“How Bad Things Happen to Good Therapists: Ethics and Risk Management”

Dane VerMerris, Ed.D., Private practice psychologist, member of the Michigan Board of Psychology, and past chair of the Ethics Committee of the Michigan Psychological Association; Grand Rapids, MI

This presentation, from the perspective of the chairperson of a state psychological association ethics committee, will focus on ways in which even well-meaning therapists can be vulnerable to errors and omissions. Areas of practice which are at higher risk for complaints, errors in clinical practice and judgment, and ways to minimize risk will be addressed.

“Outreach to Underserved Populations”

Michael Mangus, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College; Executive Director, The Center for Rural Psychology; Wheaton, IL

Sandy Kruse, Psy.D., Chicago area Christian Training Consortium- Internship in Professional Psychology Outreach Community Ministries; Wheaton, IL

Neftali Serrano, Psy.D., Director of Behavioral Health & Pastoral Care, Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago, IL

This workshop will orient participants to the pressing need for Christian mental health professionals to engage in service to the underserved in America, and to adapt the framework and tools of standard psychological practice for work with these groups (which include rural, inner city, ethnic minority, and other underserved populations). The workshop leaders will draw from their experience as members of the only Christian pre-doctoral training consortium in the country.

“Theological Issues in Trauma Response”

Rod Ogilvie, LCPC, CRADC, Director of Crisis Management Services & Training for Associates in Professional Counseling, Wheaton, IL

The person experiencing trauma faces many challenges as they begin to cope. Scripture states that trials create a testing of one’s faith (James1:2,3). This workshop will look at the unique role of the spiritual representative responding to the person in trauma. We will explore the complex blend of factors which impact the type of intervention to be used. Some role play will also beincluded, to aid in the difficult task of facing the “Why’s” and “How’s” which trauma creates, as a person’s faith is shaken.

“Change Your Brain, Change Your Life”

Opening a new window of understanding into the mind and perhaps even the soul, this workshop challenges our most basic beliefs about free will, good, evil, and why people do what they do. Utilizing the most sophisticated brain imaging technology in medicine, Dr. Daniel Amen will give you an intimate look into a “working brain.” Dr. Amen will teach you what happens when things go wrong and how you can optimize the function of your own brain.

“Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions for Treating Oppositional Children and Families”

Todd Cartmell, Psy.D., Private practice psychologist, Wheaton, IL

In this practical and tool-oriented workshop, participants will learn how to strategically apply effective behavioral interventions when working with oppositional children and their families. Empirically-informed approaches for behavioral parent training and individual CBT will be discussed in detail. Improve your skill at effectively intervening with parents and skill-building with children.

“Mentoring: Models and Methods for Growing Students into Professional Psychologists”

Angie McDonald, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL

Richard Beck, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX

Interested in improving mentoring relationships in your psychology program? Two specific vehicles for mentoring will be described: An undergraduate program with a strong mentoring component and a seminar approach to aiding students with admittance to graduate school. Strategies for engaging students in your program of research also will be discussed.

“Between Babel and Pentecost: Developing a culturally-sensitive Christian psychology for the twenty-first century”

J. Derek McNeil, Ph.D., Wheaton College, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Wheaton, IL

Brenda Salter McNeil, D.Min., President and CEO of Overflow Ministries, Wheaton, IL

This workshop will assist participants in the development of a biblical rationale for considering culture and ethnic identity in Christian psychology. We will also present a model informed by social psychology that will increase credibility in intercultural situations.