Equipped to Heal

Recently, ten members of STCH Ministries Counseling Ministries team gathered with thousands of Christian counselors from around the world for a time of learning, worship and renewal.

Earlier this month, Counseling Ministries staff had the opportunity to attend the American Association of Christian Counseling’s (AACC) “Faith and Flourishing” Mega National Conference. With approximately 2,500 Christian counselors and mental health professionals in attendance, the conference offered opportunities to learn from leaders in the field, explore the latest research and strengthen skills used to serve their clients.

For our team, the experience was about more than professional development. It was an opportunity to grow in their calling to provide clinically excellent, Christ-centered care to people seeking healing.

The conference brought together Christian counselors, mental health professionals, ministry leaders and students for practical training, keynote sessions and opportunities to connect with others who share a commitment to integrating faith and professional counseling. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including attachment, trauma, neuroscience, anxiety, artificial intelligence and the integration of Christian faith with the counseling profession.

Staff attended a variety of sessions on topics that will strengthen their ability to guide those we serve to hope, healing and restoration. Through sessions such as “Abuse, Trauma and the Emotionally Destructive Relationship,” “Wired for Disconnection: How Attachment, Trauma and ADHD Shape the Emotional Brain” and “Evidence-based Treatments to Rewire the Anxious Brain,” counselors explored the latest research and learned practical, trauma-informed and evidence-based strategies to help clients recognize unhealthy patterns, regulate their nervous systems and develop healthier relationships.

These sessions gave our counselors practical tools they can bring back to their work with clients.

“AACC was an amazing experience,” one STCH Ministries counselor shared. “We were able to sit in classes with some of the world leaders of the counseling and psychology field who are also followers of Christ. We got to hear the latest research and learn skills that we can bring back to our clients which continues to fuel our goal of being Clinically Excellent.”

The conference also provided opportunities for counselors to consider the broader intersection of faith, mental health and professional practice. Kimberly Collins, MA, LPC-S, Director of Counseling Ministries in Houston, attended a session led by Dr. Monty Burks, Director of the Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Faith Center, about the role of faith-based mental health care.

“It was amazing to hear directly from leaders in our field regarding the latest research and interventions,” Kimberly said. “I’m grateful that STCH Ministries supported us in attending.”

Professional growth was only one part of the experience. Between sessions, STCH Ministries staff had opportunities to connect with each other and with counselors from across the country and around the world. Large plenary gatherings included worship led by Elevation and speakers such as Pastor Jack Graham, psychiatrist Curtis Thompson and psychologist John Townsend.

Darin Griffiths, LMFT, LPC-S, Vice President of Counseling Ministries, summed up the experience, saying, “The conference was great. All in all, this has been a great learning experience and a great time in fellowship with our counseling staff.”

For counselors whose daily work often involves sitting with people in difficult and painful seasons, these moments of connection provided an opportunity to be renewed themselves. Worshipping with thousands of other counselors from all over the world encouraged and refreshed our staff. 

The knowledge gained at the conference will continue long after the sessions have ended. The new skills, insights and resources counselors brought home will become part of the care they provide to clients seeking healing, restoration and transformation. One counselor

 shared their excitement, saying, “we can’t wait to bring back what we learned to help clients find healing!” 

Through continued investment in its counselors, STCH Ministries builds up Christian professionals who walk alongside individuals and families in some of life’s most difficult moments. Every skill and insight gained will become another resource offered to help a client take a step toward healing.

Thank you for helping us equip our Counseling Ministries. Together, we ensure that our counselors can continue to grow in their calling to serve with clinical excellence and Christ-centered compassion.