UNCERTAIN: Ethical Considerations for Supporting Faith Deconstructing Clients

This 3-hour continuing education workshop from Kirk Sheppard, LPCC-S (author of “Jesus & Me: Questioning God, Life, and Everything in Between”) explores the complexities of supporting clients who are deconstructing their faith, particularly within Christian traditions. Deconstruction is a deeply personal and often challenging process that involves critically examining long-held religious beliefs and practices.

The training focuses on ethical considerations counselors may encounter, such as maintaining client autonomy, navigating confidentiality in the face of family or community pressure, and addressing power dynamics inherent in religious contexts. Utilizing the Feminist Ethical Decision-Making Model, participants will learn to apply ethical frameworks that emphasize collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment.

The workshop integrates practical therapeutic approaches, including Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) to address relational disconnection, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe cognitive distortions, and Narrative Therapy to help clients re-author their spiritual journey. Case studies and interactive exercises provide hands-on learning to equip counselors with tools to manage ethical dilemmas and personal biases in practice.

By the end of the training, participants will:

1. Understand the ethical challenges of supporting clients during faith deconstruction.

2. Apply feminist ethics and therapeutic frameworks to navigate these challenges.

3. Engage with practical strategies to foster client growth, autonomy, and well-being.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON.