58th Annual PCA Conference

58th Annual PCA Conference

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5:30pm EST

“You’re Doing Better… Now What?”: Identity and Belonging After Mental Health Remission

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

This poster presentation introduces a proposed study examining life after therapy, specifically focusing on identity and belonging during mental health remission. While remission is often viewed as the goal of treatment, many individuals continue to face challenges after therapy ends. This proposal highlights the need to better understand the post-therapy phase and its role in long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

Speakers

Gretchen Pucklavage, BA

Graduate Student, Kutztown University

Gretchen Pucklavage is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Kutztown University and works as a Graduate Assistant for Health Promotion on campus. She is passionate about supporting people from all backgrounds and making mental health feel more approachable... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Neurodiverse Adults

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Conditions that fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder come with their own issues and comorbidities. Unfortunately, treatment for these issues like applied behavioral analysis for autistic youth have shown to have harmful lasting effects. To combat this, using therapeutic techniques that are neurodiverse-affirming rather than dismissing or "fixing" show better mental health outcomes and are becoming more recommended by professionals. There is evidence to show that acceptance and commitment therapy can be an effective therapeutic modality for adults with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder and that this modality can also be neurodiverse-affirming. This session aims to provide participants with the knowledge of the issues that neurodiverse people face and how acceptance and commitment therapy can be effective while also affirming the neurodiverse identity.

Speakers

Margaret Fox

Graduate Student, Penn State Harrisburg

Margaret Fox is currently a first-year student in the Masters of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology Program at Penn State Harrisburg. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Penn State University Park. After her undergraduate program, she worked as a case manager... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Adapting Narrative Therapy for Men Experiencing Infertility-Related Identity Disruption

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

This session explores how narrative therapy can be applied in counseling practice to support men experiencing infertility-related identity disruption. It examines the psychological and relational impacts of male infertility, the role of masculine norms in shaping emotional expression and help-seeking, and the ways infertility can challenge men’s sense of identity, purpose, and future life narratives. It will also demonstrate how counselors can use narrative techniques to externalize infertility, challenge restrictive masculinity narratives, and facilitate conversations that support emotional processing, resilience, and identity reconstruction.

Speakers

PAAPA ASANTE

Lecturer of Psychology, University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana

Paapa Yaw Asante is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana. His academic background is in social psychology, and his research focuses on men’s mental health, well-being, and help-seeking behaviors in diverse cultural contexts. He is currently... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Alleviating Anxiety in Children through Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and can significantly interfere with social, interpersonal, and academic functioning among children and adolescents. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is seen as the gold standard therapeutic technique, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional ‘talk’ therapy. Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a popular experiential approach that can reduce symptoms of anxiety through building emotional regulation skills and increasing self-image. This session aims to provide participants with an understanding of the process of EAP and how participating in groundwork activities with horses can facilitate improvements in anxiety symptoms.

Speakers

Tess McNulty

Graduate Student, Penn State Harrisburg

Tess McNulty is a first-year master’s student in Applied Clinical Psychology at Penn State Harrisburg. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Denison University, where she conducted studies in personality disorders and positive and negative affect. As an equestrian... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dementia Family Caregivers

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias are known as progressive brain diseases that affect millions of people from all over. Subsequently, this creates mental and physical strains for their family caregivers. According to the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association report, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid support to relatives with dementia, which goes beyond regular or standard family responsibilities. Despite those with dementia receiving comprehensive medical care, their caregivers’mental health needs remain largely unrecognized. This may come as a surprise since research even indicates that caregivers face higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and social isolation compared to non-caregivers (Brodaty & Donkin 2009; Pinquart & Sörensen 2003). Caregiving is an intense role which creates psychological difficulties as caregivers face multiple obligations that include emotional, occupational, and family responsibilities.
Caregiving for dementia patients causes chronic stress which results in cognitive and behavioral problems that lead to increased emotional distress. Many caregivers experience ongoing guilt, self-blame, and helplessness especially when the dementia causes progressive symptoms which cannot be stopped (Gallagher-Thompson & Coon 2007). Caregivers develop cognitive distortions which include future catastrophizing and personalization of disease-related behaviors as well as the belief that self-care time represents neglect or failure. The duration of these beliefs establishes a pattern that can result in withdrawing from socializing, reducing participation in enjoyable or important activities, and their risk of developing depression increases (Losada et al., 2010).
One well established and evidenced-based psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, addresses emotional distress through the identification and modification of maladaptive thinking and behavior patterns (Beck 2011). Due to its popularity, CBT has a substantial amount of empirical evidence that shows its effectiveness in decreasing caregiver burden while enhancing the mental health of dementia caregivers who provide support to their family members (Gallagher-Thompson et al. 2012 Kwon et al. 2017). The model works successfully with this group because it provides caregivers with structured methods which enable them to develop better cognitive skills for evaluating caregiving challenges while increasing participation in activities that build their emotional resilience.
This workshop demonstrates the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist family caregivers who experience distress because of their responsibilities to care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The presentation will provide an overview of the psychological impact of dementia caregiving, followed by an explanation of the CBT conceptualization of caregiver stress. The presentation uses empirical research and clinical examples to show how caregivers can use cognitive restructuring techniques to challenge their self-critical and catastrophic thoughts while developing balanced interpretations of their caregiving challenges. Caregivers can use activity scheduling and problem-solving interventions to regain their capacity for meaningful participation in personal and social activities which they usually miss because of their caregiving responsibilities.
The psychotherapy process will be demonstrated through a brief case study which shows an adult family caregiver who suffers from guilt, emotional exhaustion, and social withdrawal while caring for a relative who has Alzheimer’s disease. The presentation shows how a counselor uses fundamental CBT methods through the case study to help the caregiver change their disruptive thoughts, develop better coping methods, and achieve better mental health results. The counseling process will focus on three elements which include joint goal setting, understanding the other person's perspective, and creating effective coping methods that suit the specific needs of dementia caregivers.
The presentation shows how evidence-based CBT interventions help caregivers deal with distressing situations while showing counselors the psychological difficulties which family caregivers experience and the proven methods to assist this neglected group. As the world faces rising dementia cases, and families may not be able to pay for professional care, this presentation is extremely relevant to showcase how family caregivers providing essential long-term support may be affected mentally and the necessity for effective counseling methods to assist family caregivers.

Speakers

Kaylin Foss

Kaylin Foss is in the process of completing her master’s in clinical psychology at Penn State Harrisburg, with future interests in neuropsychology. At the University of Texas, Dallas, she worked as a dementia researcher, working with patients and their family caregivers. At the... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Communication, Connection, and Collaboration: Uniting ABA and Counseling Practices for Children with Autism

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

This poster explores the integration of applied behavior analysis and mental health counseling to provide holistic care for children with Autism while professionals remain in their appropriate scope of practice. Attendees will learn the effectiveness of combining behavioral
interventions with emotional support strategies to promote regulation, resilience, and adaptive functioning. The focus of the session is on interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations of effective blended treatment models to improve both behavioral and mental health outcomes.

Speakers

Stefanie Rene Salyer, Ed.S., LBS

Doctoral Candidate, Pennsylvania State University

René Salyer, Ed.S., LBS is a Ph.D. candidate in Special Education: ABA and a master’s student in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling at Pennsylvania State University. She is a licensed behavioral specialist and former K–12 special education teacher with extensive... Read More →

Shelley Roderick, M.Ed., LBS

M.Ed. Student CMHC; Behavioral Consultant, Pennsylvania State University

Shelley Roderick, M.Ed., LBS, is a seasoned behavior consultant and educator with over twenty years of experience supporting students with disabilities across a range of settings. Her professional background includes roles as a behavioral specialist, special education teacher, school... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Culturally Adapted Logotherapy for Emerging Adult Christians Struggling with Generalized Anxiety

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Due to existing literature that highlights the beneficial outcomes of positive spirituality, Christian experiences with generalized anxiety disorder may at times be overlooked in therapy. Within this population, generalized anxiety walks hand-in-hand with shame and guilt based on the belief that uncertainty is a personal failure to trust God and that “real faith” would diminish anxiety entirely. In contrast, seeking to flourish and form community in the Lord may positively impact mental well-being. To construct a supportive environment for emerging adult Christians is to understand how the client-God relationship may increase and decrease anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge how both factors contribute to the individual’s sense of purpose. A logotherapeutic approach allows counselors to culturally broach anxiety in Christian clients by recognizing physical, cognitive, and noetic (or spiritual) symptoms. The purpose of this workshop is to reveal a framework in which logotherapy principles cultivate a redeemed sense of meaning for emerging adult Christian clients who pursue God but struggle under the weight of generalized anxiety. This culturally-sound approach will not only honor client beliefs but also improve client-counselor rapport.

Speakers

Avery Volz

Avery E. Volz is a clinical psychology master’s student at Penn State Harrisburg. In her experience working as a group facilitator and behavioral health technician, she has met with and treated clients under the age of fourteen diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and oppositional defiant... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Effects of Mindfulness on Memory Recall in College Students

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Memory is a key component of learning and essential for success in college. Through remembering, a student can recall or recognize ideas, information, and principles that were learned. Samples of remembering are recall, defining, identifying, listing, labeling, matching, and stating (Bloom, 1956). Remembering is a basic educational goal which informs overall academic performance. Academic performance can be thwarted by several factors, one of which is stress. The effects of stress have been shown to have a negative impact on memory typically by altering brain chemistry and structure (Lindau et al., 2016). One way to reduce stress is through mindfulness. Therefore, participation in a mindfulness-based intervention can enhance academic performance as demonstrated by increased memory. Students participants were recruited to take part in this study examining the effect of mindfulness on recall and stress. The results and implications for academic adjustment and matriculation are discussed.

Speakers

Katherine J. Stefanelli, PhD, LPC, NCC

Assistant Professor of Counseling and Human Services, University of Scranton

About:Katherine J. Stefanelli, PHD, LPC, NCC is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department at the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA. Her work over the last 25 years includes clinical service in both the private sector and educational settings. Dr... Read More →

John Thomas, B.S.

Student, University of Scranton

John is a recent graduate from the University of Scranton. He majored in Neuroscience and will attend medical school with aspirations toward Psychiatry. His research interests include memory, recall, and the effects of CO2 on cognitive functioning.

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Effects of Transracial Adoption on Racial and Ethnic Identity Development: A Review of the Existing Literature and Implications for Counseling Interventions

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

This presentation examines current literature on the racial and ethnic identity development of transracially adopted children, the socialization practices of their families, and the adverse consequences of inadequate identity development across the lifespan for the adoptees. Through a comprehensive literature review, this presentation aims to bring awareness to how the counselors and counselor educators can better serve this population by also examining potential courses of intervention for this unique population. Further, gaps in the current literature are examined to provide guidance into further research on the development and treatment of transracial adoptees and their families. This presentation examines current literature on the racial and ethnic identity development of transracially adopted children, the socialization practices of their families, and the adverse consequences of inadequate identity development across the lifespan for the adoptees. Through a comprehensive literature review, this presentation aims to bring awareness to how the counselors and counselor educators can better serve this population by also examining potential courses of intervention for this unique population. Further, gaps in the current literature are examined to provide guidance into further research on the development and treatment of transracial adoptees and their families.

Speakers

Marrisa Moore

Graduate Student, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Marrisa Moore is a second-year graduate assistant at Kutztown University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling with special interests in addictions counseling and racial identity research. During her undergraduate career, Marrisa conducted research on the mental health of Kutztown... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Embracing the Journey: Leading Clients Through Change and Healing via Pilgrimage-Based Adventure Therapy on the Camino de Santiago

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

This poster presentation introduces a research-informed protocol for therapist-led pilgrimage as an innovative approach to supporting clients through trauma, change, and life transition. Drawing on a three-pronged intervention model—journaling, walking-based therapy, and group processing—this study explores how the Camino de Santiago can serve as a structured therapeutic journey for individuals experiencing PTSD. Emphasis is placed on how counselors can intentionally guide clients through transformation by integrating movement, reflection, and community within a meaningful transitional experience.

Speakers

John O'Keefe

Graduate Counseling Student, Franciscan University of Steubenville

John O’Keefe is a master’s student at Franciscan University of Steubenville with a developing clinical interest in trauma, spirituality, and experiential therapies. As a former pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago, he witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of pilgrimage on... Read More →

Heather Uphold, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor/Practicum & Internship Coordinator, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Dr. Heather Uphold is currently an Assistant Professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program. She also serves as the Practicum and Internship Coordinator. Dr. Uphold has worked in the human services and mental health profession... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Equal Representation for Licensed Professional Counselors: A Professional Advocacy Campaign Targeting the Pennsylvania State Board Website

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors is the authoritative source for LPC and LAPC licensure information in the state, yet the Board website consistently omits, misroutes, and marginalizes professional counseling content. This poster presents an advocacy campaign initiated by a Pennsylvania counselor educator to address equal representation for professional counselors on the Board website and to highlight the board composition inequity codified in state statute since 1987. Pennsylvania LPCs, counselor educators, and students are invited to learn about the issues, consider joining the effort, and apply the ACA Advocacy Competencies to professional-level systemic change.

Speakers

Dr. Elizabeth Brokamp

Assistant Professor, Gwynedd Mercy University

Dr. Elizabeth Brokamp, PHD, BC-TMH, ACS, NCC is an Assistant Professor at Gwynedd Mercy University and a licensed professional counselor (VA, TX, CA, and PA). Her clinical and research interests include midlife transitions and older adult mental health, trauma treatments, counselor... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration in Counselor Education (CE) Programs: Counselor Educators' Perceptions & Experiences

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are continually reshaping the landscape of counselor education (CE), from teaching and supervision to research, leadership, and clinical practice. Yet, ethical integration remains underexplored within CACREP-aligned frameworks. This poster presentation introduces a constructivist grounded theory study exploring counselor educators’ lived experiences with AI integration and the emergent concept of Artificial Intelligence in Counselor Education (AICE). Attendees will examine current risks and affordances of AI across CE pillars, discuss implications for professional identity and training, and consider strategies for ethically incorporating AI while preserving humanistic and developmental foundations of the counseling profession.

Speakers

Victoria Huston

PhD Candidate, Duquesne University

Victoria Huston holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, government, and science in society from Wesleyan University, as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in counselor education... Read More →

Matthew Joseph

Associate Professor, Duquesne University

Matthew Joseph, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology at Duquesne University. He teaches graduate-level coursework in lifespan development, career development, and research design. He has also taught undergraduate and graduate... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Family-Based Approach for Children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new disorder characterized by a persistent eating and food intake disturbance due to fear of adverse consequences of eating and/or aversions to sensory characteristics about food, resulting in nutritional deficiencies, failure to achieve appropriate weight gain, and interference in social functioning. With the growing prevalence of ARFID in children and adolescents comes a need for research into effective intervention and treatment strategies to support their growth and development. Research has shown that Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is effective in treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa, and has been adapted to treat other eating disorders, such as ARFID. Through encouraging parental authority in the child’s food management, children with ARFID experience a reduction in their symptoms and parents gain a stronger sense of confidence in their ability to support their child. The purpose of this presentation is to explain how this approach can be used in treating children and adolescents with ARFID effectively. Through educating the family in managing the clients eating behaviors, clinicians can recognize the interplay of family dynamics and the child’s developmental stage in the maintenance and treatment of ARFID, and thus encourage long-term effectiveness as the client develops through their lifespan.

Speakers

Maheen Kiran Mukhtar

M.A. Student, Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg

Maheen Kiran Mukhtar is a first-year Master’s student in the Applied Clinical Psychology program at Penn State Harrisburg. She previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Syracuse University. She has experience working as a senior psychiatric technician in the... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Play Therapy with Children Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a trauma disorder that stems from severe neglect in childhood. Children with RAD struggle with trusting adults due to past neglect/abuse, and therefore tend to develop difficulties with attachment styles, as well as emotional regulation and psychosocial issues. Research has suggested that play therapy may be a developmentally appropriate treatment modality for children with RAD. This workshop will inform professionals on the benefits of using play therapy to treat children with RAD. Play therapy uses toys, games, and/or creative activities to allow the child to work through their ongoing psychological difficulties. With play therapy often being child-led, the therapist acts as a facilitator to the child, while working to establish a trusting bond in order to provide a safe environment for which the child can freely explore and express their emotions. The child-therapist relationship and communication through play allows for a developmentally appropriate outlet for children to establish trusting relationships and work through their emotions. The main goal of this poster session is to inform clinicians on the usefulness and techniques of play therapy in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for children with reactive attachment disorder.

Speakers

Tatum K. Young

Ms. Tatum K. Young is a first-year master’s student in the Applied Clinical Psychology program at Penn State Harrisburg. She earned her Bachelor of Art in Psychology with a minor in Biology at Bucknell University. She has experience working with children in childcare settings, which... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Prolonged Exposure Therapy as Treatment for PTSD in Male First Responders

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

First responders are continuously exposed to traumatic events throughout their careers due to the situations they are put in and events they encounter. Continuous exposure to these high-risk, potentially life-threatening events, means this population is at an increased risk for developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Male first responders may face heightened barriers to seeking treatment due to the stigma around mental health, workplace expectations, concern about future career consequences, and cultural expectations. This workshop will examine how exposure, especially repeated exposure, to traumatic events during a career can lead to PTSD in the population being looked at. It will also give an overview of what Prolonged Exposure Therapy is, which is a treatment designed to reduce symptoms of PTSD, confront traumatic events, and decrease avoidant behaviors. The workshop will also show how Prolonged Exposure Therapy can be adapted to work with the unique challenges and barriers that male first responders face when it comes to treatment of PTSD or other mental health disorders. Attendees of this workshop should gain a better understanding of what PTSD symptoms look like in male first responders, barriers to treatment that this population faces, and the essential components of Prolonged Exposure Therapy with adaptations to better suit the intended population. First responders are continuously exposed to traumatic events throughout their careers due to the situations they are put in and events they encounter. Continuous exposure to these high-risk, potentially life-threatening events, means this population is at an increased risk for developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Male first responders may face heightened barriers to seeking treatment due to the stigma around mental health, workplace expectations, concern about future career consequences, and cultural expectations. This workshop will examine how exposure, especially repeated exposure, to traumatic events during a career can lead to PTSD in the population being looked at. It will also give an overview of what Prolonged Exposure Therapy is, which is a treatment designed to reduce symptoms of PTSD, confront traumatic events, and decrease avoidant behaviors. The workshop will also show how Prolonged Exposure Therapy can be adapted to work with the unique challenges and barriers that male first responders face when it comes to treatment of PTSD or other mental health disorders. Attendees of this workshop should gain a better understanding of what PTSD symptoms look like in male first responders, barriers to treatment that this population faces, and the essential components of Prolonged Exposure Therapy with adaptations to better suit the intended population.

Speakers

Sally Musselman

Ms. Sally Musselman is a master’s student in Penn State Harrisburg’s Applied Clinical Psychology program. Ms. Musselman obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development/Family Studies from Iowa State University. Ms. Musselman’s areas of interest for research... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Promoting Secure Relational Patterns: Emotionally Focused Therapy for Insecure Attachment

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Attachment theory supports the idea that the way a child bonds with their primary caregiver shapes the relational schemas and attachment style they carry into adult relationships. The four attachment styles – secure, avoidant, anxious and fearful-avoidant – are associated with different senses of self, perceptions of worthiness of love and trust, coping strategies and emotion regulation. Anxious and avoidant attachment styles have been linked to childhood maltreatment, particularly emotional neglect and sexual abuse. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) has been shown to be effective in promoting more secure attachment patterns, both in individual and in couple therapy. EFT uses a range of techniques to target emotion schemas, including reflection of feelings, interpretation, focus on bodily responses, enactment and recognition of attachment needs. These interventions help clients develop healthier and more secure ways of connecting with others and expressing emotions. A common negative dynamic in couples occurs when one partner has an avoidant attachment style and the other has an anxious one. In such cases, couples may become trapped in a relational pattern called the pursue–withdraw cycle, in which the pursuer seeks reassurance through criticism, while the withdrawer retreats to cope with overwhelming emotions. This session aims to help participants understand how attachment styles manifest in individuals and couples, as well as how EFT addresses attachment challenges.

Speakers

Fay Giannakou

First year Master's student in clinical psychology, Penn State University, Harrisburg

Fay Giannakou is a first-year master’s student in Applied Clinical Psychology at Penn State Harrisburg and a licensed psychologist in Greece. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and expanded her clinical training with a psychodynamic focus on clinical assessment, intakes... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Roots of ASD Treatment and Addressing the Spirit of Caregivers with Energy Psychology techniques

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Meridian tapping shows promise for caregivers, but its effectiveness for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is under-researched. This workshop will delve into the clinical challenges and potential mechanisms that make meridian tapping difficult to implement, even when anxiety is highly observable. It will also discuss possible uses for individuals with ASD based on individuals’ self-reports. Drawing from the book "From Exhausted to Energized” (Freger, 2024) the workshop offers ASD caregivers a comprehensive guide designed to transform their caregiving journey, as this population of caregivers has specific combinations of demands (Bohadana et al., 2019). It provides tools, including Energy Psychology techniques, to manage stress, improve well-being, and foster positive interactions (Seok & Kim, 2024; Gallo & Church, 2023). Participants will discover effective techniques for self-care, communication, and creating supportive environments.

Speakers

Amanda Freger, DCEP, LBS, LPC

Owner, Amanda Freger, LPC

Throughout her career, Mandi has served in multiple roles within many service lines of behavioral health treatment, including acting as a supervisor in both outpatient and residential settings. In providing decades of psychotherapeutic treatment to various populations, she has gained... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Therapeutic Applications of BDSM: Exploring Healing Pathways for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Sexual violence affects millions worldwide and leaves survivors grappling with profound psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress, dissociation, and suicidal ideation. Traditional therapeutic frameworks often focus on cognitive and emotional recovery, yet few address the somatic and relational dimensions of sexual trauma. One underexplored avenue is consensual BDSM or kink- characterized by negotiated power exchange, consensual boundaries, and the transformation of pain into pleasure. Despite the affirmative consent features of consensual BDSM, the practice remains stigmatized and frequently pathologized, often assumed to originate from childhood abuse. Emerging research and survivor narratives, however, challenge this view, highlighting that BDSM can foster empowerment, agency, and embodied healing rather than re-traumatization.
Drawing on these insights, Dr. Rahman introduces Therapeutic BDSM- a structured, trauma‑informed intervention within the framework of Self‑Reconciliation Therapy (SRT). The approach integrates somatic regulation, ethical boundaries, consent, and a tetralogical model of expertise to support survivors in reclaiming power, reconnecting with their bodies, and reshaping relational patterns that once caused harm. By reframing BDSM as a site of intentional healing rather than pathology, this workshop will explore its potential as a creative, collaborative, and deeply embodied pathway to recovery.

Speakers

Ishita Agarwal, BA

Ishita Agarwal is a first-year master’s student in the Applied Clinical Psychology program at Penn State Harrisburg. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Her research focuses on substance... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

Working With Your Body, Not Against It: A Gestalt Approach to Depression

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Treatments for physical illness are well known, but subsequent psychological care is not – even despite significant impacts on mental health. For instance, higher levels of depression are prevalent in populations suffering from chronic illness and/or traumatic diagnoses. Foreseeable factors like fear/worry can be accompanied by less anticipated repercussions like treatment plan decision paralysis. Cognitive behavioral therapy is moderately effective in treating depression for this population but has notable limitations: neglecting intersections between physical/emotional experiences along with nuanced aspects of physical illness (e.g. psychosocial functioning, environment, and incorrectly categorized “irrational beliefs”). The purpose of this workshop is to bridge these gaps by promoting awareness and effective coping skills. It will provide audience members with a gestalt perspective on chronic illness and/or traumatic diagnoses. Techniques that will be covered include: #1 (staying with emotion), #2 (somatic attending) and #3 (two chair conversation). Technique #1 will teach the importance of sitting with emotions in the present moment. Technique # 2 will demonstrate the mind - body connection as well as how somatic awareness can provide clues to emotional experiences and vice versa. Technique # 3 will provide the opportunity for clients to engage in conversations with different aspects of themselves for the purpose of identity integration.

Speakers

Alexandra L. Keen, M.A. Candidate (Clinical Psychology), B.S (Neuroscience/Cognitive Science & Religious Studies)

Graduate Student, Pennsylvania State Harrisburg University

Alexandra L. Keen is a M.A candidate of applied clinical psychology at Penn State Harrisburg. After completing a bachelor’s degree in religious studies for health professionals (RSHP) and neuroscience/cognitive science (NSCS) with a thematic emphasis in neuro-spirituality at the... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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5:30pm EST

You’re Not a Monster: A Therapeutic Approach for Pedophilic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) impacts roughly 1 in 40 adults in the United States, and approximately 15-25% of these individuals will report an unwanted sexual obsession in their lifetime. As such, it is important that these people aren’t neglected and clinicians are able to make a proper diagnosis and utilize the most effective treatment methods. This workshop will cover the efficacy of exposure and response prevention (ExRP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and their combination for the treatment of pedophilic-OCD (P-OCD). ExRP is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is considered the “gold standard” treatment for OCD and targets the reduction of frequency and intensity of obsessions (i.e., intrusive thoughts). ACT is a third-wave form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has recently been shown to be an effective treatment for OCD and aims to alter the relationship and interpretation of the obsessions. Given the increased shame and stigma surrounding pedophilia, pedophilic obsessions, and sexual obsessions in general, it is proposed that a combination of ExRP and ACT will have the greatest efficacy in treating pedophilic-OCD.

Speakers

Gabrielle R. Baker, B.S.

Applied Clinical Psychology Master's Student, Penn State Harrisburg

Gabrielle Baker is a first-year Master’s student in the Applied Clinical Psychology program at Penn State Harrisburg. She previously got her Bachelor of Science at Oklahoma State University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She was previously involved in a psychobiology... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EST

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58th Annual PCA Conference

From $15.00