[ Create an account](/create-an-account)[ Log In](/log-in) [ Cart](/cart) [ ![Telehealth Certification Institute LLC Logo]() ![Telehealth Certification Institute LLC Logo]()](/) ## **Telehealth Explorer Blog** Filter by Search or Category Selection Select Category - [All](/telehealth-explorer) - [Featured](/featured-articles) - --- - [Telehealth News](/telehealth-news) - [Legal Updates](/legal-updates) - [Business Aspects](/business-aspects) - [Technology](/technology) - --- - [Voices From Professions](/voices-from-professions) - [Counseling](/counseling) - [Social Work](/social-work) - [Psychology](/psychology) - [Substance Use Disorder Treatment](/substance-use-disorder-treatment) - [Couple and Family Therapy](/couple-and-family-therapy) - --- - [Clinical Insights](/clinical-insights) - [Supervision](/supervision) # Faith, Counseling, and the AACC - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Ftelehealth-explorer%2Ffaith-counseling-and-the-aacc "Facebook") - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Ftelehealth-explorer%2Ffaith-counseling-and-the-aacc&title=Faith%2C+Counseling%2C+and+the+AACC "LinkedIn") - [ ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Ftelehealth-explorer%2Ffaith-counseling-and-the-aacc&text=Faith%2C+Counseling%2C+and+the+AACC "X (formerly Twitter)") One of the driving questions for Dr. Karl Benzio, the Medical Director of the American Association for Christian Counselors (AACC), is how faith-based and scientifically minded professionals can come together to “have more synergy” in the field. The AACC is an organization that brings education, advocacy, support, and clinical services to a wide array of professionals, volunteers, and laypersons who seek to integrate faith and science into their vocations. In this video, Dr. Benzio describes how “spiritual belief system\[s\]” can affect a person’s decision-making ability and brain chemistry. Because of this unique connection, Dr. Benzio advocates for blending “faith” and the “scientific understanding of the mind” together into a holistic care approach. Even though he has witnessed the benefits of faith-based practices, Dr. Benzio warns that the behavioral health establishment has not completely opened the door to the spiritual domain. In response to current restrictions, the AACC seeks to inform individuals of their legal rights to use faith-based curriculums or content in their work. Clinicians also frequently struggle with knowing whether they can use personal or spiritual self-disclosures in their sessions. A common result of this uncertainty is that patients miss out on opportunities to connect with their providers on a deeper level. In addition to working with clinicians, the AACC supports laypeople who are interested in using faith elements in their vocational or volunteer lives. Dr. Benzio describes what continuing education opportunities are available through the AACC, including national and international conferences that offer tracks in various specialty areas to help you apply what you’ve learned in the setting of your choice. Along with his duties as the Medical Director of the AACC, Dr. Karl Benzio is also the founder of Lighthouse Network and a Christian psychiatrist. He has consulted with church leaders and clinicians about openly exploring the benefits of psychological and spiritual approaches. If you’d like to read more about the opportunities available at the AACC, we encourage you to visit the **[AACC’s website](https://www.aacc.net/)**. By:**[ Michael Tugendhat](https://michael-tugendhat-writer.webnode.page/)** - [ Interviews ](/component/tags/tag/interviews) ## Testimonials I completed the Telehealth Training. This training was very effective for me because it was self-paced. I was able to work at my own pace to fully grasp the information. In addition, the various graphics and explanations made retaining the information better for my learning style. I also enjoyed the small quizzes at the end that helped increase my understanding and application of the information. I will definitely recommend this course to other clinicians! Iveyana Kiara Smith This bundle of Clinical Supervision courses helped me to feel more confident as a clinical supervisor. It provided well rounded content and helped me feel more prepared for stepping into a supervisory role. I highly recommend these courses and appreciate that they are self-paced. Jessy Hainbach The Foundations for Working With Families Engaged in High Conflict Divorce, Training Video was very helpful in developing skills to navigate work with families experiencing this. Bryant Wilson The TeleMental Health Training Certificate Program was incredibly easy to navigate, with a smooth and intuitive layout that made learning stress-free. The content flowed logically, building on each section in a way that felt natural and engaging. I appreciated how clear the instructions were—everything I needed was right where I expected it to be. Ben Keyser Professional development available anytime without time restrictions! Mei Chan Enhancing Clinical Supervision: Supporting Autistic and other Neurodivergent Therapists in Clinical Settings training was absolutely wonderful! Thorough, detailed, and kept my attention. Meghan Co, LCSW-C, LICSW [View All 700+ Testimonials](/about-us/testimonials) ©2025 Telehealth Certification Institute LLC. All Rights Reserved. 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