News

More at https://bit.ly/4pLJR1g

This Spiritual Care Specialist (SCS) Training, running January 3 to March 7, 2026, provides a rare opportunity for pastors, faith leaders, healthcare workers, and caregivers to grow their skills in addressing complex issues that often arise in caregiving.

This 48-hour program equips participants with behavioral health insights to help address addiction, grief, trauma, domestic violence, and mental illness, integrating these with spiritual care practices. It is an ideal resource for both professional and volunteer caregivers who want to serve ethically and confidently.

Topics include:

Ethics of Pastoral Care & Counseling Listening in the Service of Healing Marriage and Family Systems Spiritual Assessment & Diagnosis Grief, Loss, and Resilience Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care

Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care Harmful Spirituality and Spiritual Struggles Mental Health in Faith Communities Substance Abuse and Addiction Domestic Violence and Abuse Images of Pastoral Care

Trainer Marion Williams brings not only expertise in counseling and theology but also creative methods for learning. Her course incorporates expressive arts —accessible drawing and meditation techniques that allow participants to explore spiritual care in fresh and engaging ways.

This course is delivered online and registration is now open. Tuition is $600. To complete your registration, contact Marion Williams to receive the required code.

More at https://bit.ly/4pLJR1g

Our members are our strongest resource for referrals.  We'd like to ask everyone's help in terms of getting the word out about our news, trainings, and events. WHAT: We are looking for ACPE Member volunteers – especially psychotherapists -- to redistribute Psychotherapy Commission news. Volunteers will receive periodic emails with contents to redistribute to locations that our central organization can't reach: • social media groups (Facebook, Discord, etc.) • email professional lists • professional BBS (bulletin board systems) (NOT very short format social media (Bluesky, X/Twitter, etc.) as we are sending long format materials and already have accounts on short format social media outlets. For that please like, follow, and boost our posts on these socials… Unless you REALLY like boiling down big text to 280 character tweets...) HOW TO HELP: Please email us at pcsocialmedia@acpe.edu with your: • name • profession • email address • EXACTLY which social media groups and/or email lists you could distribute to. Examples: ◦ The New Jersey Psychologists Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/njpsych ◦ NASW Child Advocacy Task Force Email Listserv at nasw-kids@example.com ◦ Clinicians Exchange at clinicians-exchange@clinicians-exchange.org ◦ Do not be vague: "Social Workers on Facebook", "Therapists in Chicago", etc. As much as possible, we want to avoid overlap. We will sign you up to receive news for redistribution.  Depending upon how many people are duplicating the same redistribution source, we may assign you to a small group to take turns as to whom does the post or tell you that your help is not currently needed (but the offer is appreciated!). QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: 1) I’m not a member of ACPE. Can I help? YES, please see our social media sites and like and boost content there. Also consider joining. 2) I’m a member of ACPE but not a psychotherapist. Can I help? CERTAINLY. Ask yourself if you are a member of online groups that are relevant to Psychotherapy Commission news, events, and training. If so, please join us. 3) I’m not always able to do this. Missing occasionally is fine. If you find yourself rarely able to help, please email pcsocialmedia@acpe.edu so we can take you off the redistribution volunteer list. It’s okay. It’s volunteer after all. 4) I’m not sure the groups I am a member of are appropriate. Take a look at the group rules or ask the moderators. Some groups allow marketing and some don’t. You can also email us at pcsocialmedia@acpe.edu to discuss. 5) How frequent is my commitment? We are guesstimating about 3 to 4 times per month. If that’s too much, you can use your judgment as to how often to forward materials. 6) Can I modify what I’m sent? Yes, please use your judgment as to what represents the Psychotherapy Commission well and what fits the norms of your group. Some people will want to put a personal note before the post. Some groups require shorter posts. 7) I want to post to X/Twitter or Bluesky or another social media site with a very short format. What we are emailing out for redistribution are long format posts. Please like, follow, and boost our social media accounts instead unless you feel really inspired to boil down long posts to 280 characters! WANT TO HELP/QUESTIONS?: Please email us at pcsocialmedia@acpe.edu

We have several new social media accounts.  We are hoping that members and friends will follow our accounts and consider liking and boosting posts that you think the greater community should see. Please help us out by boosting and resharing posts on the following platforms:

Existing Social Accounts:

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sip-com-acpe.bsky.social
• X: https://x.com/SIP_COM_ACPE
• Mastodon: https://mastodon.clinicians-exchange.org/@SIP_COM_ACPE
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-reeder-ab5290377/recent-activity/all/
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sip_com_acpe/

THANK YOU!

✦ Your Monthly Psychotherapy Commission Update ✦ August 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:

 SIP Psychotherapist Trainer Spotlight: Roosevelt Brown, DMin, LMFT
Certified SIP Psychotherapist Spotlight: Amelia Pauley, PMHNP-BC
Weaving Our Roots Fall Psychotherapy Conference Link to Information 
Creative Corner: Calling All Creatives, Writers, Artists of all types!! 
Upcoming Trainings: SIP Training's and info on Communities of Practice

Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist Trainer Spotlight Roosevelt Brown, DMin, LMFT

What brought you to SIP? I came to SIP because I believe in this process. I’m one of the folks who transferred over from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). For me SIP is a continuation of the work that was being done at AAPC, but it’s more direct and practical. I also continued with SIP because I believe that it’s needed within the field of Mental Health and Spirituality. Many of the individuals who seek me out for mental health want to have spirituality included within their therapeutic work. SIP provides me with a framework to help those folks. How does SIP enrich your work? SIP enriches my work by challenging me to learn as much as I can in the areas of mental health and spirituality. There’s so much that we need to learn about the body, mind and spirit. In my work with veterans at the Martinsburg VAMC, I have been challenged to integrate the Whole Health System into clinical chaplain care. This requires me to understand the basic principles of Whole Health without overshadowing my training in theology and spirituality. When I was completing my pastoral counseling training and education at Garett Evangelical Theological Seminary, I was challenged to incorporate the SIP principles within my pastoral formation as a pastoral counselor and provide ministry to the whole person. SIP helps me to continue that process. What would you say are your main takeaways for those looking to complete SIP training? SIP training will reinforce the need for caregivers to listen to clients as they discuss the various issues in their lives and provide them with the space to talk about how spirituality intercepts with those issues. In addition, the SIP program will remind caregivers that they don’t need to have all the answers or know all the details about the spiritual and religious views of their clients. As caregivers become comfortable providing space for individuals to talk about their struggles, they can begin to use their spiritual resources to help them cope with life’s issues. What would you share with someone looking at SIP as a possible training? I would invite them to come to the SIP training with an open mind. They do not need to have a theological education or attend Bible College. The SIP program will enable them to listen to and help individuals from a variety of religious/spiritual backgrounds: those with explicit or implicit spiritual views, the spiritual but not religious and those who say that they have no belief in God. Tell us why you became a trainer. I became a trainer because I enjoy the process of engaging with others about the behavioral sciences and spirituality. It allows me to continue the goal of becoming a lifelong learner. In addition, I can learn from others and help them discover the power and value of integrating spirituality within their counseling profession. Share your upcoming or current trainings: Doug Thorpe and I are leading Level 1 training from September 11-13 and a Level 2 training from October 17-18. There are still some open slots, please join us. Certified Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist Spotlight Amelia Pauley PMHNP-BC 1. How did you first learn about the SIP certification program?  I was searching for what I felt was missing in my practice—a therapy process that integrated spirituality. Thankfully, my internet search led me to ACPE's Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Training, and especially to Carol Smith (my trainer). I contacted her and quickly knew that I had been led by Spirit to exactly the right place, at the right time, with the right trainer, and that I would be learning the right program. 2. What is most surprising and/or valuable about the SIP certification process? I came for the training, and I have stayed for the community. Seriously, this training has changed my life and the way I work with my patients. Parts of the program were especially expansive for me—such as the Internal/External and Implicit/Explicit processes of understanding, the Spiritual Assessment, identifying and working with Spiritual Struggles, and the Heart of the Matter issue identification process. While all of these tools alone made the investment worthwhile, I could never have anticipated the depth of community that has so profoundly impacted my life. I found a community of people who share my vision and understanding, yet who are also diverse and willing to lovingly challenge my thoughts and interpretations. I had no idea I would gain so many supportive, caring connections while also learning a deeply transformative process to apply both internally and externally with clients. This has been a true gift—one far greater than I ever expected. 3. How do you see the SIP training unfolding in your profession now? As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a strong emphasis on psychotherapy, this training has helped me reach clients in more meaningful ways. It allows them to work toward true healing, rather than relying solely on solutions that may be helpful but not transformative, such as medication. I believe in coupling medication management with psychotherapy, or offering psychotherapy alongside lifestyle changes to address the mental health challenges my patients face. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Through utilizing SIP in sessions, I have found that many clients require less medical intervention and experience more dramatic improvements in the areas they most desire. I have a deep passion for sharing this modality with more Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and Psychiatrists, so that spiritual health can be an integral part of every conversation surrounding mental health. 4. Lastly, what lights you up outside of your work? I must say, my work often lights me up. Witnessing moments of insight, watching transformations unfold, and sharing in deep, vulnerable experiences with others are truly some of my favorite parts of this calling. Outside the office, I find joy in long walks, spending time with my family, creating art, and continuously learning something new. I am currently coaching jr high girls softball and this has been a beautiful challenge to say the least. 5. Please include more about yourself, your hobbies, or whatever you want to share with us. In 2023, I opened my private practice, Middle Way Psychiatry. The ethos of my practice is to provide a truly holistic model of care for psychiatric patients—one that integrates allopathic medicine with functional medicine, offering the best of both approaches at an affordable rate. I dedicate much of my time to my career, while also striving to balance creative pursuits—currently, stained glass is my favorite art form—with a close, intentional connection to my family, especially my 12-year-old daughter and my husband. My life feels abundant, and I stay highly active. I look forward to connecting further with many of you in Atlanta this September, and I’m deeply grateful we have this space to share in community. Link to Information and Registration 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 1 with Doug Thorpe and Roosevelt Brown (Hybrid: online and in person) available in September.  ACPE SIP Training Level 1 with Wayne Gustafson (online) available Saturdays in October.  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.  ACPE SIP Training Level 2 with Doug Thorpe and Roosevelt Brown (Hybrid: online and in person) available in October.  ACPE SIP Training Level 2 with Wayne Gustafson (online) available in November.  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: 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. Click to Access Upcoming SIP Trainings & CoP Please contact Newsletter Editor Amelia Pauley with any submissions. We would love to feature an author, artist, or creative for our September Newsletter! Email: ameliapauley1@gmail.com with Creative Corner in Subject.

✦ Your Monthly Psychotherapy Commission Update ✦ July 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:  Weaving Our Roots: Fall Psychotherapy Conference, information and REGISTER! SIP Psychotherapist Trainer Spotlight: Chris O'Rear, M. Div., M.M.F.T., LCPT Certified SIP Psychotherapist Spotlight: Margaret Conley, LCSW, MDiv Creative Corner: Calling all Authors, Artists, Poets, Photographers and MORE! Upcoming Trainings: Info on Community of Practice options, and SIP trainings.

Fall Retreat: September    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: Strengthen connections with colleagues committed to integrating psychotherapy and spirituality in authentic and life-giving ways Support and nourish those who support and nourish others in trying times  Explore the common ground and rich distinctions between the pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated psychotherapy traditions Invite reflection on the formative experiences, spiritual values, and inner and outer resources that sustain us in this work  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: Large group experiences Small group conversations Embodied practices Personal reflection Community meals Learning Objectives After attending this conference, participants will be able to: Describe methods for cultivating professional peer support to reduce isolation and enhance clinical effectiveness Describe at least three key similarities and differences between pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated psychotherapy as clinical approaches Identify and apply at least two strategies for helping clients access and use their own spiritual resources Demonstrate knowledge of at least two approaches for addressing spiritual or existential struggles 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 800-445-8667 and 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.

Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist Trainer Spotlight Chris O'Rear, M. Div., M.M.F.T., LCPT What brought you to SIP  I was in the original group of those trained to offer SIP training. I appreciated the effort to collect the experience and wisdom of Pastoral Psychotherapists from the AAPC tradition and help make that accessible for those without a pastoral background.  I believe there is a great desire to ethically and meaningfully integrate a client’s spirituality into psychotherapy by therapists of all types.    How does SIP enrich your work? I have always believed that spiritual assessment and integration are an important part of psychotherapy, whether those things become explicit in the sessions with a client or not. The SIP resources and my training in pastoral psychotherapy provide a way to do this seamlessly and meaningfully in a way that will enhance the depth of connection in the therapeutic relationship.  What would you say are your main takeaways for those looking to complete SIP training? The SIP Training is a great introduction to resources for integration of spirituality into psychotherapy that is meaningful for both the therapist and their clients.  Understanding the concept of implicit spirituality is probably one of the most important concepts to grasp.  Too often people begin SIP training with very explicit and limited understandings of what spirituality looks like.  SIP training helps expand that understanding.  SIP training and certification also provides a way to be connected with a larger community of like-minded professionals for those who wish to continue developing their understanding and skills.  What would you share with someone looking at SIP as a possible training? The SIP training is a broad and inclusive program for learning to assess and integrate spirituality into psychotherapy.  I believe that doing this well requires a shift in understandings of psychotherapy from something symptom based on something more holistically transformative.  This puts a bigger focus on the person of the therapist, therapeutic presence, and the therapeutic relationship.  You can get the basic, Level I and/or Level II, training and really have something meaningful to assist with your practice, when a person continues in consultation and community with ACPE through the certification process (and beyond), you can get something that helps deepen understanding and skills personally and therapeutically.  Tell us why you became a trainer. Before there was a SIP training program, I created a presentation for therapists about spiritual assessment and understanding in psychotherapy.  The SIP training is so much bigger and more inclusive than what I had created.  I want to be a part of sharing the information and experience of the SIP training along with my own experience and training with those who have interest in creating a deeper connection with clients and utilizing spiritual understanding and resources.  Share your upcoming or current trainings I am currently completing a Level II training in person in Nashville.  I do not yet have my next offerings planned but hope to offer Level I and Level II in person, in Nashville, TN in the next 12 months.

Would you like to become a facilitator for the Spiritual Care Specialist Training Program? Our next orientation will be held from 12pm to 5pm EST on Friday, August 22^nd via Zoom. Facilitators must be ACPE members and have 10 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist or be a CPE educator with at least 10 years of chaplaincy experience and demonstrated knowledge of the behavioral health field. 

Contact Aaron Pawelek 603-893-6767 X107

ACPE Psychotherapy Commissioner, Ashlee Pierson, shares her thoughts about the last fall retreat and invites your to consider registering for the next one this September!

https://youtu.be/uUVKlVb9TZY

Jamie DeRuyter Swart shares a few thoughts about last year's retreat and her reasons why you should register for the event coming this September!

https://youtu.be/c-49pHL1k2c

✦ 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
•  
•  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.

Click to Access Upcoming SIP Trainings & CoP

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:

• Strengthen connections with colleagues committed to integrating psychotherapy and spirituality in authentic and life-giving ways

• Support and nourish those who support and nourish others in trying times

• Explore the common ground and rich distinctions between the pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated psychotherapy traditions

• Invite reflection on the formative experiences, spiritual values, and inner and outer resources that sustain us in this work

• 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:

• Large group experiences

• Small group conversations

• Embodied practices

• Personal reflection

• Community meals

Learning Objectives

After attending this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Describe methods for cultivating professional peer support to reduce isolation and enhance clinical effectiveness

1. Describe at least three key similarities and differences between pastoral counseling and spiritually integrated psychotherapy as clinical approaches

2. Identify and apply at least two strategies for helping clients access and use their own spiritual resources

3. Demonstrate knowledge of at least two approaches for addressing spiritual or existential struggles

4. 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.