Landmark AACC Webinar Addresses Christian Counseling Ethics

“I thought this webinar was awesome! It was the first one I have attended and I was very impressed! I wish every Christian counseling student and licensed Christian counselor could hear it, for I fear that if we do not stand up against those who are trying to exclude Christian thinking from counseling, soon we will lose the ability to do so.”

That’s what one AACC member said after attending last week’s historic CounselTalk Webinar.

The focus of the night was Counseling Ethics and the Faith Factor: Affirming the Right to Integrate Spirituality and Religious Faith in Psychotherapy and Mental Health Care. AACC brought together seven leading voices in Christian counseling, research and legal policy for this landmark training event, including:

Faith and Mental Healthcare: It is a New Day in the Counseling and Clinical Helping Professions of America Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors

Overview of Research: Clinical Outcomes Research on Christian and Faith-based Therapies Ev Worthington, Jr., Professor of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University

The Red Flags: An Update on Imminent Threats to the Field of Christian Counseling Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, Dean of Liberty University School of Law

Ethical-Legal Response I: Keeping Christ in Christian Counseling: The Julea Ward Graduate School Expulsion Case and Faith-based Practice at the Intersection of Religious Freedom and Client Self-determination George Ohlschlager, Law and Ethics Committee, American Association of Christian Counselors

Ethical-Legal Response II: Religious Diversity and Ethics Advocacy from Every Mental Health Disciplinary Code Eric Scalise, Vice President of Professional Development, American Association of Christian Counselors

Ethical-Legal Response III: Litigation Strategies for the Precedent-creating Protection of Christian Counseling Jeremy Tedesco, Alliance Defense Fund (and chief litigator in the Julea Ward case)

Panel Discussion and Q & A with Webinar Participants Moderated by Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, Dean of Liberty University School of Law

Christian counselors, coaches and caregivers tuned in online from around the world—nearly fifty states, as well as Canada, United Kingdom, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, and South Korea.

AACC President Dr. Tim Clinton said, “There are defining moments in the developmental life of every profession—this is one of them for Christian counseling! I believe this is the most significant, live, video-based Webinar we have ever done.”

Utilizing the global power of the internet and emerging webinar technology, AACC is on the front lines of training and equipping Christian counselors, coaches and caregivers around the world. Viewers had the opportunity to submit their questions in real time and received personal feedback. The event was broadcast live from the AACC National Headquarters in Forest, VA.

If you are interested in learning more about how Christian counselors are affected by these ethical debates, make sure to reserve your spot today at our upcoming AACC National Conference! Choose from one of many specialized workshops in the Law, Ethics and Forensics Track, led by Mat Staver, J.D. of Liberty Counsel/Liberty University. And don’t forget to stop by the Counseltalk Website to learn more about future webinars—a free member benefit all AACC members!

Here’s what other attendees had to say:

I am always impressed by the amount of professionalism and sincerity in every webinar or conference. I have been blessed to have been in webinar and conference. Continue on.
—Phillip

Very thought provoking. I continue to be impacted by the thought that it is just as important in this day and age to stand up for our faith in the midst of this “ethical” assault against it as it is to do the actual work. We must protect the self-determination and autonomy of our faith-based clients who want to meet with counselors and therapists who understand their worldview and basis of faith, who work with their faith, rather than ignore or denounce it.
—Linda

It was excellent! It was a shock to hear the newest challenges in our profession, but very needed information for me. Thanks so much for the evening!
—Helen

It was very informative and up-to-date on issues pertaining to counselors. The presenters offered a well-rounded perspective, The round table discussion was engaging and helpful to see that even well-seasoned therapists wrestle with these issues. Thank you for making this webinar available and for your dedication to assisting counselors as we minister to those in need through the guidance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
—Brenda

The webinar was top quality and I appreciated the passion of each presenter.
—Roxane

I have been waiting for this, it was not disappointing, and very affirming and encouraging. Very important! This is the most important workshop offered to date, and I have been attending without interruption since the start in Denver many years ago. Hopefully, what you have started will continue, as we all understand better the rules of engagement, and engage the culture, for the sake of our clients and in keeping with God’s will.
—Jim

Thank you so much for the excellent webinar last night. I thought that after an 8-hour day of counseling I would be struggling to stay connected for 4 more hours, but I was so pleasantly surprised. The quality, professionalism and expertise of all of the presenters were stellar, but mostly to be able to be in the presence of men after Jesus’ heart was a blessing beyond my expectations. I truly thank all of you Godly men for your hearts, minds and sacrifice of time for our edification.
—Peggy

Informative, insightful, practical, presentation style was no non-sense with a high energy level.
— Venèe

Thank you for the webinar on The Faith Factor. It was relevant and helpful. I have been watching the Julea Ward case, and have read a few of the ACA responses during the process. I have been concerned, and relieved at the final outcome. It is very helpful to know what we as Christian therapists can stand on legally and ethically in addressing Christian clients. I consider our Christian clients as much a subculture in our society as a specific ethnic group, and worthy of understanding and treating with cultural competence. I appreciate the presenters putting it into both clinical and legal language that we can dialogue with in the professional realm.
—Nancy

I greatly appreciated all the speakers. Each opened up new windows or cleaned off a few for me. I am thankful for those of you who are working on the front lines to keep us better informed and opening doors for us.
—Elsa

Was very informative, Thank you so much for what all of you do to keep Christian counseling just that “Christian.”
—Judy

The webinar was awesome I will have to watch more. There was some really good points last night and everybody did well. I really look forward to the next one!
—Darryl

Thank you for last night’s ethics webinar; it was fantastic! Having such an educated team and panel of speakers was a great blessing. I know a lot of coordinated effort goes into these webinars, and I am deeply grateful to God and the AACC for making them so accessible and with CE credit.
—Audrie

I thought it was excellent. Speakers were interesting. I feel privileged that I can participate in this way. Thank You.
—Jan

I was impressed with the content and delivery, It confirmed for me that I am handling this issue correctly already.
—Bill

You not only brought forth important truths, you also brought the hope that there are those who are willing to meet today’s challenges. These are hard times and it is of paramount importance that Christian counselors in training understand ethical and legal issues.
—Sara

The study last evening made me realize even more how important it is that we as believers have to stand up for our beliefs in God. This is frightening for counselors, but it is also frightening for all believers in America. We are not losing our rights, we are giving them up because we are not standing together to fight. Thank you for the new insight you have given me into the boldness I now have to have as a follower of Jesus Christ.
—Joy

I am so proud of AACC for helping mental health professionals integrate in a professional way. Years ago it seemed that being a mental health professional and a Christian was an oxymoron, especially if one had a psychodynamic orientation. AACC has advanced an actual profession of Christian counseling. The webinar yesterday was totally validating. It was outstanding from an ethical standpoint and reflected what I have been telling doctoral, masters and bachelors level students and supervisees. I am no longer all alone. Thank you!
—Jan