Monthly archive: January 2024

Richmont recently launched the Spiritual First Responders Project, a major research initiative initially funded by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. This project advances mental health interventions for spiritual thriving and well-being among those who are experiencing mental distress, including those experiencing spiritual struggles, church hurt, and faith deconstruction. The Eudokias Foundation recognizes the urgency of this spiritual public health need and is generously partnering to provide financial support for this research initiative.

The Eudokias Foundation (eudokias.org) takes its name from Luke 2:14, which references both the glory and grace of God, with peace being available to people who genuinely receive that grace at an identity level. The mission and philosophy of Eudokias include fostering spiritual growth and mental well-being in the spiritual lives of individuals and communities by opening access to meaningful encounters with the Holy Spirit to empower people to have heartfelt confidence in being God’s beloved little children.

This generous in-kind support highlights the importance of Richmont’s Spiritual First Responders Project which is being recognized by philanthropies like Templeton and Eudokias.

The Evangelical Purity Culture Movement (PCM) is a social movement focused on eliminating premarital sexual behavior which began in the 1990s and still continues today. This presentation will focus on the efficacy of the PCM as well as the long-term emotional, psychological, and sexual implications for women who came of age in the PCM. It will also address clinical implications for counselors and therapists working with this population, as well as suggestions for healthier alternatives to sexuality education for today’s youth.

Among those who leave religion, there are some who persist with spiritual desires for meaning and transcendent connection. Many of these “spiritually practicing” religious “dones” experience unique mental health challenges likely related to the religious trauma and social adversity they cite as top reasons for disaffiliating from religion. In this talk, I’ll discuss the challenges and possibilities for “remixed” spiritual experience among this population by setting faith deconstruction and reconstruction in a theological context and drawing implications for mental health care among this group.

Dr. Emily Oliver will be presenting on the Evangelical Purity Culture Movement and Mental Health Treatment Considerations.

Dr. Preston Hill will be presenting on Meaning and Mental Health with Religious “Dones”.

Click HERE to learn more about this continuing education event and purchase your ticket.

January 19, 2024
6:45 – 9:00 PM
(Virtual Gathering on Zoom)

2 hours CE credit