58th Annual PCA Conference

Name: “Why Clinicians Feel Unprepared: Moving Beyond Training Gaps to a Model of Preparedness, Confidence, and Persistence” (1 CE)
Start: 2026-11-07T15:45:00-0500
End: 2026-11-07T16:45:00-0500

“Why Clinicians Feel Unprepared: Moving Beyond Training Gaps to a Model of Preparedness, Confidence, and Persistence” (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Mental health clinicians frequently report feeling underprepared to work with complex and emotionally demanding issues such as grief, trauma, suicide, and high-risk relational systems. This presentation introduces a conceptual model of clinician preparedness that moves beyond knowledge and skill acquisition to include confidence, emotional readiness, and sustained engagement. Drawing on self-efficacy theory and emerging research on persistence (grit), participants will explore why traditional training approaches often fall short and how experiential learning and supervision can better support clinician development. Practical implications for training, supervision, and clinical practice will be discussed.

Speakers

Zack Elisio, PhD, LMFT-S

Faculty Member; Clinican; Clinical Supervisor, A Nurturing Mind; Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center

Zack Elisio, Ph.D., LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor with extensive experience in clinical practice, supervision, and training. He currently serves as a faculty member and clinician/supervisor, providing clinical education... Read More →

Kristy Gual, MFT, JD, MBA

Clinican, A Nurturing Mind

Kristy Gaul, MFT, works with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at A Nurturing Mind in West Chester, PA. Prior to becoming a therapist, Kristy served as a corporate attorney for over a decade in both private practice and in-house, and before becoming an attorney... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

60 Minute Education Session

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58th Annual PCA Conference

Zack Elisio, PhD, LMFT-S

Kristy Gual, MFT, JD, MBA

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Success you have shared X tickets.

58th Annual PCA Conference

Zack Elisio, PhD, LMFT-S

Kristy Gual, MFT, JD, MBA

Attendees (2)

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