Track Workshops
1. Abuse, Violence, and Trauma-informed Care
Track Leader: Heather Gingrich, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Bryon Kehler, M.S., Shannon Wolf, Ph.D., Molly Catherine Goodson, M.A., J.D., Kathie Erwin, Ed.D.
Possible Topics: Physical, Sexual, Verbal, Spousal, and Spiritual Abuse; Abuse by Counselors/Ministers; Hiding and Denying Abuse; Neglect; PTSD; Dissociation; Recovered Memories; Secondary/Vicarious Trauma; Disasters and Accidents; Compassion Fatigue; War/Refugee Trauma; Spiritual vs. Secular Trauma Treatment; Critical Incident De-briefing
2. Addictions, Relapse, and Life Recovery
Track Leader: David Jenkins, Psy.D.
Track Coordinators: Rhona Epstein, Psy.D., Marnie Ferree, M.A., Jim Cress, M.A., Debra Laaser, M.A.
Possible Topics: Styles of Addictive Disorders; Disease Model vs. Psychosocial Disorder vs. Moral Responsibility; Relapse Issues; Cutting-edge Detox Treatments; Polydrug Abusers; Ecstasy Abuse; OxyContin and New Drugs of Abuse; Sex Addiction; 12-step Programs and the Church; Role of the Holy Spirit and Accountability in Recovery; Harm-reduction Model
3. Grief and Loss, Crisis Response, Pandemic and Disaster Recovery
Track Leaders: Jennifer Cisney 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.
Possible Topics: Styles of Grieving; Loss of a Child, Spouse or Parents; Sudden Death as Loss; Counseling with Cancer Victims/Terminally Ill; Pathological Grieving; Complicated Bereavement; Suicide; Survivor Guilt and Fostering Resiliency; Crisis and First Responder Training; Acute Stress; Natural Disasters; Domestic and Community Crisis Response
4. NEW! Suicide and Self-harm: Awareness, Prevention, and Postvention
Track Leader: Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Rita Schulte, M.A., Mark Mayfield, Ph.D., Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Creating a Safety Plan; Assessment; Survivor Support; Non-suicidal Self-injury; Models of Suicide Prevention; Suicide Awareness; Lethal Means Restriction Counseling
5. UPDATED! Love and Sex: Men, Women, and Relationships
Track Leader: Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
Track Coordinators: Sheri Keffer, Ph.D., Shaunti Feldhahn, MPP, Debra Fileta, M.A.
Possible Topics: Differing Sexual Expectations; Lifelong Love; Emotional Closeness and Connection; Developing Sexual Communication Skills; Impact of Past Abuse and Sexual History; Gender and Sexual Responses; Sexual Dysfunction; Pregnancy and Infertility
6. Sexuality, Sexual Interventions, and Sexual Health
Track Leaders: Clifford Penner, Ph.D., Joyce Penner, M.N., R.N., Michael Sytsma, Ph.D.
Track Coordinator: Nancy Houston, M.A., Debra Taylor, M.A.
Possible Topics: Sex Therapy; Pornography; Sexual Desire; Sexual Addiction; Impact of Past Abuse; Gender and Sexual Response; Teens and Single Sexuality; Theology of Sex; Same-sex Attraction; HIV/STIs
7. Pre-marital Counseling and Marriage Enrichment
Track Leader: Ted Cunningham, M.A.C.E.
Track Coordinators: Les Parrott, Ph.D., Leslie Parrott, Ed.D., Elias Moitinho, Ph.D., Greg Smalley, M.A., Psy.D., Erin Smalley, M.A.
Possible Topics: Strengthening Marriage; Cultivating Love and Intimacy; Spiritual Oneness; Pre-marital Counseling; Marriage Mentoring; Conflict and Money Issues; Infidelity and Recovery; Divorce and Remarriage; Disaffection; Rebuilding Trust; Rekindling Romance; Marriage as a Safe Haven; Anger and Intimacy; Reconciliation and Forgiveness; Selflessness
8. Couples in Crisis, Relationship Conflict, and Marital Recovery
Track Leader: Sharon May, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: David Carder, M.A., W. Jesse Gill, Psy.D., Jim Sells, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: From Conflict to Collaboration; How to Build Honesty, Trust, and Understanding; Personality Differences; Family of Origin Issues; Characteristics of Lasting Relationships; Dating/Pre-marital Issues; Infatuation vs. Biblical Love; Gender Differences and Communication; Approval-seeking; Friendships; Importance of Christian Community
9. Family Health, Stepfamilies, Millennials, and Generation Z
Track Leader: Ron Deal, M.MFT.
Track Coordinators: Jim Burns, Ph.D., John Trent, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Parenting Styles; Communication and Conflict Resolution; Generation Gap; Gender Roles; Uniqueness of Each Child; Remarriage and Blended Families; Children with Developmental Disorders; Attachment-based Parenting; Biblical Discipline; Sexual Education; Boundaries and Freedom; Parent and Adult Child Relationships; Balancing Marriage and Parenting; Counseling Gen Z; Millennials as Parents
10. UPDATED! Youth and Family Development: Issues and Interventions
Track Leader: Chap Clark, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Daniel Sweeney, Ph.D., Jacqueline Wirth, Ph.D., Anita Kuhnley, Ph.D., E. John Kuhnley, M.D.
Possible Topics: Play Therapy; Obesity; Media and Culture; Birth Order Influence; Peer Pressure; Conduct and Oppositional Disorders; Attachment Disorders; Teen Sexual Behavior (Pregnancy, STDs, Abstinence); Suicidal Ideations; Self-injury; Eating Disorders; Substance Abuse; Impact of Parental Divorce; ADD/ADHD; School Problems; Bullying; Dating; Finding God’s Will; Children and Technology
11. Biblical Counseling, Theological Foundations, and Pastoral Care
Track Leaders: Ian Jones, Ph.D., Ph.D., Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D.
Track Coordinators: Ed Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., Ken Nichols, Psy.D.
Possible Topics: Transformational Psychology; Spiritual Disciplines; Experiencing God; Biblical Mediation; Forgiveness; Theology of Spiritual Transformation; Role of Scripture in Counseling; Confession and Repentance; Biblical Change Processes; Idols of the Heart; Suffering and Faith; Resisting Temptation; Grace and Redemption; Healing Prayer; Chaplaincy; Clinical Pastoral Education
12. UPDATED! Spiritual Formation, Interventions, and Discipleship
Track Leader: Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Todd Hall, Ph.D., Margaret Nagib, Psy.D., Bill Buker, D.Min., Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Spiritual Doubt and Questioning; Hypocrisy and Legalism; Caring for Ministry Leaders; Preventing Burnout; Caring for Couples in Crisis; Spiritual Intimacy; Building Strong Families; Church-based 12-step Study Groups; Discipleship Programs; Spiritual Gifts in Counseling; Bringing People into God’s Presence; Emotional Healing; Spiritual Interventions
14. UPDATED! Mental Health and the Mission of the Church
Track Leader: Gary Oliver, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Chris Adams, Ph.D., Matt Stanford, Ph.D., Amy Simpson, M.B.A., Dave Ferguson, M.A.
Possible Topics: Foundations; First Responder Core Skills; Pitfalls of Caregiving; Pastoral Burnout; Decreasing Stigma; Congregational Counseling; Ministering to Lay Leaders; Pastoral Counseling; Compassion Fatigue in Pastoral and Counseling Ministry
15. Counseling Skills, Techniques, and Empirically Supported Treatments
Track Leader: John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Elizabeth Weinhold, M.A., Laurel Shaler, Ph.D., Jonathan Durst, M.A., Kimberly June Miller, M.Th.
Possible Topics: Rapport and Relationship Building; Empathy; Active Listening; Assessment and Goal-setting; Individual and Group Interventions; Emotion-focused Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Narrative Therapy; Existential Therapy; Solution-focused Therapy; Family Systems and Couple Counseling; Expressive/Art Therapies; Suicide Assessment
16. Clinical Assessment, Research, and Evidence-based Practices
Track Leader: Harold Koenig, M.D.
Track Coordinators: Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D., William Hathaway, Ph.D., Josh Hook, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Empirically Supported Treatments for Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Personality Disorders, and Psychotic Disorders; Bio/Psycho/Social/Spiritual Development; Dual and Differential Assessment; Research in Diagnostics and Treatment Planning; Eating Disorders; Addictions; EMDR; Biofeedback; Visualization; Outcomes-based Research; Models and Assessment of Christian Counseling; Brief vs. Longer-term Therapy
17. Psychiatry, Behavioral Medicine, and Collaborative Care
Track Leader: Karl Benzio, M.D.
Track Coordinators: Linda Mintle, Ph.D., Stephen Grcevich, M.D., Warren Kinghorn, M.D.
Possible Topics: Managing Side Effects of Psychotropics; Psychopharmacology; Chronic Pain; Impact of Faith on Medical Healing; Psychosis; Split Treatment; Medical Psychotherapy; Mind/Body Issues; ADD/ADHD; Anxiety Disorders; Dementia; Sleep Disorders; Depression; Bipolar Disorder
18. Mental Health, the Brain, and Neuroscience
Track Leader: Tim Jennings, M.D.
Track Coordinators: Daniel Amen, M.D., Gary Sibcy, Ph.D., Curt Thompson, M.D.
Possible Topics: Applications of Neuroscience, Psychotherapy, and Brain Plasticity; Cutting-edge Research; Interpersonal Neurobiology
19. Personality Disorders, Challenging Issues, and Complex Cases
Track Leader: Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Siegel Bartley, Ph.D., Amy Feigel, M.A., Richard Hoffman, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Evidence-based Practices; Recent Research; Diagnostic Tools; Borderline Personality Disorder; Narcissism; Bipolar Disorder; Treatment-resistant Depression; Counselor Skills and Techniques; Working with Difficult Clients; Therapeutic Models; Treatment Efficacy
20. UPDATED! Positive Psychology, Health, and Wellness: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Flourishing
Track Leader: Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Zach Clinton, M.A., Caitlin Weber, M.A., Dallas Speight, D.Min., Ed.D., Scott Hawkins, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Sports Psychology; Performance; Weight Management; Mental Toughness; Energy Management; Focus; Goal setting; Imagery, Visualization, and Mental Practice; Motivation and Grit; Green Environments, Diets, and Exercise; Nutritional Counseling
21. UPDATED! Christian Psychology: Theory, Practice, and Integration
Track Leader: Eric Johnson, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Nicolene Joubert, Ph.D., Joshua Knabb, Psy.D., Fernando Garzon, Psy.D., Barbara Lowe, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Models and Theories of Christian Psychology; Christian Spiritual Practices; A Biblical Understanding of Emotions; Christian Meditation and Anxiety; Christian Atonement Models; Shame, Guilt, and Redemption; The Christian Virtues; Self-revelation of God; Application of Theology in Clinical Practice; A Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness
22. Social Work: Current Developments, Trends, and Best Practices
Track Leader: David Hawkins, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: John Eklund, M.S.W., Adelle Martell, M.S.W., David King, D.S.W.
Possible Topics: Case Management; Policy and Advocacy; Welfare; Human Services; Recidivism; Evidence-based Interventions; Social Environment; Community Outreach and Development; Cultural Identity; Racial Trauma and Reconciliation; Foster Care and Adoption; Intervention Programs; Education; Family Violence; Social Isolation; Trauma-informed Care
23. UPDATED! Ethics and Practice Management: Advocacy, Policy, and Counselor Education
Track Leader: Mercy Connors, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Kenyon Knapp, Ph.D., Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., Esq., Jonathan Scruggs, J.D., Esq.
Possible Topics: Clients’ Right to Self-determination; Dual Relationships; Confidentiality; Consent; Managed Care; Credentialing; Consultation-Referral-Termination; Harmful Counselors; Abortion; Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia; Sexual Misconduct; Alternative Therapies; Telehealth
24. UPDATED! Multicultural Counseling and Diversity: Special Populations and Global Competency
Track Leaders: Wei-Jen Huang, Ph.D., CGP, D, Fredrica Brooks-Davis, Psy.D.
Track Coordinators: Fred Gingrich, D.Min., Lois Dodds, Ph.D., Ingo Tophoven, Ph.D.
Possible Topics: Racial Trauma; Cultural Sensitivity and Competency; Ethnicity and Identity Development; Oppression/Discrimination and Racism; Working with Minorities; Counseling African-American, Asian, Latino/a, and Middle Eastern Clients; Counseling those with Disabilities; Counseling Immigrants/Refugees; Social Justice Issues; Post-trauma Care Around the World
25. UPDATED! Professional Life Coaching and Consultation
Track Leaders: Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min., Georgia Shaffer, M.A.
Track Coordinators: Dina Jones, M.A., Beth McCord, A.A., Jeff McCord, M.Div.
Possible Topics: Strategies to Reach Clients; Launching and Growing a Successful Coaching Practice; Coaching Assessments and Tools; Career Planning and Vocational Development; Marriage/Relationship Coaching; Leadership/Executive Coaching; Divorce Coaching; Health/Wellness Coaching; Spiritual Formation Coaching; Financial Coaching
26. Executive and Leadership Coaching and Organizational Psychology
Track Leader: John Townsend, Ph.D., Mark Crear, Ph.D.
Track Coordinators: Johnny Parker, DSL, Terra Mattson, M.A., Jeff Mattson, M.A.
Possible Topics: Organizational Dynamics; Models of Leadership; Developing Leaders; Counterproductive Work Behavior; Training and Motivation; Performance Management and Job Satisfaction; Leadership in the 21st Century; Servant Leadership; Transformational and Authentic Leadership; Biblical Principles in Leadership; Healthy vs. Unhealthy Leadership