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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260908T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260908T203000
DTSTAMP:20260908T123554Z
CREATED:20260729T000412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T123554Z
UID:10000024-1788894000-1788899400@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Attachment to God and Communion With God: Related\, Different\, or Opposed?
DESCRIPTION:Explore the relational world of counselees\, focusing on the quality of our relationship with them and their relationship with God.\n\n\nAbout the Workshop\n“Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship.” We’ve all heard that\, and though misleading (Christianity is a religion)\, it’s a well-intended reminder that is nonetheless difficult to put into practice in the modern world. Christian counselors\, however\, are required to work within the relational world of our counselees\, and that includes a continual focus on the quality of our relationship with them and understanding and working with their relationship with God\, if they are open to it. One of modern psychology’s most significant discoveries\, especially for the Christian community\, was the attachment bond that children form with their moms and other caregivers in the first two years of life\, because it influences human relationships for the rest of one’s life\, including our relationship (or communion) with God. This is particularly problematic growing up fallen\, in a fallen world. Yet\, all this interrelationship is part of God’s design plan\, for his glory and our ultimate benefit. We will finish with a consideration of the role that Christian counseling can play in this relational agenda. \n \nAbout our Speaker\nEric L. Johnson\nFounder & Director of Training \nEric L. Johnson\, Ph.D.\, Eric L. Johnson\, Ph.D. (Michigan State University)\, is the Director of Training at Christian Psychology Institute (www.christianpsychologyinstitute.org). He has taught psychology and counseling for over 35 years at Christian universities and seminaries and practiced Christian counseling in local churches for over 25 years. He edited Psychology & Christianity: Five Views\, co-edited Evidence-Based Practices for Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy\, and Marriage: Its Foundation\, Theology\, and Mission in a Changing World. In addition to writing over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles or chapters and collaborated with Joshua Knabb on Christian Psychotherapy in Context\, he wrote Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal and God and Soul Care: The Therapeutic Resources of the Christian Faith\, which lay out a framework for distinctly Christian therapy\, and is currently working on a Christ-centered model of therapy that incorporates a variety of evidence-based strategies. He’s married to Rebekah\, and has an adult child and three grandchildren\, and he loves to hike and ride his bike. Visit ericljohnson.org to explore his writings and latest insights in Christian Psychology.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/attachment-to-god/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260714T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260714T203000
DTSTAMP:20260714T125139Z
CREATED:20260428T172830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T125139Z
UID:10000023-1784055600-1784061000@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Marriage & Family Counseling with Stepfamilies
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will provide tools for counseling couples in stepfamilies.\n\n\nAbout the Workshop:\nMarriage counselors often experience blind spots when it comes to counseling couples in stepfamilies. When counselors approach step couples in the same way they approach 1st-time couples\, counseling can be unhelpful and even destructive. It’s crucial\, therefore\, to understand the fundamental differences and forces at play when counseling stepfamilies. This seminar will highlight 5-key differences and ways to counsel couples within these differences. \nAbout our Speaker: Aaron Sironi\nAaron is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF\, where he has served since 2008. He holds a master of science in marital and family therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and has earned counseling certificates from CCEF. Aaron is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and has counseled in community mental health\, psychiatric hospital\, and outpatient settings. He has a passion for building strong relationships with local churches and coming alongside pastoral ministers through consultation\, training\, and counseling services. In addition to his work at CCEF\, Aaron serves on the board of CCEF Montana\, an affiliate counseling office in Billings\, MT.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/marriage-family-counseling-with-stepfamilies/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260512T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260512T203000
DTSTAMP:20260512T232741Z
CREATED:20260128T161233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T232741Z
UID:10000022-1778612400-1778617800@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Addressing Suicidal Ideation with Gospel Care
DESCRIPTION:This workshop\, led by Andrew Dealy\, will provide tools for addressing suicidal ideation with Gospel care.\n\n\nWorkshop Description\nAddressing Suicidal Ideation with Gospel Care is designed to effectively equip you to care for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. This webinar provides pastors and counselors with a grounded\, biblical framework for understanding and responding to suicidality: \n\nNormalize the Struggle: Understand suicidal ideation as a normal\, and even potentially useful\, human experience in a broken world post-Fall.\nIdentify the Core: Explore how the core of suicidality is rooted in pride\, manifesting in two common internal narratives as seen in various characters in the Bible (Jonah\, Elijah\, and Judas).\nComprehensive Assessment: Learn critical assessment questions—covering frequency\, plan\, means\, past attempts\, and protective factors—to accurately gauge risk and know when to escalate care.\nApply Gospel Care: Walk through practical\, scripturally grounded care by normalizing the struggle\, identifying the core cause\, and grounding the counselee in important biblical truths.\n\nJoin us and grow in your ability to biblically and compassionately care for those who wrestle with suicidal ideation. \n \nSpeaker Bio: Andrew Dealy\, LPC-S\nAndrew is the Executive Director of the Austin Stone Counseling Center and Director of Soul Care for the Austin Stone Community Church. He is also the Founder of Ever Rise Care & Consulting. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology\, Master’s degree in Counseling and Development\, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. Andrew has taught Equipped to Counsel for over 10 years and annually co-teaches a 2 day Seminar called Wonderfully Made which equips parents and ministers with a biblical approach and practice to the topic of gender and sexuality. Andrew is a contributing writer to the Association of Biblical Counselors\, the Biblical Counseling Coalition\, and is passionate about resourcing churches and ministries in biblical counseling. Andrew has three wonderful children and in his free time he runs a lot and tries to keep his garden alive in Austin\, Texas.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/addressing-suicidal-ideation-with-gospel-care/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T203000
DTSTAMP:20260210T043902Z
CREATED:20260106T224853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T043902Z
UID:10000021-1770750000-1770755400@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Navigating PTSD with Wisdom and Grace
DESCRIPTION:This workshop\, taught by Dr. Eamon Wilson\, will provide a biblical framework and tools for managing Secondary Trauma.\n\n\nWorkshop Description\n \nNavigating PTSD with Wisdom and Grace: A Biblical Framework and Tools for Managing Secondary TraumaThis workshop centers on effectively managing transference and secondary trauma when working with traumatized counselees. We’ll address secondary trauma risks for counselors and present a concise biblical framework for PTSD\, emphasizing how God’s beauty\, truth and goodness redeems suffering. \nSpeaker Bio \nEamon Wilson is a licensed clinical psychologist in Northern Ontario. He obtained a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University. Eamon provides therapy for individuals across their lifespan as well as psychological evaluations in remote communities. He is the author of Opiate-Related Disorders: Helping Those Who Struggle.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/navigating-ptsd-with-wisdom-and-grace/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251014T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251014T203000
DTSTAMP:20251014T121858Z
CREATED:20250511T071626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T121858Z
UID:10000018-1760468400-1760473800@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Finding Refuge: Ministering to Those Re-Experiencing Trauma
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is designed to equip helpers with the understanding & skills necessary to support those who experience re-traumatization.\n\n\nWorkshop Description \nFor many trauma survivors\, the past does not remain in the past. Unwanted memories can surge into the present—disorienting\, multisensory\, and often overwhelming. This seminar is designed to equip helpers with the understanding and skills necessary to support those who experience intrusive episodes of re-traumatization. \nDrawing on Psalm 46 and current insights into trauma\, we will help attendees comprehend the physical\, emotional\, and spiritual dynamics involved in re-experiencing trauma. Participants will learn to identify the various manifestations of intrusive memories\, respond effectively in the moment\, and support those suffering with hope grounded in the gospel. \nWhether you are new to trauma care or a seasoned counselor\, you will be inspired to minister as someone who embodies the refuge and strength of God. \n \nSpeaker Bio \nDarby Strickland is a counselor and faculty member for the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation. She is the author of Is it Abuse? A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims\, Trauma: Caring for Survivors and Something Scary Happened. She is also a contributor to the free web-based training curriculum Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused. Darby has a Master of Divinity degree in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary\, where she currently teaches for their MAC program. She and her husband\, John have taken great delight in homeschooling their three children.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/finding-refuge-ministering-to-those-re-experiencing-trauma/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T203000
DTSTAMP:20250910T010619Z
CREATED:20250511T071626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T010619Z
UID:10000017-1757444400-1757449800@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Counseling High-Conflict Relationships
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will address counseling high-conflict relationships.\n\n\nThe Counseling High Conflict Relationships workshop will explore: \n\nEmotional & practical challenges in counseling high conflict relationships\nTypically we need to go beyond peacemaking solutions.\nUnderstanding the story we tell ourselves in conflict.\nHelping Others: 1) know themselves\, 2) lay the groundwork\, 3) embrace complexity\, 4) admit what they don’t know\, 5) accept what they can’t change\, 6) make listening the mission\, 7) speak redemptively\, 8) keep their gaze upon Christ.\n\n \nAbout the Speaker: \nBrian Walker serves as the Director of Counselor Development for Anchored Virtual. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Toccoa Falls College. He also received training in Biblical counseling through the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. He has over eighteen years of counseling experience and has worked with individuals experiencing difficulties in marriage\, anxiety & depression\, pornography addiction\, conflict\, and other relationship difficulties. He has 20 years of experience in various pastoral roles\, most recently as lead pastor of Lake Morton Community Church in Lakeland\, FL. Brian and his wife\, Kristen\, have been married for 22 years\, and have three children.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/counseling-high-conflict-relationships/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T203000
DTSTAMP:20250812T110917Z
CREATED:20250514T175429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T110917Z
UID:10000019-1755025200-1755030600@brccva.org
SUMMARY:The Tender Conscience
DESCRIPTION:Mike Emlet\n\n\nWorkshop Details: \nThis training will first discuss the normal role and function of the conscience in the life of a believer. We will then explore the potential causes and helps for an overly sensitive conscience. Attention will also be given to believers who are severely afflicted with a condemning conscience–namely those who would be described as struggling with scrupulosity (religious OCD). \nAbout the Speaker: \nMike is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF\, where he has served since 2001. He holds a doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and a master of divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. Prior to joining CCEF\, Mike worked as a family physician for eleven years. He has particular interests in working with ministry leaders and with those who struggle with anxiety\, depression\, and OCD. He has published numerous books\, including CrossTalk (New Growth Press\, 2009)\, Descriptions and Prescriptions (New Growth Press\, 2017)\, and Saints\, Sufferers\, and Sinners (New Growth Press\, 2021).
URL:https://brccva.org/event/the-tender-conscience/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T120000
DTSTAMP:20250719T013929Z
CREATED:20250616T170136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250719T013929Z
UID:10000020-1752913800-1752926400@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Walking Together when Life Is Hard
DESCRIPTION:Michael Gembola (MAR\, LPC) will be leading this lay counseling workshop hosted by Waverly Place Baptist Church.\n\n\nWorkshop Details: \nThis training will provide help you more compassionately and wisely walk with others through hard times as friends and helpers in the church. We’ll discuss Christian ways to understand people and problems\, including everyday suffering as well comple matters such as psychatric problems. We’ll practice ways to more effectively listen and share with people in order come alongside others and bear burdens amid the troubles of life.  \nAbout the Speaker: \nMichael Gembola serves as executive director of Blue Ridge Christian Counseling. He is a professional counselor and ordained minister\, and regularly teaches pastoral counseling courses at the Blue Ridge Institute for Theological Education and Westminster Seminary. He serves as consulting editor for the Journal of Biblical Counseling and his most recent book is Anxious about Decisions: Finding Freedom in the Peace of God (New Growth\, 2022).  He and his wife Kelly live in Roanoke with their three children.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/walking-together-when-life-is-hard/
LOCATION:Waverly Place Baptist Church\, 1407 Kenwood Boulevard Southeast\, Roanoke\, VA\, 24013\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T203000
DTSTAMP:20250708T123055Z
CREATED:20250507T195835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T123055Z
UID:10000016-1752001200-1752006600@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Rest For the Counselor
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will explore compassion fatigue\, secondary traumatization\, and the rest that Jesus offers and invites us into as counselors.\n\n\nIn a profession where we are called to bear others’ burdens\, how can we do so without \nbecoming too heavy laden ourselves? How do we avoid burnout when much is required \nof us as counselors? We will explore compassion fatigue\, secondary traumatization\, \nand the rest that Jesus offers and invites us into as counselors. It is a rest that is just \nwhat our souls need – and it is what will help us to sustain a long-term commitment to \nour calling as counselors. \n \nAbout the Speaker: \nHeather is married to Seth and is the mama of twin daughters. She is the author of Rest: Creating Space for Soul Refreshment (P&R\, 2024)\, Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame (Crossway\, 2016) and Domestic Abuse: Help for Victims (New Growth Press\, 2019). She enjoys walks with her gentle giant of a dog (Bernedoodles are the best!)\, writing\, coffee\, deep conversations\, travel\, the beach\, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She works as a counselor at Mountain View Christian Counseling\, enjoying the privilege and opportunity to walk alongside others in their stories and struggles.  \nWebsite: https://heatherdavisnelson.com/
URL:https://brccva.org/event/rest-for-the-counselor/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250513T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250513T203000
DTSTAMP:20250513T073722Z
CREATED:20250312T134611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T073722Z
UID:10000015-1747162800-1747168200@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Assessing Pastoral Health
DESCRIPTION:This workshop provides strategies to maintain health and prevent burnout for pastors\, missionaries\, and their families.\n\n\nWorkshop Description \nPastors are often called to care for the flock\, but who will care for the shepherds themselves? The pressures of ministry can be overwhelming\, and pastors often face personal crises in isolation\, without the support they need. Biblical counselors\, who are in a unique position to work alongside pastors\, can offer critical care during times of crisis. \nThis workshop will explore how biblical counselors can engage with pastors\, offering a safe and non-threatening environment for emotional and spiritual support. We will address the peculiar stressors of pastoral ministry\, tools for self-assessment\, and strategies for providing long-term care. By normalizing the practice of seeking help\, we aim to empower pastors to prioritize their own well-being without shame or guilt. \n \nAbout the Speaker \nKathie grew up in upstate NY\, but has lived most of her adult life in NJ. She holds Master’s Degrees in Counseling and Student Affairs (Western Kentucky) and in Biblical Counseling (Westminster Seminary)\, and a Certificate in Advanced Professional Counseling from the Missio Graduate School of Counseling. \nAfter teaching high school biology and chemistry and working guidance counseling\, she began working for her local church to provide biblical counseling\, where she has served for the last seventeen years. \nKathie has been married to her husband Ken for over 40 years\, and they have three sons\, two daughters\, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. She enjoys relaxing with her family\, outdoor activities\, traveling\, and playing word games.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/assessing-pastoral-health/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T203000
DTSTAMP:20250408T052504Z
CREATED:20250118T055517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T052504Z
UID:10000013-1744138800-1744144200@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Counseling Those Affected by a Loved One's Chronic Pain and Illness
DESCRIPTION:Nate Brooks will guide the attendees in how to biblically process when your loved one’s life is wracked by illness & your life changes too.\n\n\nWorkshop Overview\n \nIf you don’t have your health\, you don’t have anything\,” as the Princess Bride reminded a generation of moviegoers. But what about when it’s your spouse\, child\, parent\, or friend whose health has imploded? God designed us for relational connection\, and when one person’s life is turned upside down by pervasive medical struggles their loved ones are deeply affected as well. This workshop will identify significant struggles faced by these loved ones and offer critical steps in providing holistic care for those whose lives has also taken a turn they didn’t expect.” \n \nAbout the Author\nNate Brooks serves as an associate professor of counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theology Seminary in Wake Forest\, North Carolina. He counsels at Courage Christian Counseling\, focusing on abuse\, trauma\, grief\, and chronic pain and illness. His writing has been featured by Christianity Today\, The Gospel Coalition\, and other outlets. Disrupted Journey is his third book.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/counseling-those-affected-by-a-loved-ones-chronic-pain-and-illness/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T203000
DTSTAMP:20250311T014205Z
CREATED:20250208T021850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T014205Z
UID:10000014-1741719600-1741725000@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Preventing Dropout in Counseling and Pastoral Care
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to support struggling  individuals in staying engaged and motivated through counseling and pastoral care to prevent dropout.\n\n\nWorkshop Description \nWhen counseling ends too early\, people don’t get the help they need. People in helping roles are anxious to avoid giving people any reason not to complete the process. Although it’s not always possible to know why particular people drop out\, there are common trends and best practices to help people complete the process. This seminar will survey these trends and provide practical helps for preserving a collaborative relationship throughout the counseling process. We’ll invite applications for a variety of care contexts and for pastoral\, lay\, and professional counselors. \n \nAbout the Speaker \nMichael Gembola (MAR\, MAC) is an ordained minister (PCA) and licensed professional counselor (PA\, VA). He serves as executive director of Blue Ridge Christian Counseling and he has taught adjunct courses at several seminaries. His most recent book is Anxious about Decisions: Finding Freedom in the Peace of God and you can follow his writing on academia and substack. He is married to Kelly and they have three children.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/preventing-dropout-in-counseling-and-pastoral-care/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T203000
DTSTAMP:20250211T152538Z
CREATED:20241207T043411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T152538Z
UID:10000011-1739300400-1739305800@brccva.org
SUMMARY:5 Keys to Postpartum Depression Care
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will provide understanding\, &  consider how to help the depressed mother apply practical biblical wisdom to her everyday life.\n\n\nWorkshop Description: \nWhen a mother is diagnosed with postpartum depression\, we may feel ill-equipped to offer meaningful care in Christ. How can we compassionately counsel her through such a multi-faceted problem? In this workshop\, we’ll explore key components of a depressed mother’s lived experience and consider how to help her apply practical biblical wisdom to her everyday life. \n \nAbout the Speaker: \nChristine is a certified biblical counselor and host of the Hope + Help Podcast for the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship. She is the author of Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood as well as several mini-books\, including Postpartum Depression: Hope for a Hard Season and Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. \nShe currently serves as a council member for the Biblical Counseling Coalition\, and is a regular speaker at women’s events and conferences. Christine lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children\, and is member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Easley. Connect with her at christinemchappell.com. \n \nBibliography: \nPostpartum Depression: Hope for a Hard Season (New Growth Press\, August 2024) \nMisericordia En La Oscuridad: Caminando Con Dios a Través de la Depresión En La \nMaternidad (P&R Publishing\, 2024) \nMidnight Mercies: Walking with God Through Depression in Motherhood (P&R Publishing\, 2023) \nHelp! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder (Shepherd Press\, 2021) \nHelp! My Teen is Depressed (Shepherd Press\, 2020) \nClean Home\, Messy Heart: Promises of Renewal\, Hope\, and Change for Overwhelmed Moms (WestBow Press\, 2016) \nSocial Media: \nfacebook.com/cleanhomemessheart \ntwitter.com/chappellwrites \ninstagram.com/christinemchappell \nHope + Help Podcast: \nchristinemchappell.com/podcast \nWebsite \nchristinemchappell.com
URL:https://brccva.org/event/5-keys-to-postpartum-depression-care/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250114T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250114T203000
DTSTAMP:20250113T135122Z
CREATED:20241225T005827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T135122Z
UID:10000012-1736881200-1736886600@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Helping Kids with Big Feelings
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to thoughtfully understand highly emotional youth & gain practical ways to engage and help a child or teen grow in self-awareness.\n\n\nJoin Blue Ridge Christian Counseling and Julie Lowe for a seminar on “Helping Kids with Big Feelings.”\n \nInteracting with an emotional child or teen can feel both exhausting and disheartening. Adults often resort to responses that offer quick fixes or by letting their own emotions take over. Often\, the goal focuses on controlling the child’s external behavior and responses without engaging what is behind the emotion. But a relationship with the child needs to be a safe place for them to struggle and grow and see themselves more clearly. This session will therefore discuss: 1) how to thoughtfully understand highly emotional youth\, and 2) practical ways to engage and help a child or teen grow in self-awareness. \n \nSpeaker Bio:\nJulie Lowe is an author\, speaker and counselor. She holds an MA in counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary\, is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty-five years of counseling experience\, and is a registered play therapist supervisor. Julie served as a faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) for over 20 years and has lectured and taught at Missio Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. Julie has extensive experience teaching\, speaking\, and consulting with churches\, schools\, and other organizations around the country. She regularly teaches on topics such as marriage\, women’s issues\, sexual abuse\, body image issues\, parenting\, adoption\, and child maltreatment issues. She is trained in leading mandated reporter trainings and provides numerous trainings on child sexual abuse. Julie has a registered therapy dog that she works with both professionally and on a volunteer basis \nJulie has authored several books: Childproof: Parenting By Faith Not Formula\, Safeguards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping Our Kids\, Building Bridges: Biblical Counseling Activities or Children and Teens\, Helping Your Anxious Child: What to Do When Your Worries are Big\, Teens and Suicide: Recognizing the Signs and Sharing the Hope\, Helping Your Child With a Bully: Learning to Respond Wisely and A Student Guide to Body Image\, and Safety for Kids\, Equipping Children to Discern Danger. \nHer work and resources has been widely promoted by organizations like Focus on the Family\, The Evangelical Counsel for Abuse Prevention and Paul Tripp’s Connecting Podcast.  Julie and her husband\, Greg\, live in the Philadelphia\, PA area and have five children. They have served over 20 years as foster and adoptive parents. \nJulie’s website: www.JulieLowe.org
URL:https://brccva.org/event/helping-kids-with-big-feelings/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T203000
DTSTAMP:20241210T044835Z
CREATED:20241001T144527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T044835Z
UID:10000010-1733857200-1733862600@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Building Oneness: Marriage Counseling for Sexual Problems
DESCRIPTION:Utilizing a Christian framework\, this seminar will seek to address common sexual problems in marriage and offer practical tools to help.\n\n\nMany sexual problems are resolved as the relationship is strengthened\, but not all. Sometimes this requires focused help\, but it can be difficult to reach out for help for such personal challenges. Yet just as no area of human life is left untouched by the fall\, so no area will be untouched by redemption. Real help is available. In this seminar we’ll seek to establish a Christian framework that contrasts with popular cultural messages–messages that have at times also made inroads into the church. We’ll then look at common problems and practical ways to help. \n———————————————————————————————– \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $25\, with a $5 minimum amount requested\, in order to help us continue offering these beneficial resources. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued. There is no need to select any other option\, unless additional tickets are desired. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
URL:https://brccva.org/event/building-oneness-marriage-counseling-for-sexual-problems/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T130000
DTSTAMP:20241204T171038Z
CREATED:20240628T125505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T171038Z
UID:10000009-1733313600-1733317200@brccva.org
SUMMARY:"A Quiet Mind to Suffer With" Book Study
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to grab a copy of the linked resource and engage in a rich discussion with Michael Gembola surrounding an important topic.\n\n\nJoin Michael Gembola for a discussion of the book\, \n \nA Quiet Mind to Suffer With: Mental Illness\, Trauma\, and the Death of Christ\nBy: by John Andrew Bryant (Author)\, Kathryn Greene-McCreight (Foreword) \nPublishers Weekly starred review · Christianity Today Book Award Winner for 2024 Christian Living / Spiritual Formation · Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal Winner 2024 for Illness/Death/Dying · SWJT Book of the Year Honorable Mention 2023 for Counseling \nJohn Andrew Bryant’s A Quiet Mind to Suffer With is a Christian memoir of living with OCD\, finding comfortant and connection\, and coming to rest in Jesus amid real suffering. Join us to talk about experiences of mental illness in light of Christian faith\, and about how to walk with people with severe OCD. \n————————————————————————————————— \nWhere to buy the book: \nAmazon \nChristianbook.com \nRead a Sample \n————————————————————————————————— \n*Although it is not necessary to have read the whole book in order to register\, if you have not read it\, then please give priority to others’ comments and questions during the book discussion. \n————————————————————————————————— \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $10\, with a $5 minimum amount requested. This helps us continue offering these beneficial resources without charging. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/a-quiet-mind-to-suffer-with-book-study/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240910T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240910T203000
DTSTAMP:20240910T144646Z
CREATED:20240613T183116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240910T144646Z
UID:10000008-1725994800-1726000200@brccva.org
SUMMARY:I'm Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace
DESCRIPTION:Eliza Huie unpacks three common causes of stress—fear\, control\, and temptation—and gives biblical\ndirection on specific ways to respond .\n\n\nJoin us as Eliza helps us navigate “I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace” \nThe pressures and demands of life can leave us overwhelmed\, discouraged\, or burned out. Stress affects all of life\, including physical\, relational\, and spiritual health. But God does not want us to white-knuckle our way through life. As seen in her latest book\, “I’m Stressed\,” counselor Eliza Huie unpacks three common causes of stress—fear\, control\, and temptation—and gives biblical direction on specific ways to respond to and manage the pressure and anxiety associated with stress. \nhttps://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/im-stressed-a-path-from-pressure-to-peace/ \n———————————————————————————————– \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $25\, with a $5 minimum amount requested\, in order to help us continue offering these beneficial resources. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued. There is no need to select any other option\, unless additional tickets are desired. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
URL:https://brccva.org/event/im-stressed-a-path-from-pressure-to-peace/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240813T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240813T203000
DTSTAMP:20240812T200033Z
CREATED:20240613T183115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240812T200033Z
UID:10000007-1723575600-1723581000@brccva.org
SUMMARY:The Stubbornness of Shame & How to Help
DESCRIPTION:Identify shame\, how to come alongside strugglers when shame seems entrenched & unrelenting\, and how to point them to hope in Christ.\n\n\nAs we walk with people who struggle and suffer\, we inevitably encounter shame. One of the challenges we find is how stubborn shame can be in a person’s life. How do we help when we’ve already tried to help? Join us as we begin to consider how to identify shame\, how to come alongside strugglers when shame seems entrenched and unrelenting\, and how to point them to hope in Christ. \nEsther is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF. She has a master of arts in religion with an emphasis in biblical studies from Westminster Theological Seminary\, as well as a master of arts in counseling. Since joining CCEF in 2015\, Esther has served various roles\, including as a counseling intern\, the executive and faculty assistant\, and a content editor. Esther has a passion for bringing biblical reframing to a person’s struggles and also holds deep concern for the importance of attending to multicultural aspects of counseling. She is the author of Shame: Being Known & Loved (P&R Publishing\, 2022). \n———————————————————————————————– \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $25\, with a $5 minimum amount requested\, in order to help us continue offering these beneficial resources. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued. There is no need to select any other option\, unless additional tickets are desired. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
URL:https://brccva.org/event/the-stubbornness-of-shame-how-to-help/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240709T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240709T203000
DTSTAMP:20240709T221140Z
CREATED:20240403T222607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T221140Z
UID:10000004-1720551600-1720557000@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Helping Teens Calm Body and Soul
DESCRIPTION:Come gain a deeper understanding of teens as embodied souls & learn\npractical tools to help them navigate the adolescent season well.\n\n\nThe teenage years are chaotic developmentally\, socially and sometimes even spiritually. Along with Julia Crickenberger\, a counselor at Cedar Cove\, participants will gain a deeper understanding of teens as embodied souls and seek to move towards them well in this season of weakness. This workshop will emphasize practical calming tools we can teach teens (and adults!) to help them ride waves of anxiety and process other difficult emotions. \n———————————————————————————————– \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $25\, with a $5 minimum amount requested\, in order to help us continue offering these beneficial resources. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued. There is no need to select any other option\, unless additional tickets are desired. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
URL:https://brccva.org/event/helping-teens-calm-body-and-soul/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240612T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240612T130000
DTSTAMP:20240611T041042Z
CREATED:20240403T222604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T041042Z
UID:10000003-1718193600-1718197200@brccva.org
SUMMARY:"Beyond the Clinical Hour" Book Study
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to grab a copy of the linked resource and engage in a rich discussion with Michael Gembola surrounding an important topic.\n\n\nJoin Michael Gembola for a discussion of the book\,\n \nBeyond the Clinical Hour: How Counselors Can Partner with the Church to Address the Mental Health Crisis\nCHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES BOOKS\nby James N. Sells\, Amy Trout\, and Heather C. SellsForeword by Ed Stetzer\n \nThe global mental health crisis is growing faster than our existing mental health care system can address. To meet the scope of human need\, we need new models of care. The good news is that there is an institution uniquely positioned with the resources and the heart to help: the church. \nPsychologists James Sells and Amy Trout and journalist Heather Sells know firsthand the urgency of the situation―but they have also witnessed creative partnerships between churches and mental health professionals springing up across the United States. In this book\, they call clinicians\, students\, and educators to collaborate with churches and lay leaders to envision and then create innovative solutions in their own communities. \nChallenging the dominance of the traditional “clinical hour” as a one-size-has-to-fit-all model\, Sells\, Trout\, and Sells give concrete guidance on how mental health professionals can work with churches to provide consultation\, train lay leaders\, and develop and evaluate programs to expand a continuum of care. They also explore the skills\, theological foundations\, and research-based knowledge that both Christian counselors and church leaders need to integrate their spheres of expertise. \nBoth a call to action and an encouraging roadmap\, this book charts the way forward for combining the science of the mental health discipline with the service of Christian ministry. \nChristian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology\, counseling\, social work\, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients. \n \nWhere to buy the book: \nAmazon \nChristianbook.com \nIntervarsity Press \n————————————————————————————————— \n*Although it is not necessary to have read the whole book in order to register\, if you have not read it\, then please give priority to others’ comments and questions during the book discussion. \n————————————————————————————————— \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $10\, with a $5 minimum amount requested. This helps us continue offering these beneficial resources without charging. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued.
URL:https://brccva.org/event/beyond-the-clinical-hour-book-study/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240514T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240514T203000
DTSTAMP:20240514T123323Z
CREATED:20240403T222601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240514T123323Z
UID:10000002-1715713200-1715718600@brccva.org
SUMMARY:Disordered Eating:  a framework for entering in and coordinating care.
DESCRIPTION:Together with Darby Strickland\, discover what eating disorders communicate about the struggler\, their suffering\, & the Lord.\n\n\nOur eating habits are a window into our hearts. We will look at how we can help our counselees understand what their eating disorder is communicating about themselves\, their suffering\, and the Lord. Eating disorders are among the deadliest of mental disorders and do a tremendous amount of damage to the struggling body. Hence\, we will think together about care planning with other support professionals.  \n——————————————————————————————————— \nTickets are free. However\, please consider the suggested donation amount of $25\, with a $5 minimum amount requested\, in order to help us continue offering these beneficial resources. \n***When choosing to donate\, simply input your amount\, proceed to checkout\, and the ticket will be issued. There is no need to select any other option\, unless additional tickets are desired. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
URL:https://brccva.org/event/disordered-eating-a-framework-for-entering-in-and-coordinating-care-2/
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