Special Guest
Dr. Adam Wilson, Associate Professor of Counseling; Director, School Counseling Mental Health Initiative, Denver Seminary

The session will seek to foster a deeper understanding of youth mental health. First, the session will seek to recalibrate our definitions of health and illness in youth. It will present mental health not as a static concept or merely a statistic, but as a dynamic rhythm. Second, the session will provide a comprehensive review of current research trends and statistics related to youth mental health. Attendees will explore statistics surrounding common diagnoses in youth, with particular attention paid to especially vulnerable populations (e.g., neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, Rural, etc.). Additionally, the talk will explore recent trends surrounding feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness, and suicidality. The session will then discuss evidence-based prevention and intervention programming and treatments. This segment will explore pathways to improve youth mental health, including the importance of connection through technology, family, and extracurricular involvement. It will also focus on fostering social and emotional development through skills like emotional regulation and discomfort tolerance, and enhancing social development by building empathy, social skills, conflict management, and functional communication. A key focus will be on addressing stigma surrounding diagnosis versus negative emotions. Lastly, the effect of adult mental health on youth will be discussed,  emphasizing the significant impact of adults on the wellbeing of youth. Finally, the session will conclude with a Q&A session.

Dr. Adam Wilson is an associate professor of counseling and has served as the chair of the School Counseling program at Denver Seminary. He is a licensed professional counselor and has worked in the field of child and adolescent and family counseling for 20 years. He directs the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI), a research initiative seeking to better understand effective mental health interventions in schools. Adam has published numerous articles and book chapters exploring subjects on adult and youth mental health.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Discover the Foundations of Internal Family Systems (IFS): Gain a deeper understanding of how IFS principles align with and enrich a Christian worldview, equipping you to integrate this model into your practice.
2. Practice the Five Steps of Taking a You-Turn: Learn and apply this powerful framework to help clients navigate their inner worlds with curiosity and compassion
3. Experience Personal Renewal: Engage in practices that help you identify parts of your own soul in need of care and develop healthy internal boundaries with them, deepening your personal growth and equipping you to lead others with authenticity.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
• Time: 12pm-1pm MT
• Location: Denver Seminary
• Virtual: Zoom Option
• *2 Continuing Education credits offered through NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider, No. 3094
• Cost:
  • Student/Staff/Faculty- Free
  • Denver Seminary Counseling Alum- $15
  • Non-Alum/Other ministry professional- $25

Future Events

• October 2025: Working with Children through the Attachment Lens, presented by Amy Craig (In-person)
• November 2025: Working with Trauma and Addiction, presented by Jordan Cienski (Virtual)

Denver Seminary Counseling Division has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3094. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Denver Seminary Counseling Division is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Provider contact: Dr. Elizabeth Harper | 6399 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton CO 80120 | 303.357.5834