Nearly 1,000 already registered–Will sell out!
AACC 2026 Mega National
Christian Counseling Conference
FAITH AND
FLOURISHING
September 10 – 12, 2026
LOEWS HOTEL | Arlington, Texas
Holiday Savings Deadline
December 31, 2025
AACC Members:
$249
$10 service fee applied at checkout
Non-Members:
$279
$10 service fee applied at checkout
Students & International: $129
$10 service fee applied at checkout
Dynamic Plenary Speakers
Hear from these and other world-class leaders in counseling & coaching
Daniel Amen,
M.D.
Amen Clinics
George Barna,
Ph.D.
Arizona Christian University
Jack Graham, D.Min.
Prestonwood Baptist Church
Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D.
Fuller Theological Seminary
Harold Koenig,
M.D.
Duke University
Curt Thompson, M.D.
The Center for Being Known
Sharon May,
Ph.D.
Safe Haven Relationship Center
Mark Crear,
Ph.D.
In the Zone
Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
American Association of Christian Counselors
John Townsend,
Ph.D.
Townsend Institute
Karl Benzio,
M.D.
American Association of Christian Counselors
Jennifer Ellers,
M.A.
American Association of Christian Counselors
Ron Hawkins,
Ed.D.
American Association of Christian Counselors
Zach Clinton,
Ph.D.
American Association of Christian Counselors
Tim Clinton,
Ed.D.
American Association of Christian Counselors
… and more to be announced!
Built around the four streams of Counseling, Coaching, Recovery, and Marriage and Family, the AACC 2026 Mega National Christian Counseling Conference features a special focus on Neuroscience, Brain Health, Attachment, and Human Flourishing with specialization counselor training and coaching intensives, engaging keynote addresses from world-class leaders, powerful praise and worship, cutting-edge professional workshops, fellowship, and networking. It is shaping up to be one of our greatest events ever!
Our mission is to educate, empower, and equip today’s Christian counselors, leaders, churches, and parachurch organizations by creating a reservoir of knowledge, resources, support, and networking opportunities for marriage and family issues.
Whether it’s attending an Intensive or creating your own conference schedule, we promise you won’t be disappointed. The AACC 2026 Mega National Christian Counseling Conference is your chance to connect face-to-face with the Christian counseling community. My prayer is that you will join us to become better encouraged, trained, and equipped in the work God is calling you to fulfill. Mark your calendar now for September 10-12, 2026! See you in Arlington!
Tim Clinton, Ed.D., LMFT
President, AACC
TOP REASONS TO
ATTEND
- Experience an event that equips clinical, pastoral, and
lay caregivers with biblical and psychosocial insights. - Hear from some of the leading experts in counseling, coaching, recovery, and marriage and family.
- Discover practical tips and strategies to improve your
effectiveness when helping people move to personal wholeness, mental stability, and spiritual maturity. - Develop professional relationships with Christian counselors, coaches, pastors, and leaders from across the nation and around the world.
- Continuing Education credits are available.
Holiday Savings Deadline
December 31, 2025
Intensives Training Sessions
6-Hour Specialization Counselor Training & Coaching Certificate Intensives
Each six-hour intensive training includes two sessions (8:30–11:45 AM and 1:30–4:45 PM on Thursday, September 10th)
Thursday, September 10, 2026
090. Attachment and Relational Trauma Treatment Specialist: Evidence-based Skills to Repair Trauma and Attachment Wounds
Shannae Anderson, Ph.D., and Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
091. Navigating the Crossroads: Coaching Through Conflict and Change
John Townsend, Ph.D., and Michelle Thompson, M.S., PCC
092. Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Faith-based Approach
Ann-Marie Bowen, M.A., and Kimberly Lee, M.A.
093. Evidence-based Treatments to Rewire the Anxious Brain
Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
Pre-Conference Workshops
3-Hour Morning & Afternoon Sessions | Thursday, September 10th
Thursday Morning, September 10, 2026
8:30 – 11:45 AM
005. At a Crossroads: Ethical, Legal, and Advocacy Challenges for Faith-based Mental Health Professionals
David Jenkins, Psy.D., Jeanneane Maxon, J.D., Esq., and Ryan Burkhart, Ed.D.
006. Decision-making for Flourishing: Integrating Faith, Science, and the Spirit–Mind–Body Framework
Karl Benzio, M.D.
007. Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C): From Distress to Connection
Sharon May, Ph.D.
008. The Angry Client: Diffusing Hostile Emotions and Restoring Healthy Relationships
Gary J. Oliver, Th.M., Ph.D.
009. The Power of Social Connection: Assessing and Addressing Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Disconnection
Mark Mayfield, Ph.D., Brian Kelley, Ph.D., and Blake Fraser, M.S.
010. Neurotheology in Mental Health: Applying Brain-based Principles for Resilience, Recovery, and Human Flourishing
Harold Koenig, M.D., and Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min.
011. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Proven Strategies to Restore Energy, Focus, and Flourishing in Leadership
Mark Crear, Ph.D., and Johnny Parker, D.S.L.
… and more coming soon!
Thursday Afternoon, September 10, 2026
1:30 – 4:45 PM
016. The Flourishing Coach: Advancing Coaching Skills and the Personal Wellbeing of the Coach
Sylvia Hart Frejd, D.Min., Georgia Shaffer, M.A., and Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.
017. Parenting Under Pressure: Helping Parents Navigate Their Children’s Mental Health Journey
Chinwe Williams, Ph.D., and Mercy Connors, Ph.D.
018. The Neurobiology of Grief and Loss: Somatic and Experiential Treatment Interventions
Jennifer Ellers, M.A., and Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
019. Abuse, Trauma, and the Emotionally Destructive Relationship
Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
020. Principled, Professional, and Personal Integration: Psychology and Theology in Clinical Practice
Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D.
021. Wired for (Dis)connection: How Attachment, Trauma, and ADHD Shape the Emotional Brain
E. John Kuhnley, M.D., Anita Kuhnley, Ph.D., and Lisa Compton, Ph.D.
022. Flourishing in Sustainable Recovery from Pornography Use, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Partner Betrayal Trauma
Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT, Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT, and Sheri Denham, Ph.D., CSAT, CPTT-S
… and more coming soon!
12 Conference Workshop Tracks
12 Workshop Tracks Led by the Best in Christian Counseling & Coaching
Brain Health and Neuroscience
Possible Topics: Neuroplasticity and Spiritual Growth; Brain-based Approaches to Emotional Regulation; Understanding Trauma and the Brain; Integrating Neuroscience and a Biblical Worldview; Effects of Chronic Stress and Burnout on the Brain; Neurobiology of Faith and Resilience; Sleep, Nutrition, and Brain Function; Neurocognitive Decline and Aging; Brain Imaging and Mental Health; The Mind-Body Connection in Christian Counseling
Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health
Possible Topics: Neuroplasticity and Spiritual Growth; Brain-based Approaches to Emotional Regulation; Understanding Trauma and the Brain; Integrating Neuroscience and a Biblical Worldview; Effects of Chronic Stress and Burnout on the Brain; Neurobiology of Faith and Resilience; Sleep, Nutrition, and Brain Function; Neurocognitive Decline and Aging; Brain Imaging and Mental Health; The Mind-Body Connection in Christian Counseling
Clinical Assessment, Research, and Evidence-based Practice
Possible Topics: Integrating Faith and Evidence-based Practice in Clinical Settings; Measuring Outcomes in Christian Counseling; Assessment Tools for Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma; Spiritual Assessment Instruments: Reliability and Validity; Incorporating Neuroscience Findings into Counseling Practice; Ethical and Cultural Challenges in Research; Translational Research and Ministry Application; Evaluating Effectiveness of Christian Counseling Models; Advances in Psychometrics for Faith-based Care; Developing Research-informed Church and Community Interventions
Compulsive Behaviors and Flourishing in Recovery
Possible Topics: Understanding Compulsive Behavior through a Christian Lens; Shame, Guilt, and Grace in Recovery; Sexual Addiction and Digital Temptations; The Intersection of Trauma and Compulsion; Eating Disorders and Body Image in Faith Communities; Codependency and Enabling Behaviors; Relapse Prevention and Accountability Structures; Integrating Scripture, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Renewal; The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sustained Recovery; Helping Families Heal from Compulsive Behavior Patterns
Counseling Skills, Techniques, and Empirically-supported Treatments
Possible Topics: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Solution-focused Therapy; Emotion-focused Therapy; Integrating Faith in Clinical Practice; Diagnostic Assessment and Spiritual Formation; Trauma Assessment and EMDR; Biofeedback and Stress Management; Brief vs. Long-term Therapy; Christian Counseling Models and Outcomes; Motivational Interviewing; Narrative Therapy; Assessing Spiritual Struggles; Ethics and Cultural Competency in Christian Counseling
Grief, Suicide, and Trauma-informed Care
Possible Topics: Suicide Risk Assessment and Prevention; Survivor Guilt and Postvention in Churches; Trauma-informed Ministry and Counseling; PTSD, Dissociation, and Faith Recovery; Abuse (Physical, Sexual, Spiritual) and Christian Responses; Complicated Grief and Bereavement; Supporting Families Through Loss; Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue in Helpers; Post-traumatic Growth and Resilience; Spiritual Interventions for Trauma Recovery; Hope, Lament, and Biblical Healing
Marriage and Family: Parenting, Family Systems, and Relational Health
Possible Topics: Biblical Foundations for Marriage and Family; Conflict Resolution and Forgiveness; Parenting in a Digital Age; Impact of Family of Origin; Communication and Personality Differences; Infidelity and Betrayal Trauma; Dating, Pre-marital Counseling, and Discipleship; Building Strong Marriages in Ministry Families; Attachment and Bonding in Parenting; Resilience and Faith in Family Systems; Integrating Spiritual Practices in Family Life
Mental Health Coaching and Ministry
Possible Topics: Foundations of Christian Mental Health Coaching; Distinctions Between Coaching, Counseling, and Discipleship; Trauma-informed Coaching Approaches; Faith-based Strategies for Emotional Regulation; Coaching Clients with Anxiety and Depression; Ethical and Boundary Considerations in Coaching; Strength-based and Solution-focused Coaching Tools; Building Resilience and Spiritual Growth; Integrating Assessment and Goal Planning; The Future of Mental Health Coaching in the Church and Marketplace
Positive Psychology, Resilience, and Human Flourishing
Possible Topics: Biblical Vision of Flourishing; Strengths-based Counseling and Coaching; Hope, Forgiveness, and Gratitude in Practice; Character and Virtue Development; Spiritual Practices and Flourishing Research; Well-being; Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth; Flourishing in Church, Family, and Community Contexts; Integration of Positive Psychology and Christian Discipleship
Professional Life Coaching and Organizational Psychology
Possible Topics: Leadership and Executive Coaching; Faith-based Coaching Models; Organizational Health and Christian Leadership; Conflict Resolution in Ministry Teams; Servant Leadership Development; Coaching Through Burnout and Stress; Team Dynamics and Biblical Principles; Coaching Strategies for Workplace Performance; Integrating Faith in Career and Vocational Coaching; Coaching Across Cultures and Contexts
Spiritual Formation, Biblical Counseling, and Pastoral Care
Possible Topics: Foundations of Mental Health Coaching; Distinctions Between Coaching, Counseling, and Pastoral Care; First Responder Skills in Faith Settings; Peer-led Support Groups; Ethical and Legal Considerations in Pastoral Care; Preventing Burnout in Lay and Pastoral Leaders; Congregational Counseling Models; Compassion Fatigue in Ministry; Equipping Volunteers for Care Ministries; Integrating Prayer and Scripture into Mental Health Support
Substance Use, Addictions, and Life Recovery
Possible Topics: Neurobiology of Addiction and Spiritual Recovery; Integrating Christian Faith and 12-step Models; Pornography and Sexual Addiction; Relapse Prevention in Faith Communities; Polydrug Use and Emerging Substances; Harm Reduction and Christian Responses; Codependency and Family Systems; Accountability, Spiritual Disciplines, and Recovery; Healing Shame and Guilt in Addiction; Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformation; Compassionate Church Responses to Addiction
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, September 9th
5:00 – 8:00 PM – Conference Registration Open
Thursday, September 10th
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Conference Registration Open
8:30 – 11:45 AM – Intensive Training Session 1 and Morning Pre-conference Workshops
11:45 AM – 1:30 PM – Lunch Break
12:00 – 7:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Open
1:30 – 4:45 PM – Intensive Training Session 2 and Afternoon Pre-conference Workshops
6:00 – 8:30 PM – Opening Plenary Session
Friday, September 11th
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Conference Registration Open
8:00 – 9:30 AM – Conference Workshop 1
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 – 11:45 AM – Plenary Session
12:15 – 1:30 PM – Ticketed Luncheon*
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Conference Workshop 2
4:00 – 6:00 PM – Plenary Session
Saturday, September 12th
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Conference Registration Open
8:00 – 9:30 AM – Conference Workshop 3
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 – 11:45 AM – Plenary Session
12:15 – 1:30 PM – Ticketed Luncheon*
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Conference Workshop 4
4:00 – 6:00 PM – Closing Plenary Session
*Attendees must purchase a separate ticket to attend
New Location!
Loews Arlington Hotel
The AACC 2026 Faith & Flourishing Mega National Christian Counseling Conference is held at the beautiful Loews Arlington Hotel in Arlington, Texas
Book your rooms early & stay on-site!
Call the Loews Hotel at 1-800-345-9172 to book your rooms using our exclusive group rate. Code: AACC26
Loews Arlington Hotel
888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington, Texas, 76011