Description
Summary
When Christian mental health professionals work in or partner with the public school system, values conflicts are inevitable. Although these professionals may hold personal religious beliefs, counselor ethical codes and standards require them to honor students’ autonomy and avoid imposing spiritual beliefs (ACA, 2014; CACREP, 2024; ASCA, 2022). However, there is a delicate balance between honoring biblical truth and adhering to professional standards and the American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics (2023) requires that counselors exercise great care in working with clients regardless of their status, affiliations, or beliefs while still providing services that are based in Biblical truths. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals will recognize how to honor one’s beliefs while serving students in public schools. Participants will discuss the historical and Biblical scope of “Separation of Church and State” to explain how faith-based mental health professionals adhere to state regulations while comparing counseling standards to Biblical principles and societal trends to implement effective services in schools. Additionally, participants will create a personal and professional integration plan to be the salt and light in public education.
Learning Objectives
Participants will…
- Discuss how to navigate the balance between honoring one’s personal Christian beliefs and adhering to counselor ethical codes, ensuring respect for students’ autonomy while serving in public schools.
- Examine the historical and biblical context of the “Separation of Church and State,” and how faith-based mental health professionals can comply with state regulations while respecting their beliefs.
- Create a personal and professional integration plan to effectively implement mental health services in public schools while being the Salt and Light, integrating biblical principles with counseling standards.
Presenters
Summer Kuba, Ph.D., Ed.S., MSW, is the School Counseling Program Director and an associate professor at Liberty University. With a strong background as both a school counselor and private practice clinician, she has worked extensively with children, adolescents, women, and families in a variety of settings, including residential treatment centers and advocacy roles with the Florida State Attorney’s Office. Her areas of expertise include grief and loss, crisis intervention, the MTSS process, and Biblical integration in counseling. Dr. Kuba is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences and is passionate about leadership and advocacy within the counseling profession.
Kerry Bowles, Ph.D., M.Ed., is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Director in the M.Ed. in School Counseling Program at Liberty University. With over 14 years of experience as a school counselor in Central Virginia and more than 15 years supervising master’s-level counseling students, she brings a wealth of practical and academic expertise to her role. A dedicated educator and advocate for the profession, she is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including AACC, ACA, ASCA, and VASC. Kerry is also a frequent presenter at state and regional conferences, sharing her insights on school counseling and counselor education.
Continuing Education
Approved for ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, and the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
