Join us for three days packed full of training, stimulating dialogue, inspiring spiritual direction, and professional networking. We have expert mental health professionals from all over North America presenting plenary sessions, invited lectures and workshops.
2020 Plenary Addresses
  | Terry Hargrave, PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary Sharon Hargrave, MA, Pepperdine University The Crucible of Psychology and Spirituality: Attachment, Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness Thursday Evening – March 12 Summary: In clinical work in helping professions, three influences have converged to dominate therapy: Attachment Theory, Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness. These elements are not only in therapy, but are woven into spirituality and formation in communities. We examine how to integrate these concepts and how practitioners can expand services into communities and congregations. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Participants will be able to describe the essential therapeutic elements of attachment theory, self-emotional regulation practices and techniques of mindfulness. Learning Objective 2: Participants will be able to articulate at least two ways therapeutic practice can be expanded and integrated into spiritual communities. Learning Objective 3: Participants will be able to name three reactive coping mechanisms resulting from distressed identity or sense of safety and how these mechanisms can develop into psychological and relational issues. [/expand] |
    | Michael Vogel, PsyD, MidAmerica Nazarene University Christin Fort, PhD, Wheaton College Megan Neff, MDiv, MA, George Fox University David Mosher, MS, University of North Texas CAPS-X: Realigning our integrative approaches to meet the psychological needs of a diverse world Friday Luncheon – March 13Summary: Emerging cultural trends are impacting theoretical conceptualizations and psychological approaches. Multicultural theories and context as a means of knowing have transformed our understanding of ourselves, clients and trainees. This symposium will explore how these developments are influencing the integration movement. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Attendees will be able to discuss implications for the practice of psychotherapy, with particular emphasis on contextual case conceptualization and the importance of considering the intersection of social and cultural identity markers with religion. Learning Objective 2: Describe the utility of applying contemporary multicultural theories from pragmatism and deconstruction with psychology and spirituality. Learning Objective 3: Attendees will be able to identify how mental health professionals can induce awe-inspired attitudes in cross-cultural dialogues helping clinicians grow in cultural humility and intercultural development. [/expand] |
 | Michael Lyles, MD, Lyles and Crawford Clinical Consulting If You Don’t Snooze, You Lose: Sleep and Mental Health Saturday Morning – March 14Summary: The inability to initiate or maintain sleep is a common clinical complaint. It can represent a wide range of problems that can be minor (too much caffeine) or serious(sleep apnea). This presentation will help clinicians in the recognition, evaluation and provision of counsel about difficulties with sleep. [expand title=’more’]Learning Objective 1: The participant will be able to explain the basics of normal sleep architecture and rhythms. Learning Objective 2: The participant will list the medical and psychological problems that can be triggered by or associated with disruptions of sleep. Learning Objective 3: The participant can summarize the appropriate clinical settings for using medications or non-medical remedies for sleep disruptions.[/expand] |
2020 Invited Distinguished Scholars & Master Therapists
 | Clinical Practice Track Infidelity as an Intimacy Builder: Guiding Couples to Deep Intimacy Through the Recovery of Infidelity MICHAEL SYTSMA, PHD, BUILDING INTIMATES MARRIAGES INC SUMMARY: Infidelity can be a devastating trauma to individuals and systems. Some marriage end while others recover to maintain unhealthy patterns that block deep intimacy. Skilled clinicians can use the trauma of infidelity to help couples find new levels of intimacy by guiding couples through the pain to develop new patterns. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Dispute infidelity myths with current research on prevalence and current attitudes toward infidelity. Learning Objective 2: Assess a proposed trauma informed systemic model that utilizes principles from IFS, Narrative, and BMT for guiding couples through healing from infidelity toward deeper intimacy. Learning Objective 3: Guide couples in developing skills/attitudes like staying centered, allowing humanity, servitude, transparency, trust, and grace around the structure of the trauma. [/expand] |
 | Academic/Research Track Tengamos Fe y No Hay Que Perder Las Esperanzas: Religion and Spirituality in the Georgia Latinx Community EDWARD DELGADO-ROMERO, PHD , UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SUMMARY: The author of this presentation will discuss the growth of the Latinx population in Georgia in the context of an oppressive anti-immigrant state and national context. He will focus on their experiences provided free therapy in a bilingual clinic, La Clinica In LaK’ech, that serves bilingual and undocumented and mixed-status Latinx individuals and families. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Recognize the variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds for Latinx communities in the state of Georgia, and the stressors with immigration in the current political climate. Learning Objective 2: Summarize relevant research pertaining to the intersections of Latinx communities and religion and spirituality. Learning Objective 3: Assess current and/or future role(s) as an advocate when working with populations that are highly vulnerable for exploitation. [/expand] |
 | Psychoanalysis Track Holding the Dialectic in an Age of Dichotomy: Tensions, Trends, and Treatment in Contemporary Psychoanalysis MARIE HOFFMAN, PHD, BROOKHAVEN CENTER SUMMARY: This presentation will explore dichotomous positions that have emerged over time in psychoanalysis. Tensions such as guilty man / tragic man, intrapsychic / interpersonal and unity / diversity, will be examined in light of philosophy, theology, appearance in psychoanalysis and consequences in treatment. Clinical examples will be offered in support of a dialectical approach. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Attendees will be able to identify the philosophical precursors to current trends in psychoanalysis. Learning Objective 2: Attendees will be able to recognize the difference between dichotomous perspectives and perspectives held in a dialectical relationship Learning Objective 3: Attendees will be able to identify dichotomous perspectives in their clinical work and apply suggested methods to restore dialectical thinking. [/expand] |
 | Counseling & Counselor Education Back to Basics: Maintaining Fundamentals Amid Complexity DAVID LANE, PHD, MERCER UNIVERSITY SUMMARY: In the increasingly complex and ever-expanding field of psychotherapy, certain fundamentals of practice continue to undergird all approaches and techniques. Exercising and maintaining these fundamentals is crucial to therapeutic efficacy. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Participants will explore factors common to all therapeutic approaches Learning Objective 2: Participants will discuss and analyze their use of the fundamentals in their practice Learning Objective 3: Participants will evaluate ways to employ a greater focus on fundamentals in their practice [/expand] |
 | Cross-Cultural & International Track CAPS: Our Mandate for Influencing Character and Civility in an Increasingly Uncivil SONJA SUTHERLAND, PH,D, RICHMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY SUMMARY: In seeking to bring healing to a hurting world, we are faced with increases in overt, public incivility when referencing individuals holding different racial, cultural, religious, and other life perspectives and realities. Join us as we consider the impact on clinical practice, the theme of Realignment, and the call to an even greater role as clinicians in influencing societal change toward moral character and civility. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Explore the interconnections between character, civility, and ethical faith-psychology/counseling integration. Learning Objective 2: Establish the interconnections between experiences of civility, mental and emotional wellness, personal and cultural worldview development, the Good Samaritan mandate, and the impact on clinical intervention. Learning Objective 3: Articulate ways in which we can each be influential in both being and developing leaders who are equipped to influence an increase in civility in both personal and clinical engagements. [/expand] |
 | Marriage, Family, Sexuality & Child Track Conundrums in Couple and Family Therapy SHATAVIA THOMAS, DMFT, DR. SHAY SPEAKS SUMMARY: This forum will highlight the importance of maintaining a systems perspective while supporting couples and families through confusing and challenging situations. The presenter will discuss family life cycle stages and cultural considerations, as well as useful relational principles and practices. The second hour of the forum will be a panel discussion of Dr. Thomas’ presentation. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Explore various forms of family concerns and contemporary issues related to clinical practice. Learning Objective 2: Identify systems principles and practices useful for working with contemporary couples and families. Learning Objective 3: Analyze how cultural context and self-of-the-therapist considerations impact the therapeutic relationship. [/expand] |
Schedule
Thursday, March 12
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pre-Conference Workshops*
(separate fee and registration)
*WA4: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
2:00 – 5:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
5:45 –10:30 pm
Conference Kickoff Event
5:45 – 7:00 pm
Dinner
(cost covered in registration fee)
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Praise & Worship/Opening Plenary
8:30 –10:00 pm
Welcome Desserts Reception and Special Interest Groups Meetings
Friday, March 13
8:00 – 9:00 am
Breakout Sessions
9:00 – 10:15 am
Poster Sessions
10:15 – 11:15 am
Breakout Sessions
11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Plenary Luncheon
(cost covered in registration fee)
Student Paper Awards
2:00 – 4:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
4:30 – 5:45 pm
Poster Sessions
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Receptions, alumni dinners, free time/night on the town
Saturday, March 14
8:00 – 10:15 am
Breakout Sessions
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Plenary Session
Student Poster Awards
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Post-Conference Workshops
(separate fee and registration)
Continuing Education
Psychologists and counselors at the CAPS 2020 International Conference may receive up to 20 hours of continuing education if they attend the entire conference, plenaries, breakout sessions and pre- and post-conference workshops.
This course is co-sponsored by Amedco and Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). Amedco is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Amedco maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 20 hours.
Social Workers: Amedco, #1346, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Amedco maintains responsibility for the program. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.
Social workers participating in this course may receive up to 20 clinical continuing education clock hours.
2020 Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference and Post-Conference Workshops require registration and additional costs; they are not included in the general conference registration fee.
 | Teaching Integration in a Postmodern ContextMARK MCMINN, PHD, SUMMARY: When the Christian Association for Psychological Studies was founded in 1956, education was accomplished through modern epistemologies where the expert teacher passed knowledge to the student. Helpful strategies and models for integrating psychology and Christianity were developed but may be losing effectiveness in today’s postmodern educational context where knowledge is perceived in more relational and dialogical ways. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: As a result of this presentation, participants will consider how the historical roots and purposes of educational systems interact with current challenges it faces in adapting to a postmodern cultural context. Learning Objective 2: As a result of this presentation, participants will connect findings from cognitive science with pedagogical practices that facilitate long-term retention and learning. Learning Objective 3: As a result of this presentation, participants will learn to apply postmodern educational strategies in teaching effective clinical intervention skills, and conversely consider how clinical vignettes and training exercises can be used to promote integrative learning. [/expand] |
 | Psychopharmacology Update: New Developments and Special PopulationsJAMES CHILDERSTON, PHD SUMMARY: This workshop covers practical and applied issues regarding psychiatric medication treatment. The focus is on the non-medical therapist as collaborator with psychiatrists or primary care doctors in medical treatment (diagnosis, referral, and follow-up). An overview will be provided of the most recently released and most popular psychotropic medications. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Define the role of mental health professionals who treat clients receiving both psychotherapeutic medications and psychotherapy. Learning Objective 2: Describe the major classes of drugs used to treat mental disorders and which mental disorders are appropriately treated with each class of drugs. Learning Objective 3: Be able to describe new approaches to the medication treatments of certain disorders, specific relapse prevention strategies and ways to improve medication adherence. [/expand] |
 | Sexual Desire in the Modern Age: Clinical Practice with Problematic Sexual Desire Informed by Theory and ResearchMICHAEL SYTSMA, PHD SUMMARY: Conflict over discrepancy in sexual desire is the most common sexual issue brought to the clinician’s office. Recent research and theory provide valuable direction in understanding the possible etiology as well as addressing both the symptoms and distress of this issue. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: This workshop is designed to help you: Assess the benefit of various clinical approaches along with their theoretical and empirical support. Learning Objective 2: This workshop is designed to help you: Explain the research behind medical interventions for sexual desire, their possible benefits/risks for individuals and relationships, and when to consider referring for medical evaluation. Learning Objective 3: This workshop is designed to help you: Provide clients with accurate information on sexual desire based on the most recent and relevant research. [/expand] |
  | The Integrative Moment: Emergence of Faith in Clinical RelationshipsEARL BLAND, PSYD, SUMMARY: If each clinical moment is filled with numerous possible responses and directions, what might happen if we cultivate a deep attunement to how faith & spirituality emerge in the clinical relationship. This seminar examines the process of clinical integration through the interaction of hermeneutics, faith/theoretical traditions, ethics, self-development and resiliency. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Participants will identify and examine historical models for relating and integrating faith and psychology. Learning Objective 2: Participants will assess their clinical work and discuss how themes of faith emerge at different points in the clinical relationship. Learning Objective 3: Participants will analyze and discuss factors of in their clinical work that are relevant to understanding the importance of hermeneutics to clinical work. Learning Objective 4. Participants will utilize information about their own faith and theoretical tradition to explore the confluence of these traditions, as well as ethics, self-development, and resilience in clinical work. [/expand] |
2020 Post-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference and Post-Conference Workshops require registration and additional costs; they are not included in the general conference registration fee.
 | The Ethical Competence of Providing an Accurate Diagnosis of Depression: Clinical ImplicationsROBERT GORDON, PHD, SUMMARY: This post conference session will provide clinicians with a robust approach to ethical decision making with respect to the treatment of depression. Choosing the best approach is tailored to the patient and based on a thorough assessment and evaluation as well as an accurate diagnosis. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Outline the 15 types of depression. Learning Objective 2: Appraise the Depressive Personality Syndrome from the PDM 2. Learning Objective 3: Identify the effects of personality organization on depressive syndromes. [/expand] |
| Restoring the Relationships: How Psychologists, Therapists and Counselors |
  | Navigating the Choppy Waters of Supervision: Addressing Issues of Professional Competence among Clinicians in TrainingCARISSA DWIWARDANI, PHD SUMMARY: Up to 89% of doctoral programs in clinical training endorse having students with Problems of Professional Competence (PPC). This workshop will equip attendees in addressing PPCs through discussion, interactive demonstrations of difficult conversations in supervision, practical tools such as handouts and remediation plan examples, and opportunities for attendee self-reflection. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Identify three current challenges in providing feedback and remediation in the training of clinicians. Learning Objective 2: Describe three rationales for character and fitness evaluation in the training of clinicians. Learning Objective 3: Identify three resources in creating a remediation plan for clinicians in training. [/expand] |
  | Christian Psychotherapy in Context: Theoretical and Empirical Explorations in Faith-Based Mental HealthJOSHUA KNABB, PSYD, ABPP SUMMARY: In this three-hour post-conference training on the “Christian Psychology” track, Drs. Knabb and Johnson will offer goals and techniques to help mental health professionals work more effectively with clients in psychotherapy who identify with a Christian worldview, drawing from their recently published book with Routledge, Christian Psychotherapy in Context: Theoretical and Empirical Explorations in Faith-Based Mental Health. [expand title=’more’] Learning Objective 1: Participants will be able to describe the role that worldview plays in psychotherapy for clients with emotional disorders. Learning Objective 2: Participants will be able to describe the relationship between theory and research within the clinical and psychology of religion literatures, emotional disorders, and worldview. Learning Objective 3: Participants will be able to describe a variety of goals and techniques that can be utilized in psychotherapy for clients with emotional disorders who identify with a Christian worldview. [/expand] |
2020 Conference Fees
Full conference fees include all plenary and breakout sessions, conference materials, Thursday Evening Kickoff Dinner and Welcome Reception, Friday Plenary Luncheon, and refreshment breaks.
| Early Bird | After 1/31/20 | |
| CAPS Member | $345 | $400 |
| Non-CAPS Member | $425 | $485 |
| New Member Package* | $430 | $490 |
| Student CAPS Member | $225 | $280 |
| Student CAPS Member – No Meal Registration | $125 | $180 |
| New Student Member Package* | $260 | $315 |
| New Student Member Package* – No Meal Registration | $160 | $215 |
Thursday/Friday One Day Only Rates
Thursday-only includes one ticket for the Thursday Evening Kickoff Dinner and Welcome Reception. Friday-only includes one ticket for the Friday Plenary Luncheon.
| Early Bird | After 1/31/20 | |
| Per diem CAPS Member | $255 | $285 |
| Per diem Non-CAPS Member | $300 | $330 |
Saturday One Day Only Rates
| Early Bird | After 1/31/20 | |
| Per diem CAPS Member | $125 | $125 |
| Per diem Non-CAPS Member | $150 | $150 |
2020 Thursday Preconference
| Attendee | Student | |
| Workshop A1: Teaching Integration in a Postmodern Context | $90 | $55 |
| Workshop A2: Psychopharmacology Update: New Developments and Special Populations | $90 | $55 |
| Workshop A3: Sexual Desire in the Modern Age: Clinical Practice with Problematic Sexual Desire Informed by Theory and Research | $90 | $55 |
| Workshop A4: The Integrative Moment: Emergence of Faith in Clinical Relationships | $140 | $75 |
2020 Saturday Postconference
| Attendee | Student | |
| Workshop B5: The Ethical Competence of Providing an Accurate Diagnosis of Depression: Clinical Implications | $90 | $55 |
| Workshop B6: Restoring the Relationships: How Psychologists, Therapists and Counselors are Key in Mending Mental Health | $90 | $55 |
| Workshop B7: Navigating the Choppy Waters of Supervision: Addressing Issues of Professional Competence among Clinicians in Training | $90 | $55 |
| Workshop B8: Christian Psychotherapy in Context: Theoretical and Empirical Explorations in Faith-Based Mental | $90 | $55 |
Continuing Education Fee:
All seeking continuing education credit, or certificate of attendance must also pay the Continuing Education fee of $65.
Cancellation Policy:
You will receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee if your written cancellation notice to CAPS, PO Box 365, Batavia, IL, 60510 is postmarked, or emailed to info@caps.net by January 31, 2020.
Sheraton Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, GA
Indulge yourself with a lavish hotel stay in downtown Atlanta at Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. The enviable location is surrounded by sensational dining, extraordinary attractions, vibrant nightlife.
RESERVATIONS
Book your room online at the CAPS rate – https://book.passkey.com/go/ATLXSXB5
Call the toll-free number 1 800-833-8624, and ask for the CAPS rate of $144. Rooms at this rate are only guaranteed until Friday, January 31, 2020, or until our contracted block of rooms are sold out (whichever comes first).
Directions from Atlanta Airport to Conference hotel by rail (called MARTA):
MARTA’s rail station is located inside the Airport’s Domestic Terminal and can be easily accessed by arriving guests. From the airport train station guests will take the GOLD Northbound to Doraville Station and exit at the Peachtree Center Station. It is a 3/10 mile (6 minute walk) from the station to the hotel.
MARTA Rail Map
