Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 10:00 AM EDT -12:00 PM EDT Cadija Barnett, LCSW
Yahoo!
Webinar Description
This presentation explores the mental health benefits of prayer as a mindfulness tool, drawing upon scholarly resources and statistical evidence. Prayer, defined as a practice of communication with a higher power or inner self, shares parallels with secular mindfulness practices in fostering present-moment awareness and emotional regulation. Through an examination of research findings, prayer emerges as a potent means of stress reduction, anxiety management, emotional resilience, and enhanced psychological well-being.
Scholarly studies, such as those by Masters et al. (2019) and Smith and Richards (2020), demonstrate significant reductions in stress and anxiety levels among individuals who engage in regular prayer. Longitudinal research by Greenberg et al. (2018) further highlights the positive impact of prayer on emotional regulation, showing increases in resilience over time. Moreover, national surveys, including data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), underscore the widespread use of prayer as a coping mechanism for mental health challenges.
Clinical applications of prayer in mental health care, as evidenced by studies like the one conducted by Johnson et al. (2017), suggest promising outcomes for prayer-based interventions in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. The integration of prayer into therapeutic approaches offers a holistic means of addressing spiritual and psychological needs, thereby promoting comprehensive wellness.
In conclusion, prayer emerges as a valuable mindfulness tool with profound mental health benefits. By incorporating prayer into daily practice and therapeutic interventions, individuals and communities can harness its potential for stress reduction, anxiety management, emotional resilience, and psychological flourishing. Further research and collaboration are encouraged to explore the nuanced mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic efficacy of prayer in promoting holistic well-being.
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Qualifications:
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to analyze the statistical data presented on the mental health benefits of prayer, identifying correlations between prayer frequency and specific mental health outcomes.
- Attendees will demonstrate the ability to synthesize information from scholarly resources to evaluate the efficacy of prayer as a mindfulness tool in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to formulate actionable strategies for integrating prayer into mental health interventions, based on evidence-based practices and clinical research findings.
Agenda:
I. Introduction and Welcome (15 minutes)
- Introduction to the Workshop: Framing Mental Health Through Prayer and Mindfulness
- Setting Expectations and Objectives for Mental Health Professionals
- Icebreaker Activity: Sharing Personal Intentions for Attending
II. Understanding Mental Health and Prayer (30 minutes)
- Definition and Importance of Mental Health in Daily Life
- Introduction to the Concept of Prayer as a Tool for Mental Wellness
- Discussion on the Intersection of Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Mental Health, Emphasizing Prayer as a Form of Mindfulness
III. The Science Behind Prayer and Mental Health (30 minutes)
- Review of Research Findings on the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Prayer
- Exploration of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Brain Changes Associated with Prayer
- Discussion on How Mental Health Professionals Can Utilize Prayer as a Form of Mindfulness in Client Interventions
IV. Cultivating Mindfulness Through Prayer (30 minutes)
- Introduction to Mindfulness Practices and Their Role in Mental Health Promotion
- Guided Meditation: Incorporating Prayer as a Mindfulness Technique
- Reflection and Sharing of Experiences with Mindful Prayer Practices, Discussing How Mental Health Professionals Can Adapt These Practices in Clinical Settings
V. Break (15 minutes)
VI. Overcoming Mental Health Challenges Through Prayer (30 minutes)
- Addressing Common Mental Health Concerns (e.g., Anxiety, Depression) and Their Relationship with Spirituality
- Strategies for Using Prayer as a Coping Mechanism During Times of Stress or Emotional Distress, with Practical Applications for Mental Health Professionals
- Personal Testimonials and Stories of Individuals Finding Solace and Healing Through Prayer, Illustrating Its Relevance in Clinical Practice
VII. Integrating Prayer and Mental Health Support (30 minutes)
- Discussion on the Role of Prayer in Holistic Mental Health Care
- Collaborative Approaches: Integrating Prayer into Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Support Groups, with Considerations for Ethical Practice
- Tips for Mental Health Professionals on Building Supportive Spiritual Communities and Seeking Culturally Competent Mental Health Services
VIII. Q&A and Discussion (20 minutes)
- Open Floor for Questions, Comments, and Reflections from Mental Health Professionals
- Facilitated Discussion on Practical Applications and Challenges of Integrating Prayer into Mental Health Support Systems in Clinical Settings
IX. Closing Reflections and Next Steps (15 minutes)
- Summary of Key Learnings and Insights from the Workshop
- Reflection Exercise: Identifying Personal Commitments to Utilizing Prayer as a Form of Mindfulness in Mental Health Practice
- Closing Words of Encouragement and Gratitude for Mental Health Professionals' Engagement
X. Conclusion and Farewell (5 minutes)
- Thank You to Mental Health Professionals for Their Active Participation and Contributions
- Invitation to Stay Connected, Seek Support, and Continue Nurturing Mental Health Through Prayer and Mindfulness in Clinical Practice
Certificates Provider -This Webinar Offers 2 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland. CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
- NEFESH International 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 marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
- NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an introductory level ,and is beneficial for a beginner level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Official information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Thrapy Express seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Thrapy Express ahead of time by emailing support@thrapyexpress.com or by calling or texting (631) 202-1010 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by the NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire webinar, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.