Samaritan Counseling Services, a nonprofit, faith-sensitive professional counseling and psychotherapy organization, is hosting a major conference on Cyberporn and the Brain on Nov. 5 at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center in Ypsilanti.

Dr. William Struthers, professor of psychology at Wheaton College and author of "Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain" will present at three sessions designed for clergy and congregational caregivers, health care professionals, and the general public. A live webinar is also available.

Bob Wright, education coordinator at Samaritan Counseling, said the conference will explore this controversial issue in a clinical, evidence-based manner that acknowledges all of its dimensions: moral, ethical, psychological, spiritual and physical. According to the brochure, the information presented by Dr. Struthers will address patterns of pornography use, biological and psychological factors, best practices for treatment of addictive behavior, and other useful information for families.

Interested persons of all faith backgrounds are welcome, and continuing education credits are available for nurses and other mental health professionals.

For more information or to register for the conference, go to www.samaritanlive.com or contact Samaritan Counseling at (734) 677-0609.