From Psychosis to Spiritual Emergence: Bridging Mental Health and Spirit World Through Decolonizing, Culturally Informed Therapy Online
This 2.5 hour professional presentation examines how spiritual emergence and culturally embedded meaning‑making are frequently misdiagnosed as psychotic disorders within Western psychiatric frameworks. Grounded in lived experience, trauma‑informed clinical practice, and multicultural theory, the session demonstrates how culturally responsive assessment—particularly the DSM‑5‑TR Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI)—can reduce diagnostic bias and improve ethical care for African diaspora, Indigenous, and immigrant clients.
This presentation invites audiences into a timely conversation about healing, well-being, and cultural connection—where spirit meets science within mental health care. Presenters illustrate how trauma, culture, and spirituality intersect in today’s world and how clinicians can hold space for both the sacred and the psychological. With increased stress or trauma, and as symptoms demand treatment, people of every background are seeking healing beyond conventional therapy. Many are turning to ancestral, interfaith, and nature-centered practices that honor identity and connection—from Afro-Diasporic and Indigenous healing circles to Catholic, Buddhist, and interfaith gatherings, and from Latino Día de los Muertos remembrances to mindfulness traditions rooted in East and South Asian communities.
Presented by Mija Bradford, LCPC, MBA, Yun-Chu (Melody) Chen, EdS, LCPC, and Gillian Taylor, LCPC, ATR, PMH-C, CCTP
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This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.5 CEs for Psychologists, 2.5 IL CEUs for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.5 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 2.5 NASP CPDs for School Psychologists, or 2.5 NBCC Clock Hours.
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PROGRAM PRICING:
- General Admission: $50
- Students: $40.00*
(*Please email officeofce@thechicagoschool.edu for coupon code. Code must be entered at time of checkout to receive discount.)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
- Date:
- Friday, September 11, 2026
- Time:
- 12:00pm - 2:30pm
- Time Zone:
- Central Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event.
- Event URL:
- https://tcsppofficeofce.com/sept_11_2026-2
- Audience:
- All Graduate Students All Students Alumni Doctoral Students Faculty Masters Students Public The Chicago School Community Undergraduate Students