About the Series
The Spiritual Integration Hour's intended audience is the Loma Linda University community of behavioral health clinicians and scholars, and is broadly centered on the integration of faith/religion/spirituality and the social sciences. It is a mix of presentation and discussion held online via Zoom, and is sponsored by the School of Behavioral Health.
Below you will find embedded video recordings of this ongoing series. We also welcome you to learn more about spiritual integration at SBH.
Next Installment
"Rooted for Growth: Using Townsend's Growth Tree to Deepen Client Transformation"
Presentation by Brenda L. Boyd, PhD, Associate Professor, LLU School of Allied Health Professions, on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 12-1 PM.
In this engaging 45-minute session, participants will explore Dr. John Townsend's Growth Tree model—a powerful visual framework that connects life nutrients, capacity relational health, and life-bearing fruit. The Growth Tree illustrates how clients can develop from the inside out—moving from root-level needs to fruit-bearing behaviors. Together, we'll examine practical ways to apply the model in client sessions, from assessment and goal setting to fostering safety, truth, and grace in the counseling relationship. Participants will leave equipped with fresh tools to nurture growth that lasts—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—in both their clients and themselves.
More Upcoming Dates
- January 26, 2026
- February 23, 2026
- March 30, 2026
- April 27, 2026
- May 21, 2026 (tentative)
Archive
Season 8: 2025-26
Episode 1: "Mental Illness or Demonic Possession?: A Suggested Protocol"
Presented by Dr. Jon Paulien
Episode 2: "What I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Chaplaincy Training"
Presented by Keith W. Wakefield
Season 7: 2024-25
Episode 1: "The Problem of Evil and God's Solidarity"
Presented by Dr. Yi-Shen Ma
Episode 2: "Exploring the Sabbath as a Well-Being Intervention"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd
Episode 3: "Renewal of Spirit: Jewish Life, Thought, and Therapy"
Presented by Peter Epstein, MS
Episode 4: "Rest as Resistance"
Presented by Dr. Dilys Brooks
Episode 5: "Treating LGBTQ Spiritual Trauma"
Presented by Kaeson Rempel, MA
Episode 6: "Expressions and Feelings of Interhuman Gratitude and Gratitude to God in Daily Life"
Presented by Dr. David Newman
Episode 7: "Moral Injury: Diagnosis and Treatment of a New Syndrome"
Presented by Dr. Harold G. Koenig
Season 6: 2023-24
Episode 1: "Restoration Therapy: A Path Towards Love and Trustworthiness"
Presented by Davidia Benavidez
Episode 2: "The Improving LGBTQ+ Climate at LLU: A Discussion"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd
Episode 3: "Remembering Our Roots: Creativity as Spiritual and Mental Wellness"
Presented by Kimberly Nasrul, MS, LMFT
Episode 4: "The Sound Bath: Facts and Frictions"
Presented by Eric Christopherson
Episode 5: "Emotionally Focused Yoga Therapy for Couples: An Integrative Prevention Program"
Presented by Dr. Chyrene Cutting
Episode 6: "'Pieces of Myself': The Pedagogical Power of a Narrative Medicine Assignment"
Presented by Dr. Jeffrey Gang
Season 5: 2022-23
Episode 1: "The Role of Religion/Spirituality and Faith Communities in Addressing Health Disparities"
Presented by Dr. Carlos Fayard
Episode 2: "Trying to Mix Oil and Vinegar: Bringing Social Science Data into Theology"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd
Episode 3: "Caring for People with Complex Religious Identities"
Presented by Dr. Yi-Shen Ma
Episode 4: "Ni de aquí, ni de allá: Unpacking the Complexity of Latinx Identity and Spiritualities"
Presented by Dr. Saul Barcelo
Episode 5: "A Tale of Two Spiritualities: When the Client and Therapist are Different"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd
Episode 6: "A Roundtable Discussion Addressing the Concerns of People of Faith Regarding Psychiatric Medication"
Presented by Dr. Timothy Lee
Season 4: 2021-22
Episode 1: "A Spiritual Integration Psychotherapy Theory for SBH"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd
Episode 2: "Integrating Spirituality in Clinical Supervision: Core Competencies and Considerations"
Presented by Dr. Zephon Lister
Episode 3: "Observations About How Nurses Perceive and Practice Spiritual Care"
Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Johnston Taylor
Episode 4: "Defining Spiritual Health"
Presented by Carl A. Ricketts, Jr.
Episode 5: "Tracking Trouble in Abraham's Family: Following Intergenerational Family Patterns in Genesis"
Presented by Dr. Bryan Cafferky
Episode 6: "Integrating Spirituality in the Therapy Room"
Presented by Dr. Barbara Couden Hernandez
Season 3: 2020-21
Episode 1: "Ellen G. White & Psychology: What Went Wrong and Why Does It Matter?"
Presented by Dr. Adam Aréchiga
Episode 2: "The Intentional Integration of Faith in Policy Development"
Presented by Dr. Monte Butler
Episode 3: "Religion and Risky Sex in a Sample of Predominately Black Young Adult Men"
Presented by Jade Seto
Episode 4: "Religious Doubt as a Mediator between Identity and Well-Being"
Presented by Jedd Perez Alejandro
Episode 5: "The Potential Role of Compassionate Love in the Therapeutic Process"
Presented by Tyson Albertson
Season 2: 2019-20
Episode 1: "The Therapist's Own Journey of Spiritual Growth"
Presented by Dr. Jessica ChenFeng
Episode 2: "Integrating Spirituality into the Classroom: Creating a Safe and Brave Space for Personal and Professional Growth"
Presented by Dr. Jacqueline Williams-Reade
Episode 3: "Workplace Spirituality: Nurturing the Spiritual Health of Employees"
Presented by Kathy McMillan
Episode 4: "LLU School of Behavioral Health Integration: Spirituality, Biology, Emergence, and Realization"
Presented by Dr. Kenny Boyd
Season 1: 2018-19
Episode 1: "When Faith and Forgiveness Don't Intersect: A Client's Journey"
Presented by Dr. Zephon Lister
Episode 2: "Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Your Christian Clients"
Presented by Dr. Talolo Lepale
Episode 3: "Cultivating Spiritual Hospitality and Home: Orienting Principles from the Life and Ministry of Jesus"
Presented by Natalie Hsieh & Dr. Zephon Lister