Description
021: The Role of Emotional and Relational Intelligence (E.R.I.) in Treating Anxiety, Depression, and Social Isolation
Gary Oliver, Ph.D.
The Center for Healthy Relationships
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Summary
Christ said, “I’ve come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” Unfortunately, the sad reality is that most people, including Christians, are not living or enjoying the “abundant” life that our Lord designed us to experience. Starting with a sound biblical and theological foundation, then building on the emerging science of Emotional and Relational Intelligence (ERI) and recent developments in Interpersonal Neurobiology, this workshop will address treating the major mental health issues of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Participants will learn the specific diagnostic criteria for each disorder and then, using the ERI lens, acquire biblically-informed practical and precise ways to help individuals dealing with these significant mental and emotional concerns. Participants will leave this workshop with a significantly expanded therapeutic “toolkit” to increase their effectiveness with a wide range of clients.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Identify the practical implications of the Imago Dei and the process of sanctification in helping people change and become growth-focused, as well as review recent research (Killen, Panksepp, Siegel) on how three, specific neural pathways can become dominant in our lives and central to understanding personality development
• Demonstrate the core distinctives of Emotional and Relational Intelligence (ERI)—what it is, what it isn’t, why it matters, and how it relates to personal, interpersonal, and spiritual maturity—and how they can equip and empower us to grow and become more successful
• Identify diagnostic criteria for anxiety, depression, and social isolation, as well as specific and practical ways that biblical insights, psychological research, and some recent developments in Interpersonal Neurobiology can, through the ERI lens, help effect meaningful growth and increased health for the licensed mental health professional and psychologist
