Winter in Utah

President John P. Livingstone

We had a wonderful fall convention and our congratulations and appreciation go to our chairs Shane Adamson and Rebecca Jorgenson. Rebecca had the double blessing of being a co-chair and also being elected as the new AMCAP President beginning April of 2007. She will continue the AMCAP tradition of moving mental health information and education into the mainstream of Church professionals as well as the general Church membership. Shane Adamson was elected Vice-President and these two will make a terrific contribution to our organization.

There are a couple of exciting developments in AMCAP that you ought to know about. We are now an official 501 (c)(3) organization, which means that we will be able to solicit tax free funds from health professionals world-wide. More and more people are attending our website from a variety of foreign sites. We receive email on a regular basis at

President’s Message AMCAP headquarters asking about the possibility of assistance in countries around the world. The monthly ‘hits’ on www.amcap.net and www.LDScounselors.net (both our websites), reveal that people from all over the globe are visiting us on a daily basis.

Another innovation is that we are also looking to name our new Advisory Council that will be composed of Emeritus General Authorities and outstanding retired mental health professionals to assist us in making a greater contribution to the Church and the world. They will lend their expertise to the AMCAP Governing Board and help us remain aligned with Church teachings and principles in spite of academic and clinical “winds” that sometimes threaten to blow us off course.

This is a great time to be an AMCAP member and a wonderful time to be a mental health professional. The gradual polarization of good and evil continue to confront the world. How blessed we are to have spiritual anchors beyond secular sources to assist us in ways that are in harmony with gospel doctrines and values.

Please plan to join us for all of our 2007 activities.

John P. Livingstone, Ph. D. President, AMCAP

JPLivingstone@byu.edu

Spring Convention 2007 March 29-30, 2007*

Joseph Smith Memorial Building15 E. South Temple, SLC, Utah

*Pre-Convention March 28, 2007Location determined by session attending.

In This Issue

• President’s Message

• New Officers

• Clinician’s Corner - On H. J. Clinebell’s “Tests For

Mentally-Healthy Religion” John M. Rector, Ph.D.

- Creative Expression and Transformational Soul Work

Kristin I. Douglas, MA, LPC, BCIAC

- Opening our Hearts to Feeling Kristin Hansen, Ph.D.

• Spring Convention 2007

• Call for Presentation Proposals • AMCAP Contest

• BYU Counseling Conference

• Convention CD Order Forms

AMCAP ● Winter 2007

Good News!AMCAP is now a

501 (c)(3) organization. This means tax-deductible

contributions are now accepted and welcomed!

AMCAP LEADERSHIPEXECUTIVE COMMITTEEJohn P. Livingstone, Ed.D.

PresidentF2004-S2007H: 801-224-9908 W: 801-422-3692Email: jplivingstone@byu.edu

Kristine Plummer, LCSW Vice PresidentF2004- S2007H : 801-295-5566W : 801-447-6000 & 801-336-6363Email : kris59@msn.com

Rebecca Gray TreasurerF2004- S2007 H: 801-582-8311Email: bd2gray@msn.com

Rebecca Jorgensen, Ph.D.President Elect – 2007-2009W: 208-496-1100 H: 208-656-0853Email: jorgensenr@byui.edu

Shane Adamson, LCSWVice-President Elect – 2007-2009H: 801-996-8397 W: 801-747-2300Email: ShaneAdamsonFF@msn.com

BOARD MEMBERSRachel E. Crook Lyon, Ph.D.Journal Editor/ Continuing Education F2004-F2007H : 801-407-6414 W: 801-422-4375 Email : rachel_crooklyon@byu.edu

Kristin Lang Hansen, Ph.D.F2005-F2008H : 617-365-1013 W: 617-365-1013Email : Krishansen@comcast.net.

Liz B. Sharp, M.Ed., LPCF2005-F2008H : 843-270-4567 W: 843-856-0225Email : lizbsharp@hotmail.com atlantismarinein@bellsouth.net

Robert L. Gleave, Ph.D.F2004-F2009W: 801-422-3035 H: 801-224-7464Email: Robert_gleave@byu.edu

A. Dean Byrd, Ph.D.F2006-F2009H: 801-756-9189 W: 801-240-3386Email: d.byrd@utah.edu

ADVISORS TO THE BOARDEdward Martinelli, Ph.D.F2004-F2008W: 801-422-2767 H: 801-785-1057Email: edward_martinelli@byu.edu

John M. Rector, Ph.D.F2005-F2007W: 208-496-1100 H: 208-359-0609Email: rectorj@byui.edu

David O. Weber, LCSWF2005-F2007W: 801-253-0770 H: 801-254-7776Email: legacycounseling@qwest.net

Barbara Gearig, LMSW, CTLCF2006-F2008W: 801-280-2571 H: 801-280-2681Email: barbaracsw@aol.com

Rick Hawks, Ed.D Website W: 801-782-3551 H: 801-782-3551Email: info@drrickhawks.com

Burton C. Kelly, Ph.D.HistorianS2002-F2007H: 801-225-2046

Jonathan Chamberlain, Ph.D.Assistant HistorianS2002-F2007H: 801-225-2598Email: epoch2@burgoyne.com

Jan Scharman, Ph.D.General Authority RepresentativeS2002-F2005H: 801-277-4021 W: 801-378-2387Email: jan_scharman@byu.edu

Vera IvieConvention PhotographerS2002-F2005H: 801-476-1959

George Paulsen, M.Ed.Area Coordinator Assistant Supervisor–Western U.S., Pacific & AsiaH: 801-250-2823

Dennis Ashton, LMSWConvention AV RepresentativeW: 801-451-0475 Fax: 801-451-8249Email: ashtondd@ldschurch.org

Dana Templeman, MSWLDSFS Representative S2002-F2005H: 801-295-4022 W: 801-240-3629FAX: 801-240-4632Email : templemand@ldschurch.org DanaMT1554@aol.com

EXECUTIVE SECRETARYB.J. FullmerF1999-H: 801-583-4497 W: 801-583-6227FAX: 801-583-1305 Email: mail@amcap.net

AMCAP PUBLICATIONSRachel E. Crook Lyon, Ph.D. AMCAP Journal – Editor H : 801-407-6414 W: 801-422-4375 Email: rachel_crooklyon@byu.edu

John Rector, Ph.D. AMCAP Journal – Associate EditorW: 208-496-1100 H: 208-359-0609Email: rectorj@byui.edu

Kristin Douglas, MA, LPC, BCIACAMCAP Networker – Acting EditorW: 307-778-1311 H: 307-638-2129 Email: kdouglas@lccc.wy.edu

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVEKari O’Grady, Doctoral Student, BYUkari_ogrady@byu.edu

POSITIONS OPENAMCAP Board Member

Area Coordinator Assistant Supervisor –Eastern United StatesBritish IslesEurope

WHAT IS THE NETWORKER?The AMCAP Networker is an official publication of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists. It is published at least twice/year. Subscriptions are free to AMCAP members.

Note that opinions expressed in the Networker do not necessarily reflect the view of AMCAP members, officers, AMCAP Networker editorial staff, or officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Submissions are welcome. Send all submissions via email to Kristin Douglas, Acting Editor. Please include author contact information.

Kristin Douglas, MA, LPC, BCIACLaramie County Community College1400 East College DriveCheyenne, WY 82007-3299W: 307- 778-1311 H: 307-638-2129kdouglas@lccc.wy.edu

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NEW LEADERSHIP ASSIGNMENTS

Rebecca JorgensenNew President Elect

Rebecca Pack Jorgensen, PhD is clinical faculty at the Brigham Young University-Idaho Counseling Center and also teaches in the Department of Family Life. She is a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist for Couples and a Certified EFT Supervisor and Trainer.Her clinical and research interests include couples group therapy, hypersexual compulsive behavior, and EFT supervision. She maintains a small private practice in Rexburg, Idaho.Rebecca began her service in AMCAP as an area representative in 1995 and in 2003 became the Networker editor.Rebecca is married to Max Jorgensen and together they have eightgrown children.

Shane AdamsonVice-President Elect

Shane Adamson, LCSW, is a clinical director of Family First Counseling in Murray, Utah. He specializes in trauma, domestic violence, marriage and family issues, and general mental health. He provides training to allied agencies and professionals in trauma and domestic violence.

Barbara GearigBoard Advisor

Barbara Gearig, LMSW, CTLCwas in private practice in Farmington Hills, Michigan counseling with individuals, couples, and families. Barbara now lives in Utah and currently awaits licensure transfer.

Barbara has a master’s degree from Wayne State University in Clinical Social Work and also has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development from Oakland Univ. She has had specialized training with Dissociative Disorders and has been a Certified Trauma and Loss Consultant since 1997. She has worked for LDS Family Services in Michigan, organized and conducted AMAC groups and after entering private practice, continued to serve as a community resource for LDSFS and ecclesiastical leaders. She has worked with PTSD, Attention Deficit Disorders in Children and Adults, Dissociate Disorders, anger elimination, depression and anxiety disorders.

Ed MartinelliBoard Advisor

Ed Martinelli, Jr, PhD is currently employed by BYU as their Coordinator of Psychodiagnostic Services in the University Accessibility Center doing learning disabilities testing and counseling students. Ed has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Brigham Young University. He completed his Ph.D. in August, 2005 and did his dissertation work on fathers of preterm infants.

Dean ByrdNew Board Member

A. Dean Byrd, PhD, MBA, MPH is President/CEO of Thrasher Research Fund, an organization devoted to funding medical research specifically geared towards enhancing the lives of children. He is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine (Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry) as well as faculty with the Department of Family Studies.

Robert GleaveBoard Member

Robert L. Gleave, PhD is a graduate of BYU and a Licensed Psychologist. Roberthe holds joint appointments in the BYU Counseling & Career Center and the Department of Counseling Psychology. He is listed in the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists and conducts a private practice in Provo, Utah. He was the 1993 recipient of the American Psychological Association Karl F. Heiser Presidential Award, and is past present of the Utah Psychological Association and the Utah Personnel and Guidance Association.

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NEWS FROM AMCAP HEADQUARTERS

We want to welcome the following 95 members who joined AMCAP during 2006. They consist of 51 Professionals, 32 Students, 8 International Associates and one Retired member. Our international members reside in Australia, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is a pleasure working with such AMCAP members and a tremendous leadership council. Thank you for informing us of any address or email changes you have. B.J. Fullmer

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Timothy Abril, LMSWEric Allred, MA, LMFTTamara Allred, MALorna Andersen, M.ED.Garen Anderson, LMFT, LMHCRussell Bailey, StudentFrank Banfield, MSWStephen Barrick, M.Ed, LPCGena Barton, StudentKasey Best, MCElaine Bitter, MFTKaren Bludhorn, StudentChristopher Bowers, StudentsSarah Brady, StudentKevin Broderick, MS, LMFTLaurie ButterworthAdam Chapman, MCRon Christensen, MFT, LADC Isabelle Chruchill, Dip CounBarbara Clevenger, MACarmen Conley, M.Ed, LPCAmy Curtis, LCSWJohn Dale, MACheryl Despain, CSWDonald Dodson, Ph.D.Jason Durtschi, MSWMarianne Evans, CSWPatricia Evans, PhD. LSWEric Fluckinger, StudentKatherin Galietti, LPC, MSC

Craig Gerogianna, LMFTGeret Giles, Ph.D.Laura Gomez-Weakley, LPCMaurice Gourley, MARon Govin, MFTEdwin Green, LCSWAndrew Gulledge, MS, MFTLorinda Gutierrez, StudentKathleen Hamblin, LCSWGlen Hammond, LPC, M.Ed.Heather Hanamaikai, LCSWRebecca HintzeAshley HolmesTerry Hot, StudentDaniel Hoover, Ph.D. LPCChristine Hurst, StudentAndie Kalinowski, LCSWEric Kebker, MSShondell Knowlton, Ph.D. LMFTKyung-Ran Koh, StudentJoanna Legerski, StudentGregory Mason, StudentSandra Mattson, LCSWClifford Mayes, Ph.D.Chrisin Morgan, MAAnn Nelson, LMSW, MSWFamily Solution Network, Inc.Shauna Norton, MS, APRN IKari O’Grady, StudentEric Orr, Ph.D.H. Gray Otis, Ph.D., LPCSusan Pace, StudentKatherine Parry, CSWSielosa Patterson, NZAC, MSC

Paula Pea, StudentDavid Perry, StudentChristine Perry, LPC, MSEmRee Pugmire, MFTDeanna RidleyBarton Robbins, StudentKristina Roberts, Ph.D.Richard Ruff, StudentTracy Rutherford, MSMichael Schuerch, MDJohn Sevy, LCSWPorscha Shiroma, MAGeoff Steurer, MS, LMFTMarchia Swingholm, LCSWKathleen Tomazin, MA, LCPCHana TukukinoWatene TukukinoPatricia Van De Veer, StudentGeriLynn Vorkink, StudentJames Wadman, LCSWKevan Walker, CDCTMaraia Weingarten, M.Ed.Jonathan Weller, Ph.D.Annette Wheeler, StudentJoalene Whitmer, LPC, MSRobin Williams, LCSWPaula WoodMarie Worsham, StudentJanet Wrench, ATCL, LTCLJanaLynn Young, MSMark Zelig, Ph.D, ABPP

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CLINICIAN’S CORNER

On H. J. Clinebell’s “Tests For Mentally-Healthy Religion”

John M. Rector, Ph.D.Brigham Young University-Idaho

Here’s something you probably haven’t seen in a while (or perhaps ever): H. J. Clinebell’s classic “Tests for Mentally-Healthy Religion” (1965). In my Psychology of Religion course at BYU-Idaho, my students and I spend a day going over this list together, processing each item in terms of our own personal approach towards our faith, our experience within larger Mormon culture, and the world religio-political situation in general. While value-laden and culturally-embedded within a Judaeo-Christian cultural worldview, Clinebell’s questions succinctly outline many of the larger issues pertinent to healthy religious belief and practice all over the world. For clinicians, Clinebell’s list of questions can serve as an additional guidepost for discerning healthy and unhealthy religiosity, both in our clients and within ourselves.

Clinebell’s Tests for Mentally-Healthy Religion

Does a particular form of religious thought and practice…

1. Build bridges or barriers between people?

2. Strengthen or weaken a basic sense of trust and relatedness to the universe?

3. Stimulate or hamper the growth of inner freedom and personal responsibility?

4. Provide effective or faulty means of helping persons move from a sense of guilt to forgiveness?

5. Provide well-defined, significant, ethical guidelines or does it emphasize ethical trivia?

6. Handle the vital energies of sex and aggressiveness in constructive or repressive ways?

7. Encourage the acceptance or denial of reality?

8. Foster magical or mature religious beliefs?

9. Encourage intellectual honesty with respect to doubts?

10. Oversimplify the human situation or face its tangled complexity?

11. Emphasize love and growth or fear?

12. Give its adherents a frame of orientation and object of devotion that is adequate in handling existential anxiety constructively?

13. Encourage the individual to relate to his or her unconscious through living symbols?

14. Accommodate itself to the neurotic patterns of society or endeavor to change them?

15. Strengthen or weaken self-esteem?

Clinebell, H.J. (1965). Mental health through Christian community; the local church’s ministry on growth and healing. New York: Abingdon Press. pp. 30-54.

Creative Expression and Transformational Soul Work

Kristin I. Douglas, MA, LPC, BCIACLaramie County Community College

“Soul work” is what happens when the body, mind, and spirit commune with the Divine, creating new levels of meaning and insight, transforming the heart and soul to a place of increased clarity of self. One such profound experience of transformational “soul work” came through sharing music with patients in a hospital arts program I once directed. This transformational “soul work” has affected not only the way I play cello for others, but also the way I work with my clients.

When I started my first master’s program, studying how music can be used for stress reduction and healing, my advisor and mentor, Dr. Rosalie Pratt, asked me to help start a hospital arts program in the community. I was to meet with hospital and university administrators, establish protocols, recruit musicians, and organize performances for patients, and at times, perform as well.

On many levels, I was thrilled to have this opportunity, yet inside I struggled tremendously. In the course of my bachelor’s program, I developed major problems with performance anxiety. This new anxiety developed when I transferred to a new college, in a new city, with my new spouse. I had played cello since fourth grade but never really took lessons until I got to college. Being behind in music never bothered me much before, but now it did.

The Clinician’s Corner is a section of the Networker where AMCAP members share ideas they find helpful in their own clinical practice. AMCAP members are invited to submit their clinical ideas for inclusion in future issues of the Networker. Please send submissions to Kristin Douglas, Acting Editor at kdouglas@lccc.wy.edu. See www.amcap.net for additional ideas from past AMCAP publications.

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The competition was much stronger at my new college and fear kicked in. I remember sitting in orchestra, looking around at all the other cellists in our section, feeling like I didn’t belong or have much to offer. I found myself clinging to my cello, sweat dripping from the palms of my hands, and my mind whirling with self-defeating thoughts that contributed to great feelings of inadequacy. My attempts to “keep things in perspective” didn’t work at the time and added to further degrees of uncertainty and doubt. I questioned what I had to offer as a musician. If I struggled in orchestra rehearsals, how could I perform for others at the hospital?

I decided to take on the challenge and rise above my fears. Naturally, I was very nervous as I went to the hospital each week. The first of many similar experiences came on one of those early hospital outings. An older gentleman cried as I played. The first thought that came to my mind as he cried was, “Wow, I must really be horrible!” After my performance, I crept away as I saw himwheel his chair toward me. I was fearful he would tell me I wasn’t good enough to play here and should stay home. Instead, I was surprised when he said he was greatly touched by the music I played. He thanked me for sharing myself and my music. He even said he looked forward to me coming again.

“Hmm, greatly touched by the music I played?” How could that be, I wondered. I pondered this experience a great deal for his words and kindness baffled me. They didn’t fit the anxiety paradigm I had created for myself. Nevertheless, because of this experience I began to challenge my thinking more often, considering that perhaps I had something to offer after all. I started to nurture the seed that was dormant for years, re-discovering myself as I peeled away layers ofself-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I started trusting my spiritual origins and allowed myself to be “tutored” through these challenges.

With time, I realized something I had never considered or trusted before— I was the gift. More importantly, as I opened up my heart and humbled myself, I could play with strength. The Holy Ghost worked through me and touched the hearts of those present. These insights helped me reinvent my life as a musician. I started to heal on many levels and slowly rekindled and deepened my passion for music and life!

My confidence level increased considerably as I learned to relax and let go of self-defeating thoughts. My playing blossomed when I learned to trust the Divine while connecting with my audience in a very personal and transparent way.

Stephen Nachmanovitch (1990) states that “What we have to express is already with us, is us, so the work of creativity is not a matter of making the material come, but of unblocking the obstacles to its natural flow… The creative process is a spiritual path. The adventure is about us, about the deep self, the composer in all of us…” (p. 13). Difficult and painful experiences often contribute to our greatest growth. I have learned to honor the “breaking point,” open my soul, embrace the Divine above and within, allow the power of creative synergistic forces to work in my behalf, and trust

the creative process to unfold as it should. A new world has openedup to me through embracing these “soul work” moments. In turn, my heart opened and expanded, increasing presence, essence and the ability to be in the moment. I let go of performing and shared one of the greatest gifts possible— myself and my heart.

A few years later I returned to graduate school to work on a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education. As a counselor, I often reflect on Heavenly Father’s hand in my life and these types of transformational “soul work” moments. They represent pivotal turning points that have contributed to great personal growth and in part, guide my work with clients. In the counseling process, we are the instrument, and at times, the medium through which music is made. Education, training and experience, combined with the gift of ourselves and the spirit, increases opportunities for powerful, soul work moments to unfold. As we give of our heart and soul, we connect with our clients on a deeper, more Divine level. This, in turn, creates a unique stage where the music can flow more freely. We then allow ourselves to just be, letting the Holy Ghost and the art of improvisation guide.

Nachmanovitch, S. (1990). Free play: The power of improvisation in life and art. New York: Penguin Putnam, Inc.

Opening Our Hearts to FeelingKristin Hansen, Ph.D.

Brigham Young University

The following is a handout I use with clients to help them gain a better understanding about healthy versus unhealthy emotional expression and how this might fit into a gospel context.

In Genesis we learn about the people of Babel who wanted to do things their own way rather than God’s way. Isn’t this what we so often do? Abraham is an example of one who bends his will to the Lord’s. While the people of Babel are trying to prevent their scattering by building a tower, Abraham, humbles himself before the Lord and lets himself be directed to where the Lord would have him go. Unlike the people of Babel, Abraham was not caught up in his own power, he recognized the one and only true power, God’s power, which he could have by choosing the Lord’s will over his own.

Is it possible that we might sometimes be doing our will rather than God’s when it comes to our emotions? In my psychotherapy practice, I have clients who are living righteous lives but are in emotional pain because they are not allowing themselves to feel certain emotions. The pain comes because like the people of Babel, these individuals are trying to “do it on their own.” They do not

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want to feel any emotions that might be difficult to express or make others upset. Consequently, they put away, avoid or ignore some emotions, meant to be felt and transformed through the power of the Atonement. Some have been taught through the sins of the fathers to avoid certain emotions and even sometimes to not “feel.” In short, those choosing not to feel some of their emotions are trying to do it in their own way rather than the Lord’s way and the pain is a reminder that something is wrong.

When it comes to our emotions, we often ask the wrong question. We ask “should I feel this emotion or not?” Our choice is rarely a question as to whether we are feeling something or not…our choice lies in first letting the emotion (or feeling) reach our conscious awareness. Once it does, then we can decide how to think about it and respond. The Lord relies on our ability to experience emotion to help us know His will. Elder S. Dilworth Young of the Seventy, in teaching how to hear the small still voice, explains that the Lord communicates in part through our feelings, the other part being our mind. Elder Young commenting on D&C 9:8-9 states that “causing the bosom to burn is another way of saying that feeling is a big part of the process of revelation”(from “The Still Small Voice,” Ensign, May 1976).

If we cut ourselves off from our emotions, we are also cutting ourselves off from the Lord. We put ourselves at risk for becoming like those in the book of Mormon who are “past feeling.” When we are past feeling it is hard to know the difference between right and wrong because we no longer feel the spirit testifying of truth. We also lose our ability to empathize with and be sensitive to the needs of others. For example, Nephi rebukes his brothers for both their murderous intentions in spite of their seeing an angel stating “He hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words” (1 Nephi 17:45) Elder Young comments on this scripture stating “Why did he [Nephi] not say, “Ye are past hearing that ye could not hear his words? Because the assurance comes through feeling.” When we become unfeeling, communication with the Lord is difficult.

So how can we feel? Knowing something about our emotions and how they work helps us learn how to feel. Our emotions can bring us closer to Heavenly Father by acting as a signaling system to help us know 1) what action to take based on what we are feeling, 2) when we are expressing true emotion, and 3) when we are close to the Lord. I will address each of these points, how we can learn to express our true emotion in healthy ways and how we can help others simply by listening. I use the words emotion and feeling interchangeably.

Our emotions are a signaling system that allows us to connect with God. An emotion (or feeling) signals to us an action that we could take or should not take. For example, if we feel peaceful we know we have made a good choice. If we feel joy or happiness, we need to offer gratitude for

the blessing. If we feel closeness with another, we should spend time with another if that closeness is reciprocated. If we are angry, we need to find out if an injustice has occurred whether it is real or there has been a misunderstanding. If we are sad, we must grieve a loss, whether it is real or based on an expectation we wrongly held. If we are lonely, we are being called to reach out and connect with others. If we feel shame or guilt, we should inhibit our behavior or change how we think. There are many other emotions we can feel but all tend to be variations of the following: anger, sorrow, excitement/interest, joy/happiness, tenderness, closeness, fear, contempt/disgust, shame, guilt, and anxiety.

Learning to fully feel and experience our emotions requires humility and a willingness to learn how to feel and express them in healthy ways. Leigh McCullough, Ph.D., a Harvard University professor, makes the distinction between a healthy and unhealthy expression of emotion. Healthy emotional expression is genuine and honest and when its expression serves a purpose leaving in its wake a sense of relief. In close intimate relationships, learning how to share genuine emotion in humility is vital for relationship growth. Healthy expression of emotion builds closeness, increases one’s sensitivity to the spirit, increases one’s compassion for others by bringing an awareness that all people feel, anger, sadness, excitement, happiness and builds compassion for yourself by bringing awareness of your need to rely on the Lord to help you express the genuine emotion.

So how does the unhealthy expression of emotion come about? Sometimes we express emotions in unhealthy ways to avoid expressing our truer feelings. Leigh McCullough refers to these unhealthy emotional expressions as counterfeit emotions because they hide true feeling. Some examples of counterfeit emotions are smiling and being friendly when you are actually angry (frustrated, annoyed) inside; breaking down in tears when you are actually afraid to get angry and/or assert yourself; getting angry and irritated with others when you are actually sad inside. Whenever your emotions are not congruent with what you are thinking and how you are acting, you may not be expressing your true emotion. The presence of counterfeit emotions keeps us humble by requiring us to ask ourselves when an emotion is unclear “is that what I am really feeling or is there something deeper I am avoiding.”

When we don’t express our true emotions, they often come out in indirect ways. They do not go away because we simply “will” them to. For example, a man is afraid to assert angry feelings because he believes it is wrong to get angry. However, he repeatedly finds himself acting in passive aggressive ways (i.e., engaging in subtle forms of revenge) though he tells himself he is turning the other cheek. A woman is afraid to grieve the death of her mother because then she might lose her

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mother’s memory. Yet in blocking grief, the woman is always irritated with those around her and thinks this is just the new her. A young man is afraid to date because he fears closeness and the revealing of his inadequacies. Nevertheless, the young man stays single rather than engaging in relationships that might build his inner confidence. Finally, a young woman has been taught to “just get over” her sorrow and “put on a happy face.” Consequently, the young woman is trying to live an impossible standard met only by the compromise of faking happiness and blocking sorrow. This compromise could be relieved for this young woman if she were allowed to be sad.

Sometimes our true emotions seem inappropriate, such as covetous feelings or any kind of obsession (with anger, with hurt, a person, an event…etc). However, I have found that people who go to great lengths to ignore such feelings usually are more likely to act on them often hurting others or themselves. It is when we accept these feelings, as Abraham accepted the command to be scattered, that we receive knowledge and insight into how to act. For example, we may find underlying a jealous feeling is recognition of what is missing in our own lives. It is when we acknowledge our emotions before the Lord that He gives us His power and the freedom to think, feel and act differently.

It is very common for people to be masters at experiencing true positive emotion while pushing aside negative feelings such as anger

and sadness. For example a person may fear being seen as “weak” by expressing sadness and incorrectly conclude that sorrow is wrong. While the Gospel teaches us that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25) it does not teach that we should not be angry and sad. Jesus Christ demonstrates justified anger when he drives out changers of money from his Father’s house (John 2:15). We would not want to be guilty of shaming ourselves or others into only expressing positive emotion, because we ourselves are uncomfortable or feel weak when expressing or experiencing uncomfortable negative emotion.

The healthy expression of emotion becomes a tool to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and each other. When we make a good choice and receive the witness of the Holy Ghost, our emotions are of a positive nature. We feel peacefulness which is often accompanied by joy, happiness, curiosity, wonder. Poor choices often leave us sad, angry, depressed, disappointed, and disconnected from our Heavenly Father. We know we are growing closer to our Heavenly Father and choosing good behaviors and thought patterns as we experience more of the positive emotions especially in the midst of adversity and persecution. As we learn the healthy expression of emotion, we become more honest and genuine with ourselves and others. Our relationships improve, we receive more light and knowledge and we find ourselves surrounded by more truthful and genuine people.

If you sense you have difficulty expressing some or all of your true emotion, you may need to learn how to do this in healthy ways. Learning to express true emotion requires practice. Practice helps us become better at distinguishing our true feelings from feelings meant to avoid true feeling. Healthy emotional expression requires valuing the importance of healthy emotional expression. It entails a desire to be genuine and truthful, a desire to please the Lord at all costs rather than to please your fellow men, and forgiveness, of yourself and others who may bestruggling with learning how to do this. We must express our feelings with sensitivity to how others will hear them (harsh words even if the result of genuine anger can hurt another person). We must stay humble and not feel justified by our feelings as often true emotion will arise even in reaction to a misunderstanding. Finally, it is important to express genuine feelings with love. In these ways, we can learn to relate particular emotions with certain patterns of behavior, and become more effective in choosing which emotions we feel by choosing to engage in

pattern of behavior and thinking that bring on those emotions.

Just as we must learn and practice healthy emotional expression, we must learn to help others do this as well which in turn helps us. Hearing the emotions of others helps us grow. It is sometimes difficult to hear another’s emotions if we ourselves can not express our own. Developing good listening skills, listening without involvement of the self (“what am I going to say next” “how can Isound smart or important or socially adept”), listening purely to give, is the pathway to learning to better hear the emotions of others and indirectly, helps us know our own emotions better. Hearing other people’s true feelings humbles us. We are forced to face reality. We can not hide behind our own imagined images of ourselves (whether they be puffed up or too incapable). In contrast, we can receive the blessing of hearing true caring we might have missed in our discomfort. Do we not want to hear the Savoir say “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear“(Matt 13:16)? Do we hear the emotions in another that are really there or what we want to hear?

In our day, the Lord requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit. If we have put away our emotions, we become hardened, and tough. How can we feel with our hearts if they cannot become hurt or broken? Are we to become a people who “draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their feartoward me is taught by the precept of men” Isaiah 29:13. We cannot change our emotions on our own by trying to hide them, swallow them, avoid them or forbid them. We need to acknowledge our feelings and lay them at the Savior’s feet. In doing so, we make use of the Atonement. We must not fear our genuine feelings, and prevent the humbling God could give us to help us draw near to him. Like Abraham, we too should not be afraid to “accept” what we are feeling and learn how to act accordingly, even if the only appropriate action is to put our feelings in personal sacrifice upon the alter of the One to whom we are indebted, Jesus Christ.

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AMCAPSPRING CONVENTION 2007*

March 28 – 30, 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah!

MATTERS of the HEART: Curing, Connecting & Cooperating

Keynote Speakers Plenary Speakers Brent Slife Rollin McCraty

Chieko Okazaki Wendy Ulrich Stephen R. Covey Richard & Camille Williams

Distinguished Service to Humanity Award RecipientsElder Russell M. Nelson & Sister Wendy Watson Nelson

Please join us for their Honorary Banquet Friday March 30, 2007, 6:00 p.m., Joseph Smith Memorial Building

$30.00

Pre-Convention Workshops March 28, 2007. Location determined by session attending.

CE Credits Available

*Check out the AMCAP website at www.amcap.net for Convention Bulletin and Registration Forms!

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SPRING CONVENTION 2007 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Stephen R. Covey

Dr. Stephen R. Covey is the author of several acclaimed books, including the international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It has sold more than 15 million copies in 38 languages throughout the world. Other bestsellers authored by Dr. Covey include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families.

Dr. Covey’s book, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, released in November 2004, has risen to the top of several bestseller lists and has sold more than 700,000 copies. In April 2006, The 8th Habit was named Best Business Book of 2005 by Soundview Executive Summaries.

Dr. Covey is cofounder and vice chairman of FranklinCovey, the leading global professional services firm with offices in 123 countries. FranklinCovey shares Dr. Covey’s vision, discipline and passion to inspire, lift and provide tools for change and growth of individuals and organizations throughout the world.

Dr. Covey's organizational legacy to the world is Covey Leadership Center. In 1997 Covey Leadership Center merged with Franklin Quest to createFranklinCovey. Dr. Covey's vision of empowering organizations to implement "principle-centered" leadership in their cultures continues to be an important focus of FranklinCovey.

Chieko Okazaki

Chieko Okazaki served as First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency from 1990 to 1997. She describes herself as a "child of humble Japanese laborers on a plantation on the big island of Hawaii." At age fifteen, she converted to the Church from Buddhism. She married Edward Y. Okazaki, also a convert, who passed away in March 1992. They are the parents of two sons. Chieko has taught school in Hawaii, Utah and Colorado for twenty-three years and served as an elementary school principal for ten additional years. She is the author of several best selling books and tapes and has given presentations all over the world. In 2001, Chieko Okazaki received the AMCAP Distinguished Service to Humanity Award.

Brent Slife

Dr. Brent Slife is currently a Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, where he chairs the doctoral program in Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. He is also faculty in the Department of Clinical Psychology. Recently honored with the Karl G. Maeser Award for Outstanding Scholarship, he was also distinguished as BYU "Teacher of the Year" and the “Most Outstanding Professor” by the Psychology Honor Society, Psi Chi. Dr. Slife is actively involved with several professional organizations and has served on editorial boards of fiveprofessional journals and has also served as President of the Society of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. He has authored over 120 articles and six books. Dr. Slife has a psychotherapy private practice, where he specializes in marital and family therapy.

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SPRING CONVENTION 2007 INFORMATION

Convention Fees* Both Days One Day

Professional Members $140.00 $ 95.00Spouses, Retired Members $110.00 $ 75.00Non-AMCAP Members $170.00 $120.00Students $ 66.00 $ 33.00Students without Lunch $ 40.00 $ 20.00

Pre-Convention Fees** $ 50.00 If registered for Convention on Thursday or Friday

(March 28, 2007) $ 25.00 1/2 Day Pre-Convention Only

$ 70.00 Pre-Convention Only

$ 20.00 Student Pre-Convention Rate

AMCAP Membership Professional $ 60.00 Annually

Student $ 30.00 Annually

*Price includes lunch. Pre-Registration is due by March 23, 2007. Registration increases $20.00 after March 23, 2007. Register early!**Location to be determined by session attending.

AMCAP members who would like to sell/distribute books, CDS, DVDs, Tapes, Brochures or Program Announcements at the AMCAP Bookstore during semi-annual conventions should forward a request with a copy of the display materials (which can be retrieved at the convention) to:

A. Dean Byrd, Ph.D., MBA, MPH Thrasher Research FundGateway Tower West 15 W. South Temple Street, Suite 1650 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 d.byrd@utah.edu

All requests to display need to be sent no later than 30 days prior to the convention. Once reviewed, and a decision is made, notification of acceptance will be sent via letter/email.

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Call for Posters!AMCAP SPRING CONVENTION 2007

Joseph Smith Memorial Building15 East South Temple, 9th Floor

Call for posters: We are soliciting abstracts for the AMCAP Spring Convention 2007 poster session.

What is a poster? Posters are excellent ways to summarize research or single case studies, and to present a conceptual model or innovative interventions in therapy. Key information (brief paragraphs, bulleted outlines, diagrams, tables, graphs) is posted on a bulletin board (usually provided by the conference), usually in large print (to make it easier to read). Easels will be available.

Presenters stand by their posters at the specified time, Thursday, March 29, 12:30 – 1:00 pm, to answer questions and dialogue with others who are interested in the content, and often provide handout summaries for interested conference attendees. Posters typically remain up throughout the convention.

To submit a poster for consideration:

1. Submit a cover page with the title and names, degrees, professional titles, affiliations, & contact information for each presenter. Contact information should include: address, phone, fax, and email address.

2. Submit a separate page with the poster title and a 250 word abstract of the content of the poster. Ideally, an abstract should highlight the key content that will be presented, research methods (if a research study is the subject of the poster), place this content in context (in terms of what is known/not known) and highlight any key implications for practice and/or future research.

3. Submissions can be sent electronically to Kari O’Grady, kari_ogrady@msn.com in a Word or Rich Text attachment. Questions can be directed to Dr. Rachel Crook Lyon at 801-422-4375 or rachel_crooklyon@byu.edu.

4. Poster session submissions must be received no later than March 9, 2007.

Notification: You'll be notified about the status of your poster by Wednesday, March 14, 2007. The convention fee, including lunch, is waived the day of your poster presentation.

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CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS

AMCAP FALL CONVENTION 2007October 4-5, 2007, Salt Lake City, Utah

Call for Presentations

We live in a time when new discoveries are continually being made in science. New understandings are coming to light about the mind, body and spirit as well as how to integrate our psychology with our spiritual frameworks. These theories and understandings affect the way we live life, interact with others, and work with clients.

We invite you to submit your ideas regarding this theme and help share your knowledge on the latest developments in our field. Presentation options include workshops, panel discussions, and plenary addresses.

Possible Topics Integrative approaches to mental health practices Gospel based approaches to mind-body techniques (such as meditation, mindfulness or

imagery in therapy) Research on the brain and the implications for mental health practice Theories about the mind (such as the role of agency in our therapeutic work) The mind/body/spirit connection

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT: NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE

Now these are the circumstances which attended them in theirjourneyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, bothin body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also muchlabor in the spirit. Alma 17: 5

The Gospel embraces all truth whether it comes from the scientific laboratory or the revealed word of God. Nelson, Russell M. (l984). Begin With the End in Mind. Fireside Address, Sept. 30, p. 5.

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CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS (Cont.)

Submission of Proposals

Proposals should contain the following information:1. Presenter Information (affiliation, email, phone, fax, address)2. Presentation Title, Format, Abstract (200 words), and Learning Objectives for a professional audience3. Presenter Qualifications (100-word biosketch, names of 3 references)4. Specification of Audiovisual Equipment Requested

Research-based presentations are strongly encouraged, though theoretical or presentations are acceptable as well. The title and focus of the conference has been left intentionally ambiguous to encourage diverse approaches to the topic.

Proposal due date: May 1, 2007Proposals should be sent to Kristin Hansen (email:Kristin_hansen@byu.edu)

AMCAP’S MISSION STATEMENT

AMCAP’s mission is to provide information and support for the LDS mental health professional in four areas:

1. Spiritual Focus2. Clinical Application3. Networking and Outreach4. Research, Theory and Publication

As AMCAP members we strive to center our personal and professional lives upon Jesus Christ by serving our brothers and sisters in need.

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------------ CONTEST Announcement ------------The AMCAP Board is holding a “Name the Journal” contest! We want your help deciding on a new name for the AMCAP Journal! Please submit entries electronically to Rachel E. Crook Lyon, AMCAP Journal Editor at amcap_journal@byu.edu. More than one entry is accepted. Entries are due Friday, March 16, 2007.

The winning entry will be announced at the AMCAP Spring Convention 2007. The winner will receive a free ticket to the convention banquet with Elder and Sister Nelson on Friday, March 30, 2007.

UPCOMING BYU WORKSHOP

For more information, call 801-422-2568 or email cw348@byu.edu,To register for the conference, download registration forms at http://ce.byu.edu/cw/cwcounse/

“Providing Services to Latino Populations in Mental Health and School Settings:

Enhancing Our Cultural Competencies”

Presented by Luis A. Vázquez, Ph.D.

Presenter Information: Dr. Luiz A. Vázquez is head of the Counseling and Educational Psychology Department as well as a Regents professor (endowed chair) and a professor of Counseling/ Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. In 2005 he received a Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association for his "visionary, creative, and courageous leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing the 2005 Multicultural Summit;" he has received numerous additional awards and special honors in recognition of his professional work. The author of over 20 journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Vázquez has also co-created 10 counselor training videos, including The Psychology of Men and Masculinity in Multicultural Perspective; Counseling Latino/Latina Adolescents and Children: Brief Interventions; and Multiculturalism: Issues in Counseling and Education.

Program Description: This conference is designed to help a broad range of professionals working in the mental health and/or educational settings develop or enhance their counseling, teaching, supervising, and/or mentoring knowledge and skills for working with Latino or Hispanic persons.

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 22, 2007, 5:00 p.m. (MST). Space is limited so register early!

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FALL CONVENTION 2006 C.D. ORDER FORM

Helping and Healing our FamiliesSeptember 28-29, 2006

CHECK HERE

TOPIC PRESENTER(S) # OF CDs

__ 1. Helping and Healing our Families David Dollahite, PhD &Elaine Walton, PhD __

__2. Blended Families S. Brent Scharman, PhD & Janet S. Scharman,

PhD __

__3. The Pharisee and the Sinner: Identifying and Treating the Relational dynamic of Marriage

Jeff S. Reber, PhD

____ 4. The Effects of Father Presence/Absence on

Future GenerationsRosa Hubbard-Ford, MA __

__5. Helping and Healing our Families: Working with Victims of Domestic Violence

Gary Felt, MA

____ 6. Cyber Infidelity: Implications and Intervention

Strategies for TherapistsMichael Howard, EdD __

__7. Breaking the Chain of Negative Family Influences

Dean Barley, LCSW & Roberta Magarrel, PhD

____ 8. Building Happy Homes Joan & Dean Connolly __

__9. Spiritual Precepts and their Application to Positive

ParentingAbbie Vaines, LPC

__

__10. Postpartum Mood disorders: Healing mothers, Healing Families

Christina Hibbert, PsyD

____ 11. Healing Wounds of Infidelity Mark Butler, PhD __

__12. The Characteristics of a more Functional Family James MacArthur, PhD

____ 13. Teenagers and Addiction Dean Belnap, MD __

__14. Marital Intimacy Robert Stahmann, PhD

____ 15. Helping Families through Helping Men Richard Isakson, PhD, & James MacArthur, PhD

____ 16. The Relationship between Forgiveness and

Marital SatisfactionRussell C. Gaede, PsyD, LPC __

__17. “When Trauma Happened to a Family: What the Therapist Can Do”

Barbara Gearig, LCSW

__

__18. Identifying mental Health Resources for LDS and Other Religious Clients

Dr. Rick Hawks, Elder Rulon Craven, Gawain Wells, PhD __

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FALL CONVENTION 2006 C.D. ORDER FORM – Pg. 2

Helping and Healing our FamiliesSeptember 28-29, 2006

All presentations are on CD for this convention. (Some handouts are also included).

C.D. FEES

Members: $ 120.00 for complete set or $ 8.00 per presentation

Non-Members: $ 150.00 for complete set or $10.00 per CD

______ # of individual CDs or CD sets Total Due ____________

Name _____________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________

Email __________________________________

Send or Fax Order and Payment to:

AMCAP 2540 East 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Fax: (801) 583-1305 Email: mail@amcap.net

Payments Accepted: Credit Card, Cash or Check.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Name on credit card: ____________________________________ Exp. Date __________

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR RENEWAL FORM 01-2007

New Application* [ ] Please send a copy of the Bylaws and

Renewal (AMCAP #________) Ethical Guidelines of AMCAP (also located on Website)

Dr. Mrs. Ms Mr.

____________________________________________________________________________________ (____)_______________ First Name Initial Last Name Home Phone

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Home Address City State\Country Zip Code

Highest degree:[ ] BA\BS [ ] MA [ ] MC [ ] M.Ed. [ ] MS [ ] MSC [ ] MSW [ ] DSW [ ] Ed.D. [ ] MD [ ] Ph.D. [ ] Psy.D. [ ] Other_____________________________________

Current License type: ______________________________________________ #_______________________________

I am applying for the following membership category: [ ] Professional member - $60 annual fee, $750 lifetime membership fee (add $10.00 fee for www.ldscouselors.net listing) [ ] Student or [ ] Retiree - $30 annual fee (add $10.00, one time only fee for www.ldscouselors.net listing) [ ] Associate member (non-voting) - $60 annual fee [ ] Bishop [ ] Other: _______________________________ [ ] International Associate member (non-voting) - $30 annual fee in U.S. funds

(Note: Category available outside the U.S. and Canada only.) [ ] Institution (single, non-voting representative) - $60 annual fee

Employer: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________Work Address City State\Country Zip Code

(____)_______________________________ ________________________________________________________________Work phone Position

(____) _________________ _________________________________ __________________________________________Fax number E-mail Address Website Address

Specialties: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Please send mail to my work address. Please send mail to my home address.

I would like to [ ]write or [ ]present on this topic: _______________________________________________________________

**Please circle any information you DO NOT WANT included in the AMCAP Directory or on an Internet Listing(Members-only Internet listing will include, if desired, name, license, email, work phone, city, state, membership type in a password-protected section on the AMCAP website. An additional $10.00 fee is required to be listed on the additional website, www.ldscouselors.net for those providing therapy)

I am I am not currently providing therapy to individuals.

As a member of AMCAP, I agree to support the purposes and ethical guidelines of AMCAP as stated in the Bylaws.

The above information is accurate to my knowledge. _____________________________________________________________ Signature of Applicant

Send application & fees, payable to AMCAP in US funds only to: AMCAP 2540 East 1700 South

AMCAP email: mail@amcap.net Salt Lake City, UT 84108(801-583-6227)

You may pay with a credit card on our website or Fax form with credit card information to: 801-583-1305.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Exp Date _________

Name on credit card: ____________________________________________________________

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