd. 

Houston, TX 77074 

Nicolene Joubert, Ph.D. 

Houston Christian University 

7502 Fondren Rd. 

Houston, TX 77074 

Barbara Lowe, Ph.D. 

Greenleaf Psychological & Support Services  

5850 Fayetteville Rd., Ste. 211 

Durham, NC 27713 

Summary:  

According to the Christian tradition, the Missio Dei is God’s plan to bring about the recovery of suffering and alienated humanity through Jesus Christ. In this intensive, the presenters will show how sound empirical evidence for effective trauma treatment can inform a distinctly Christian approach to trauma therapy with Christian clients that is ethically responsible and aligns itself with the Missio Dei. Contemporary trauma therapy takes the client through three phases (Pressley & Spinazzola, 2015; Gingrich, 2013): establishing safety and stability; memory reconsolidation and emotional healing (Ecker, 2020; Paivio, et al., 2010); and integrating healing into a new way of living. This intensive will provide medical personnel, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders with a detailed overview of the neurobiological, psychological, and spiritual processes involved in these three phases of therapy within a comprehensive developmental/complex trauma healing framework, which includes several key intervention tools that can be used within each phase of treatment that reflect a Christ-centered orientation. The concluding discussion will demonstrate how Christ-centered recovery from trauma reflects the Missio Dei by restoring humans to the imago Dei, evidenced in greater personal wholeness and communion with others, including God (Johnson, 2017). 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will:  

1. Compare and contrast the major contemporary approaches faith-based psychologists and mental health professionals can take to psychology and counseling with Christian clients 
2. Describe the meaning and telos of the Missio Dei as a means of promoting a transcendent sense of purpose for the therapeutic enterprise 
3. Train clients in the practice of Christian kenosis to promote the healing of collective trauma and describe how Christian koinonia/communion can restore shattered attachment bonds in diverse cultures 
4. Apply considerations of role, setting, informed consent, and self-determination to determine the appropriateness of Christian psychology in a therapeutic setting 
5. Explain to clients why consultation is especially important in the practice of Christian psychology in the present day and with whom consultation should occur 
6. Name and describe the three phases of trauma treatment and the recent research on the neurobiological, psychological, and spiritual processes in these phases 
7. Utilize distinctly Christian-assimilated, evidence-based strategies appropriate to each phase of trauma treatment with Christian clients 
8. List the sequence of events that comprise memory reconsolidation as a mechanism for trauma healing 
9. Describe the Christian healing of trauma within the transcendent context of the Missio Dei