✦ Your Monthly Psychotherapy Commission Update ✦
June 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to our ACPE Psychotherapy Community newsletter, where we share information, inspiration, support, and resources to nourish your soul and strengthen our connection. Inside this issue:
- Upcoming Webinar: (free for members) "Global forgiveness" with David Thornton
- SIP Psychotherapist Trainer Spotlight: Pamela Ayo Yetunde, J.D., M.A., ThD.
- Creative Corner: Calling all creatives, writers, photographers, poets, & more!
- Upcoming Trainings: Info on SIP program options & Community of Practice
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- Weaving Our Roots: Fall Psychotherapy Conference, information and REGISTER!
Webinar: "Global Forgiveness"
presented by David Thornton
David Thornton
Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist, M.A. Clinical Psychology, D.Min
Link to Register
Date: Friday, June 27th, 2025
Time: 3PM - 4:30 PM EDT
Cost: Free for members | $35 for non-members
For those with complex PTSD and layers of spiritual abuse, forgiveness is often difficult. David shares the quest that led him to include and embrace Christian, 12-Step, Jewish, mystical, Buddhist, meditative, and shamanic paths. This presentation offers an understanding of developmental stages of forgiveness work as well as clues to recognizing when an alternative could be liberating. Ethical dimensions of this work include inviting the practitioner to reflect on their own path and develop a fluency in other traditions to be able to meet clients where they currently are and explore ways of lightening their loads.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize and assess the dynamics that can block the process of healing and forgiveness, and evaluate how the help of multiple faith traditions can offer irreplaceable assistance in this work.
- Discuss how disappointments, difficulties, and disasters can and often do open a person to being available for a new approach, a new understanding of self, God, and others.
- Develop strategic awareness of the sensitivity required when you or your client are and are not ready for change.
Continuing Education Credit: 1.5 credit hours
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist Trainer Spotlight
Pamela Ayo Yetunde, J.D., M.A., ThD
What brought you to SIP?
I earned a Th.D. in Pastoral Counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. While earning my degree, at the urging of my world-class professors, I became a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). As a member, I attended conferences at Kanuga in North Carolina where I met many inspiring and intelligent pastoral counselors, including Russell Siler Jones. After AAPC merged into ACPE, and after Russell developed the SIP program, he invited me to train as an instructor. The training took place right after George Floyd was tortured and murdered, so to be in training on how to integrate spirituality and psychotherapy was a timely opportunity to put the energy of rage and sorrow into a healthy and helpful container.
How does SIP enrich your work?
I was brought up to think dualistically. Female or male, Black or white, Christian or "heathen". Later, I was taught that science is the opposite of religion. Consequently, I became very judgmental. Decades later, I was given a copy of the Tao te Ching, and it blew my mind wide open! Through Taoist and Buddhist philosophy and practices, especially Zen, I've been able to cultivate a less dualistic consciousness. SIP, in my opinion, is an offering in nonduality and skillfulness in the application of a less dual psychotherapeutic methodology. SIP enriches my work because I want to be more open and more skilled in meeting the needs of people who do not think and act as I do.
Main takeaways for those looking to complete SIP training:
I think we should pay close attention to how white Christian nationalism is taking hold in U.S. law and culture. We should examine the ways we may be contributing to this rise, ways we are being impacted by this rise, and ways we are resisting the impact of this rise on our sense of being, philosophy, beliefs, and work. I feel strongly that anyone paying attention to what's going on right now senses that this is not good for people who are not white, who are not Christian, and who are not nationalists. Where will people who are afraid of being targeted go for emotional and spiritual support? Should they find us, will we be ready? I think we may be able to sense when we are not ready, and the SIP training is great for helping us practice, reflect on, and get supervision on how to cross cultural bridges, broach sensitive subjects, practice humility, and join our clients in our differences.
Upcoming or current trainings:
Years before I earned a Th.D., I earned a law degree. Having studied law, I pay attention to changes in laws that impact our culture and politics. I noticed that several Black women were in the position to uphold the rule of law and defend democratic principles while holding the then-former president accountable for a variety of crimes. Then, even though he was re-elected, he lost the presidential debate to a Black woman. I knew Black women would need a different kind of spiritual care training, so I developed and offered a training called Year of the Black Woman — a spiritual direction course. This course was inspired by womanist thought as well as India.Arie's music — a practice I call theolyricology. My work in SIP inspires the development of this work, and I intend to offer the course again in 2026.
Upcoming Events & Trainings:
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP) training program options:
- ACPE SIP Training Level 1 with Carol Smith, in person (Nashville, TN) available in August
- ACPE SIP Training Level 1 with Dorothea Lotze (via Zoom) available starting in September.
- ACPE SIP Training Level 2 with Carol Smith, in person (Nashville, TN) available in September.
- ACPE SIP Training Level 2 with Dorothea Lotze (via Zoom) available in October.
Consultation and Community of Practice (CoP) is for those who have completed Level 1 and Level 2 SIP Training and are pursuing ACPE SIP Certification or are already Certified:
- Beth Toler is offering Group SIP Group Consultation/CoP - Meetings will be held on the third Thursday of every month.
- Carol McGinnis is offering Group SIP Group Consultation/CoP - Meetings will be held on the third Saturday of every month (12pm - 3pm), resuming in August, 2025.
- Patricia Williams is offering an Individual/Group SIP Consultation. Meetings will be held on the Saturdays April 26th, 2025 - June 26th, 2025. Each participant will receive 6 hours of group and 4 hours of individual consultation.
Weaving Our Roots: Deeping Connection with Self, Colleagues, and Clients
September 26-28, 2025
Decatur, Georgia
14.0 hours of continuing education credit possible
“Where knowing ends, the important questions begin.”
- Jacob Needleman
This gathering of ACPE’s Psychotherapy Community offers space for therapists, pastoral counselors, and spiritually curious clinicians of all backgrounds to explore the sacred terrain where knowing gives way to mystery and the hunger for meaning becomes central in the healing journey.
Our community brings together two dynamic streams of care: the time-honored tradition of pastoral counseling and the emerging field of spiritually integrated psychotherapy. These traditions, while distinct, share deep commitments to presence, depth, and reverence for the spiritual dimension. Over the decades, they have influenced and enriched each other—and continue to do so through the clinicians who live at their intersection.
This weekend conference is focused on helping persons from these two streams (and others) make meaningful connection and learn from each other. Participants will engage practices and conversations that:
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Strengthen connections with colleagues committed to integrating psychotherapy and spirituality in authentic and life-giving ways
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Support and nourish those who support and nourish others in trying times
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Explore the common ground and rich distinctions between the pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated psychotherapy traditions
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Invite reflection on the formative experiences, spiritual values, and inner and outer resources that sustain us in this work
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Deepen our capacity to attend to the spirituality of our clients—with sensitivity, humility, and courage
While focused on the work of psychotherapy, we welcome practitioners from other disciplines (chaplains, clergy, spiritual directors, educators, and others) who are interested. We also welcome persons from diverse spiritual orientations—those rooted in particular faith traditions, those drawing from multiple paths, and those still discovering their spiritual language. Whether you come from a place of conviction, questioning, or quiet curiosity, you are welcome here.
Our shared learning will unfold through:
Learning Objectives
After attending this conference, participants will be able to:
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Describe methods for cultivating professional peer support to reduce isolation and enhance clinical effectiveness
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Describe at least three key similarities and differences between pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated psychotherapy as clinical approaches
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Identify and apply at least two strategies for helping clients access and use their own spiritual resources
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Demonstrate knowledge of at least two approaches for addressing spiritual or existential struggles
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List at least three practices clinicians can use to support their own spiritual resilience and professional sustainability
Location and Schedule
We will be meeting at First Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia (308 Clairmont Avenue). We have a block of hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn in Decatur (see below for more information) . The Hampton Inn is 0.1 miles from the church and 0.2 miles from the Decatur MARTA station. We know that “church space” brings different associations for different people, and we’ll be working with that as part of exploring and weaving our roots (and preparing ourselves to be with a diverse population of clients).
Friday September 26
4:00 – 5:30 pm Session 1
5:45 – 6:45 pm Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 pm Session 2
9:00 – 10:00 pm Social hour
Saturday September 27
Breakfast at hotel
9:00 am - 12 noon Session 3
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 pm Free Time
2:30 – 5:30 pm Session 4
5:45 – 6:45 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Session 5
9:00 – 10:00 pm Social hour
Sunday September 28
Breakfast at hotel
9:00 – 10:00 am Community ritual
10:15 – 11:45 am Session 6
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch
Event Leadership
Our leaders for this experiential, interactive gathering are Tamara L. Hanna, M.S., and Dwight A. Hughes, M.A., M.Div., D.Min.
Tamara is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, North Carolina, with additional certifications in clinical psychology (2003), grief recovery (2011), Spiritually integrated Psychotherapy (2023), and The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (2024). She works with individuals, couples, and small groups in her private practice (Love & Loss Counseling) and also leads rituals and workshops that incorporate music, imagery, and meaningful embodiment. She moves naturally in deep waters of loss, change, and uncertainty, and has learned the vital practices of joy, play, and rest—as nourishment for herself and as subversive resistance to the overculture. Although culturally Christian, Tamara considers herself a life-long student of the wisdom traditions and an apprentice to The Mystery.
Dwight is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy and certified in Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (2022). Through his private practice, Deep Essentials Counseling Service, he supports individuals and couples across Tennessee and Texas, while also guiding diverse groups through transformative experiences. Psychotherapy is his third career, following leadership roles at Georgia Pacific Corporation and ministry, where he served diverse congregations within the United Methodist Church. Dwight infuses his work with warmth, creativity, musicality, compassion, and wisdom. He is known for his joyful greeting: “Beautiful day!
Program Cost
ACPE Members $ 99
Non-members $200
Program cost includes all sessions, materials, continuing education certificates, and meals(Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch).
Limited scholarships may be available; email Kathryn Summers (k1summers@yahoo.com) for more information.
Participants are responsible for costs of lodging and travel.
Registration
Use this link:
ACPE - Event
Lodging
Single and double rooms are available for an ACPE-discount rate ($174/night) at the Hampton Inn, Decatur, Georgia. Reserve your room using this link:
ACPE-September 2025
If the website gives you trouble, call 800-445-8667and ask for the ACPE rate. We have reserved a limited number of rooms, so book now if you’re planning to attend!
Continuing Education Credit
Participants who attend all sessions can earn 14.0 hours of continuing education credit.
ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7004. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
ACPE Provider 2045, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ACPE maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/01/2024-11/01/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 14.0 Social Work Clinical continuing education credits.
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0301.
This program is offered in person. If you need special accommodations or have questions, please contact Latasha Matthews (latasha.matthews@acpe.edu).
Other Questions?
Contact any member of the conference planning team if you have thoughts or questions:
Lacrecia Dangerfield, Tamara Hanna, Dwight Hughes, Russell Siler Jones, Latasha Matthews, Carol McGinnis, Wiley Smith, Kathryn Summers.
