Mental Health Matters Conference

Daybreak Church is creating an environment of hope, healing, understanding, and empowerment while taking a holistic approach to mental health.

The Mental Health Matters Conference will explore just how mental health impacts our mind, heart, soul, and strength.

Join us to connect with local mental health resources, attend educational workshops, and participate in experiential practices such as acupuncture, stretching and meditation, and three-column journaling.

This is an opportunity to engage with others in the pursuit of holistic wellness and to take meaningful steps toward a healthier you!


February 8th, 2025

Time: 8:00am-4:30pm

Location: Gettysburg Pike Campus - 321 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055


Schedule for the day:


8:00 AM - 8:20 AM - Registration

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM - Welcome and Keynote

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM - Workshop/Experiential 1

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM - Workshop/Experiential 2

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch and Resource Fair

1:45 PM - 3:00 PM - Workshop/Experiential 3

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM - Workshop/Experiential 4


Workshops

The Brain, Body, & Relational Science Behind Mental Health (Paul A. Johns, Ph.D., LMFT, CFLE)

You've been wondering what contributes to mental health, right? Is it simply a matter of strong faith...or logical thinking? Dr. Paul Johns, Human Development & Family Science Professor at Messiah University and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, will teach about various brain, body, and relational contributors to mental health. It's not all "just in your head."


Trauma Triggers (Tyler Schuhly, MA)

Trauma affects the brain and the body in numerous ways. Learn with counselor Tyler Schuhly about the causes and effects of trauma on our mental health and be equipped with applicable ways to support those who have experienced trauma.


Mental Health in Today's Youth (Mallory Evans, LPC)

Today's youth are dealing with mental health struggles at an alarming rate. In this workshop, we will explore what is normal and expected, and how to identify when your child might need professional help. We will talk through how to get your children and teens on board with treatment, and how you can support them along the way.


Nature-Based Therapy: Cultivating Wellness through Intentional Connection with God's Creation (Rusty Hoffman)

The pervasive nature of stress and anxiety in our society has significant wellness implications. These debilitating conditions impact the holistic health of numerous individuals. The symptoms associated with stress and anxiety can impact an individual’s psychological, emotional, and physical wellbeing. While traditional therapeutic approaches, in addition to or in combination with medication have been common remedies for stress and anxiety, the implementation of nature-based interventions has garnered recognition as a viable treatment option for stress and anxiety. In this context, the foundational pillars of wellness will be explored.


The Impact of Stress & Anxiety on the Body (Alexa Rottman)

We will discuss the difference, and similarities, of stress and anxiety, and how our body physically responds. Together, we will learn coping skills our bodies can benefit from when feeling stressed and/or anxious.


Your Child's Counseling Journey: Walking with You Start to Finish (Abby Turner, MA, MFT, Community Engagement Director)

In this workshop I'll give you insight into the counseling process for children and teens. We'll talk about how to talk to your child or teen about counseling, laws and ethics pertaining to treatment, what to expect from different types of therapists, and why we do what we do. We'll spend some time talking about different types of counseling and how they might help you, and when counseling might not be right for your child or teen.


The Family’s Role in Enabling Recovery: A Compassionate Approach to Healing and Support (Gianna Yunker, CFRS, CRS, CIP)

Families play a pivotal role in the recovery process. This engaging workshop explores the essential contributions families can make in enabling recovery while addressing the challenges of unhealthy dynamics and patterns that often hinder progress. Participants will learn how family support, education, and accountability can create a foundation for sustainable healing for their loved ones and themselves.

Key topics include:

• Understanding the family’s role in addiction and recovery.

• Recognizing enabling behaviors vs. empowering support.

• Building healthy boundaries and fostering accountability.

• Practical tools and strategies to support a loved one’s recovery while prioritizing family self-care.


Boundaries (Pastor Ron O’Neil & Bryan Sholtis)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, overcommitted, or unsure of where to draw the line in relationships? Healthy boundaries are essential for thriving in all areas of life—relationships, work, faith, and personal well-being. In this workshop, we’ll explore the biblical principles of boundaries and practical strategies for setting limits that honor God, respect others, and protect your own emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Whether you're struggling to say no, feeling burnt out, or simply want to deepen your understanding of boundaries, this session will equip you with tools to create healthy, God-honoring relationships.


Experientials

Acupuncture (Peter Lu)

Acupuncture for trauma.


Renewing the Mind: 3-Column Journaling (Pastor Shawn Andrews & Jan Groff)

Take time with leaders from Daybreak Church to identify thought patterns and discover what God says is true from scripture. Learn how to apply and use this tool every day.


Feelings Wheel (Megan Diderrich & Holly Ritchey)

During this experiential you will be given the opportunity to identify what you are feeling using the Feelings Wheel and make space for that feeling. Appointed individuals will be present to help process these feelings and assess what they mean for you.


Be Still and Be Loved (Rhonda Lash, Stephen Minister)

In this room, you will have the opportunity to find a comfortable spot to relax and listen to a recording that allows space for breath, meditation, and scripture reading.


Mindful Movement and Biblical Meditation (Amy Gensler)
Amy Gensler will be leading a time of movement and meditation from scripture. This will allow you time to connect your mind, body and spirit.


Your Mental Health Toolbox (Adrianne Wenrich, Certified Mental Health Coach)
Managing our mental health can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with mental illness or difficult life circumstances. In this hands-on workshop, we will discuss practical tools and strategies to manage mental health that don't leave you feeling overwhelmed. We will demonstrate some of these strategies, and will leave with a "toolbox" full of resources that you can start using right away.


This year, the conference is a full day. Can’t make it the whole day? No worries! Sign up for the half-day option at registrations.db.church and take meaningful steps towards a healthier you!