FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Religion, Mental Health, and Clinical Practice: Integrating Psychological Treatment with Religious Beliefs and Practices

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bryce Sullivan, Professor of Psychology and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Belmont University

Religion and other forms of spirituality represent a powerful force in the lives of people. Oftentimes, the supportive and therapeutic role that religious and spiritual beliefs and practices can play in the lives of individuals experiencing psychological problems is overlooked by clinicians, family, and friends. The subject of spiritual experiences is typically unwanted or unappreciated in the mental health field. Dr. Sullivan will express his views that religion and spirituality can provide a strong supportive role in treatment and in overall mental health.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
A Spirituality of Recovery: Finding Strength Through Powerlessness

Keynote Speaker: Fr. Joe Nassal, CPPS Leadership Team for the Kansas City Province Congregation of the Most Precious Blood

Recovery requires a willingness to acknowledge we don't have the answers to the suffering and pain we endure. By admitting we are powerless, we open ourselves to the invitation to go deeper into the mystery of what it means to be alive. If we don't feel our pain, we will never be able to feel our joy, love, and beauty. When we try to escape our pain, we can become numb and not feel a thing.

Having dealt with his brother’s suicide due to schizophrenia, Fr. Nassal will talk about this experience from both a personal and a spiritual point of view.

COST: One day $30 Both days $50 (lunch included). Registration requested by August 8, 2008.

ILLINOIS LCPC and LCSW CEUs OFFERED FOR BOTH DAYS.

COSPONSORS: National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows | Allsup, Inc.
Office of Apostolic Services from the Archdiocese of St. Louis | The Karla Smith Foundation
St. Clair County Mental Health Board | Madison County Mental Health Board