Relationships: The Heart of What We Do - American Association of ...

By Laura Captari

Nearly half of clients in therapy say it has something to do with a stressed relationship, according to a recent article in the Journal of Marital & Family Therapy. Half! You may not specialize in relational issues, but the reality is, no matter what population you work with, you?ll likely run into relationship challenges that are causing significant dysfunction and distress.

No matter what the presenting problem, relationship issues must always be considered!

Tension with a spouse. Frustration with misbehaving kids. Conflict with co-workers. Betrayal by a close friend. You might not have to look any further than your own home to realize that relationships aren?t easy. Try as we might, none of us can escape the powerful influence of relationships in our lives?for good or for evil.

Across culture, ethnic and religious background, people long to connect at a soul level. That?s because God created us for relationships?with Him and one another. In our fallen world, conflict, differences and selfishness threaten to destroy the intimacy He longs for us to experience, but it doesn?t have to be that way.

As a Christian counselor or caregiver, your work matters. The therapeutic relationship is a powerful tool through which God can work to bring healing and hope for new relationships. Every time you sit across from a client, every time you listen, empathize and walk with another person, you make a difference. In the midst of emotional drain, endless case notes, and missed appointments, it?s easy to lose sight of this!

At the AACC, we are committed to equipping you in the latest biblically-based and empirically-supported interventions so you can provide the best possible Christian counseling to address relational issues that tear people apart. That?s why we?ve tailored our 2013 World Conference to address a multitude of these relationship challenges. With the conference theme, ?Our Time is Now,? we seek to equip you to stand in the gap for couples and families who need help.

September 11, 2013 is a day you can?t miss! Make plans now to come early to the World Conference for a full-day of intensive Pre-Conference workshops taught by experts in the field.

Because we believe in the critical importance of advanced training, we are offering over 50 three-hour Pre-Conference sessions?our largest number ever! Many of these trainings address relationship struggles in one form or another, including:

? Infidelity and Marital Recovery
? Stepfamily Relationships
? Domestic Violence
? Self-injury and Teenage Relationships
? Enmeshment and Codependency
? Sexual Identity Challenges
? Employee-Business Relationships
? Technology and Relationships
? Grief Over Loss of a Loved One
? Raising Special Needs Children
? Low Sex/No Sex Marriages
? Building Spiritual Intimacy
? ?and much more!

In addition, a number of Pre-Conference sessions will train you in specific therapeutic approaches and interventions, all from a Christian perspective:
? Emotion Focused Therapy
? Attachments and Neurobiology
? The Gottman Method of Couple Therapy
? Emotional Intelligence and Brief Therapy
? Play Therapy for Trauma Recovery
? Pre-Marital Counseling
? Marriage Mentoring
? Support/Recovery Groups
? ?and much more!

This is just a snapshot of the 2013 AACC Pre-Conference Experience! Click here to get all the details on our Pre-Conference offerings, and reserve your spot by calling 1-800-526-8673 or visiting our website. Mark your calendar for an intensive time of learning and growth!

You are the hands and feet of Christ, making AACC?s vision a reality as you help people navigate challenges and move towards satisfying relationships?with God, their spouse, family, friends, and co-workers. As you pour your energy out to others, make sure you have people pouring into your life, too. At the end of the day, relationships matter most. Don?t do it alone!

Laura Captari serves as the Director of Professional and Public Relations at the American Association of Christian Counselors in Forest, VA. To contact her, email laura@aacc.net.

?

Source: http://www.aacc.net/2012/11/23/relationships-the-heart-of-what-we-do/

florida gop debate freddie mac kristin cavallari oscar nominations rough riders joy division norco