58th Annual PCA Conference

1:00pm EST

Beyond the Field: Integrating Peer Support and Social Community for Holistic Student-Athlete Development (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

This interactive roundtable explores the mental health challenges and developmental transitions faced by college student-athletes. Grounded in evidence-based frameworks, participants will learn how to implement peer support strategies, reduce stigma, and foster a “One Team” culture that promotes resilience, connection, and holistic well-being. Attendees will leave with practical tools to support athletes through key transitions, including entry into college, injury recovery, and life after sport.

Speakers

Thomas Crissman

Counselor, Slippery Rock University

Thomas Crissman is a Licensed Professional Counselor currently employed at Slippery Rock University of PA and attending Indiana University of PA for his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. His background in mental health includes more than 13 years in various counseling... Read More →

Dr. John Mathe

Associate Professor, Slippery Rock University

Dr. Mathe is an associate professor at Slippery Rock University, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania, and a nationally certified counselor (NCC). Dr. Mathe has worked with various populations, including children/adolescents, adults, older adults, and... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

1:00pm EST

From Agency to Autonomy: Navigating the Clinical Shift to Outpatient Practice (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session provides a clinically grounded exploration of the transition from agency work (community mental health, residential, school-based services) to outpatient therapy. Emphasis will be placed on the shift from crisis stabilization to long-term therapeutic work, as well as the increased responsibility clinicians hold in managing caseloads, documentation, and clinical decision-making independently.

Participants will examine how to recalibrate their clinical lens when working with lower acuity but often more complex, long-term concerns. The session will also address common challenges such as boundary setting, managing no-shows and cancellations, navigating insurance requirements, and avoiding burnout in a less structured environment.

Interactive components will encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences with transition, identify gaps in their current practice, and develop actionable strategies for growth.

Speakers

Brittany Stallworth, PhD.

Adjunct Professor, Carlow University

Dr. Brittany Stallworth (she/her/hers) is an Adjunct Professor for the Professional Counseling program at Carlow University. She holds a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she also earned her master’s in Clinical... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

1:00pm EST

Laughter as Leadership: Guiding Clients Through Change with Playful Resilience (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This experiential session explores how Laughter Yoga can serve as a powerful leadership tool for counselors supporting clients through change and transition. Participants will learn how intentional laughter, breathwork, and light‑hearted play can reduce stress, increase emotional flexibility, and foster resilience during uncertain or challenging times. Through simple, accessible exercises, counselors will discover how cultivating joy and presence can strengthen their own well‑being while empowering clients to navigate transitions with greater confidence, connection, and calm.

Speakers

Natalie Fein, MSeD, NCC, CMCS, BC-TMH

Assistant Professor, Counseling, Community College of Philadelphia

Natalie Fein, M.Ed., NCC, CMCS, BC‑TMH is an educator, career specialist, and wellness practitioner with more than 20 years of experience supporting college students in achieving their academic, career, and personal goals. She has worked extensively in college planning, career... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

1:00pm EST

Research does not have to be scary: Embracing quantitative single subject research for counselors (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

It is important for counseling to be represented in clinical research. Counseling professional identity is unique in its focus on development, wellness, and the talk therapy process. Though counselors often hesitate to engage in research, quantitative, single subject, repeated acquisition design could be a less intimidating research methodology. This presentation will educate participants on this methodology, provide an example, and engage participants in brainstorming possible uses for this methodology in their work as counselors or counselor educators.

Speakers

Angie Conrad, Ph.D., LPC

Editor of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, Pennsylvania Counseling Association/Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Angie Conrad is a Licensed Professional Counselor counseling individual and families of all ages. She recently completed her Pd.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she has also been adjunct teaching in the Clinical Mental Health... Read More →

Holly Branthoover, Ed.D., LPC

Professor and Doctoral Coordinator, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)

Dr. Holly Branthoover (she/her) is a Professor and Doctoral Coordinator in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a private counseling practice owner. She completed her Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Duquesne... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

1:00pm EST

The Disappearing Client: Restoring Voice and Agency in Older Adulthood (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Older adults may present with a subtle yet profound clinical experience: a growing sense of “disappearing.” This can manifest itself as feeling unheard, dismissed, or disconnected from one’s identity, often shaped by sociocultural factors, life experiences, personality factors, and family dynamics. This session will explore how these experiences impact mental health and therapeutic engagement. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of perceived invisibility in older adults and apply practical, trauma-informed clinical strategies to help restore voice, agency and identity in later adulthood.

Speakers

Bethany Goshorn, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor, Pathways Counseling Services, LLC

Bethany Goshorn graduated from Shippensburg University with her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May of 2020. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University in 2009 in Psychology with a minor in Gerontology. Bethany is a national... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

1:00pm EST

Trauma in Transition: Displacement and Healing Among Refugees (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Our presentation aims to recognize the experiences of refugee families and children, along with developing awareness of resources and finding ways to minimize and support communities being impacted. This presentation highlights the importance of these social justice issues for emerging counselors and counselors in the field through awareness of experiences of these communities, providing strategies to mitigate and cope on an individual and community level as well as an opportunity for establishing a sense of holistic care for the community through interactive discussions.

Speakers

Visalakshi Jayaraman

Master's Level Student, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

The presenter is currently in her second year of the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, with a specialization in organizational psychology... Read More →

Chinar Mehta, MSc

Psychotherapist, Doctoral Student, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

The presenter is a second-year Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Indiana University of Pennsylvania . She has over three years of experience as a mental health therapist, working with first responders diagnosed with PTSD, as well as with elderly and general populations... Read More →

Aarati Poudel

Master's Level Student, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Presenter is in her second year of the M.Ed. in Counselor Education - School Counseling program track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She holds a BA in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Aarati has dedicated years to working with children as both a mentor and peer... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:15pm EST

Embracing the Ghosts in the Counseling Room: Self-Reflection for Counselors and Supervisor to Lead Change from Understanding the Past

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

We all enter the counseling room with our internal working model and presuppositions of systems based on our experiences and history. These inherent biases can be brought into awareness by examining the “ghosts” of our past. Using frameworks from the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies and Spiritual and Religious Competencies, counselors can work through countertransference and working models to identify and examine the origin of our ghosts along with the personal values connected to these perspectives. Through self-awareness and understanding, counselors and supervisors are better able to not allow these ghosts to haunt the counseling room, but instead acknowledge the values provided by experience and past history to name the ghosts and change them from unconscious hindrance to integrating personal narratives that inform clinical work.

Speakers

Erica Rhoads, PhD, LPC, NCC

Owner, Rhythms of Grace Christian Counseling LLC

Dr. Erica Rhoads is an assistant professor, adoptive mother, and licensed professional counselor who focuses on the impact of trauma within a systems perspective. Dr. Rhoads teaches students in graduate mental health counseling and is passionate about educating people on the impact... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:15pm EST

Evaluating the Impact of a Multimodal Mindfulness Program on Stress Anxiety and Resilience in Undergraduate Students

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

College is a time of self-growth and personal exploration. This period of increased independence is also accompanied by stress and uncertainty that can become a source of mental strain, heightened vulnerability, and dematriculation. College counseling centers provide crucial support for students seeking assistance for stress and stress related psychological issues but can become overcome by sheer demand. Stepped-care services such as peer education, group therapy, and psychoeducational programs such as those that teach mindfulness, are often employed to accommodate student demand. This mixed-methods study examined the effectiveness of a mindfulness program that used a multimodal approach to build skills over the course of 8 weeks. Findings suggest the program was effective at reducing chronic stress and anxiety, as well as increasing resilience and problem-focused coping. Further, students reported the program had a positive impact on their lives by increasing their sense of wellbeing and providing new ways to adapt successfully to daily stressors. Breathing exercises, guided meditation, and peer discussion were found to be particularly helpful. A comprehensive mindfulness program which utilizes multiple modalities may serve a larger range of students by tapping into personal relevance while providing the same benefits found in singular approach programs.

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 →

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:15pm EST

Exploring Professional Identity Language in CACREP Standards and Its Impact on the Counseling Profession (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This roundtable invites participants to explore how professional identity is defined,
implied, and communicated within CACREP standards. Through collaborative dialogue,
attendees will examine patterns, gaps, and implications of identity language while
reflecting what it means to cultivate a distinct and unified professional identity in an
evolving landscape. Participants will explore how the counseling profession can move
toward a more clearly articulated, inclusive, and unified professional identity.

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

2:15pm EST

Invisible Chains: Mental Health Obstacles to Successful Reentry (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

The transition from incarceration back into society is a critical and often destabilizing period, particularly for individuals with mental health needs. Despite high rates of diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health conditions among incarcerated populations, access to consistent care during reentry remains severely limited. This presentation examines the barriers that contribute to gaps in mental health support during this transition period. Drawing on current research and case examples, it highlights the consequences of inadequate care—including recidivism, homelessness, and untreated illness—and proposes actionable strategies to improve continuity of care. Attendees will gain insight into the important role that counseling plays to ensure success of reintegration.

Speakers

Matthew S. Mutchler

Chair & Professor, Delaware Valley University

Dr. Mutchler is the Chair of the Psychology Department at Delaware Valley University and has been a practicing clinician for over 20 years. He teaches in the undergraduate and graduate (MA) programs at DelVal and maintains a practice in individual, couple, and family therapy. In recent... Read More →

Amanda Drew

Amanda Drew is a current graduate student at Delaware Valley University specializing in the Social Justice track. She is currently completing her internship where she is working with individuals experience a range of mental health challenges. Outside of the educational setting, Amanda... Read More →

Brianna Morgis, Ph.D., LMFT

Dr. Morgis is an Associate Professor at Delaware Valley University in the Counseling Psychology department. Clinically, as a Marriage & Family Therapist, she works with individuals, couples, and families to negative patterns of interaction and strengthen relationships.

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:15pm EST

Navigating the Complex Journey of Gatekeeping: A Systemic Approach to Supporting Counselor Educators and Clinical Supervisors (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Gatekeeping is a complex and essential responsibility for counselor educators and clinical supervisors. While ethical codes and accreditation standards emphasize the importance of ongoing student evaluation, remediation, and, when necessary, dismissal, practical guidance for implementation remains limited. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems framework, this session conceptualizes gatekeeping as a dynamic, systemic process influenced by multiple interacting contexts within counselor education and clinical settings. Session attendees will examine common gatekeeping challenges and identify actionable strategies for addressing them across ecological levels. Aligned with the conference theme, this session encourages attendees to reframe gatekeeping as an evolving professional responsibility and to develop leadership approaches that support ethical decision-making amid change and transition.

Speakers

Emily Spencer, MS, NCC, LPC, PMH-C, BC-TMH

Lily of the Valley Wellness

Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Maryland. She holds specialized certifications as a Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C), EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH... Read More →

Ford Brooks, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, CADC

Professor, Shippensburg University

Ford has been a faculty member in the Department of Counselor Education at Shippensburg University since 1997. Prior to his tenure at Shippensburg University, he was an addiction counselor in Richmond, Virginia for thirteen years and taught adjunct for seven years in the Department... Read More →

Kelly Dryzal, Ed.D, LPC, CIS-R, CMNCS

Faculty, Shippensburg University

With over 20 years of experience as a licensed mental health counselor, Dr. Kelly Dryzal, Ed.D, LPC has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through compassionate, evidence-based trauma informed care. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:15pm EST

Using movement to make therapy less awkward for young men and boys of color

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

In this discussion I will talk about how I use movement and the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Diamond model to connect with my clients, especially boys of color. I will give examples and demonstrations of how I use movement in session as well as go over some of the finer points of SFBT to help therapist use SFBT more effectively.

Speakers

David J Barnes II. M.Ed. LAPC

Owner/Therapist, Counseling in Motion

David Barnes is Level 3 Diamond Certified SFBT practitioner, holds a master's degree in School Counseling and holds an LAPC. David works as an in-school therapist with Devereux Behavioral health and also runs a private practice in Berwyn Pennsylvania where he incorporates movement... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:30pm EST

Holding Space or Causing Harm? Microaggressions in Counselor Training Programs and Sites (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This roundtable presents qualitative findings on the experiences of racial microaggressions among BIPOC counseling students during their trainings in counselor education programs. Drawing on participant narratives, the session explores how microaggressions influence students’ wellness, professional identity development, and perceptions of institutional support. Attendees will engage in dialogue about implications for counselor educators and strategies for fostering more equitable training environments.

Speakers

Ellen Gong, MS, NCC

Ellen Gong is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision whose research centers on multicultural competence, equity in counselor training, and the lived experiences of BIPOC counseling students. Her scholarship explores how racial microaggressions manifest within counselor... Read More →

Matthew L. Nice

Associate Professor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Matthew L. Nice, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, is an associate professor with the Department of Counseling and Human Development at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and chapter faculty advisor for IUP’s Chi Sigma Iota Chapter, Iota Upsilon Pi. He is a licensed professional counselor, a... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

3:30pm EST

Rural recovery: Considerations for the Prevalence of Process and Behavioral Addictions in Isolated Communities (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This roundtable discussion centers upon the prevalence of process and behavioral addictions in rural communities. We will discuss perpetuants, systemic barriers, and cultural factors in regard to substance use, disordered patterns of eating, gambling, and social media/gaming engagement. A rich discussion will provide insight for counselors to advocate for recognition of generational and cultural norms that negatively impact the rural quality of life.

Speakers

Ella Durst

Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Student, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Ella Durst is a graduate student in Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s (IUP) Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Program. She graduated with their master’s in clinical mental health counseling from IUP and formerly served as the president for their local CSI chapter, Iota... Read More →

Hadyn Phillippi

Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Doctoral Student in Counselor Education and Supervision PhD

Hadyn is a doctoral student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Counselor Education and Supervision and holds an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) currently practicing under... Read More →

Delaney F. Sullivan

Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Doctoral Student in Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD), Good Thoughts Therapeutic Services, PLLC

Delaney Sullivan is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She comes from a rural town in southwestern Pennsylvania. She is currently enrolled in a Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:30pm EST

Scaffolding Theoretical Identity: A Roundtable on Supervision, Development, and Orientation Alignment (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This roundtable explores how supervision can scaffold the development of theoretical identity from practicum through licensure. Participants will discuss developmental supervision, orientation alignment, and training gaps.

Speakers

William Tyler Johnson Doctoral Candidate MS LPC

Doctoral Candidate, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

William Tyler Johnson is a counselor and doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). They teach in counseling programs at Marshall University and Robert Morris University (RMU). Their clinical and research interests... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

3:30pm EST

Self-Care in Counselor Education: A Foundation for Professional Identity and Wellness (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session provides counselor educators with practical strategies for integrating self-care into teaching and supervision. Self-care will be explored as a core component of counselor professional identity. Participants will examine strategies for supporting students in self-assessing their wellness and building sustainable, culturally-competent, personalized self-care practices. Participants will engage in a guided discussion to promote reflection and practical application to their courses.

Speakers

Jenna Romano, MA, LAC

Jenna Romano, LAC, is a first-year doctoral student in Immaculata University's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program. She works in private practice at A Brighter Tomorrow Wellness Center and works at the CASTLE program’s partial hospitalization program. Jenna works... Read More →

Katherine Patterson, M.A.

Katherine Patterson, M.A., is a first-year doctoral student in Immaculata University’s Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. program. She serves as an adjunct professor of undergraduate psychology at Immaculata University and Southern New Hampshire University. She works clinically... Read More →

Sara Elliott, MS

Practicum & Internship Coordinator at Villanova University; First-year doctoral student in Immaculata University's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program

Sara Elliott, M.S.Sara Elliott is a first-year doctoral student in Immaculata University’s Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program. She has a M.S. in Counseling from Villanova University and a PK-12 School Counseling Certification in Pennsylvania. Over the past ten... Read More →

Rachel Rubright, MA, LAPC, NCC

Rachel Rubright is a doctoral student at Immaculata University, pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She works in private practice at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling, and Psychological Associates. Rachel works with all ages, often conducting play based therapy... Read More →

Maria Crossan, MS, LPC, NCC

Professor Maria Crossan, MS, LPC, NCC, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Curriculum Coordinator in the Creative Arts Therapy Department at Drexel University. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor, she brings an interdisciplinary background to her... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

3:30pm EST

The Threshold: Navigating the "In-Between" of Burnout and Becoming (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

In the clinical world, we are trained to be masters of the "before" and the "after"—the diagnosis and the discharge. We are asked to track treatment progress, always seeking forward progress. Yet, both clinicians and clients spend the majority of their transformative lives in the liminal space: the uncomfortable, often anxiety-inducing "in-between" where what worked no longer does and the ground is constantly shifting. For many of us, this space feels like burnout. It is characterized by transitional anxiety, a sense of "stuckness," and a nervous system that has forgotten how to simply be without a task to complete. This experiential session invites you to stop fighting the void and start resting within it.

Speakers

Erica Cavill, LPC CST & certified level II Usui Reiki practitioner

LPC and CST, Calm Pittsburgh

Erica Cavill, MS, LPC, CST, is the Sex Therapy Program Director for Calm Pittsburgh and a certified level 2 Usui Reiki practitioner. Her work specializes in the intersection of clinical psychotherapy and somatic regulation, particularly in navigating the "in-between" spaces of our modern social climate.Cer... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:30pm EST

Working Slow with Meaningful Purpose and Mindful Fulfillment for Ultimate Depth and Joy in the Journey of Becoming a Counselor Educator (1 CE)

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

How do you balance service, scholarship, teaching, and advocacy as a counselor educator? In the culture of higher education, productivity, tenure, competition engender significant stress and may lead to work dissatisfaction and burnout. Whether you are a counselor-in-training, doctoral candidate, new faculty, or full professor, come discuss ways to slow down and engage in the counseling journey with a focus on sustainability while developing goals to contribute to the profession.

Speakers

Jennifer S. Park, PhD, LPC

Associate Professor, Colorado Christian University

Dr. Jennifer S. Park is an Associate Professor of Counseling at Colorado Christian University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor having practiced in various settings. Dr. Park is a professional member of ACA, ASERVIC, ACES, NARACES, PCA, and... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

9:15am EST

Administration of EMDR in Group IOP to OP Continuums of Care (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session explores the adaptation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for use in group settings within Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and step-down Outpatient (OP) specialty groups. Participants will learn how to implement group EMDR protocols while maintaining clinical safety, conducting appropriate assessment, and managing risk in higher-acuity populations. The presentation will highlight phased treatment adaptations, resourcing strategies, dissociation screening, and containment techniques that support stabilization while allowing for trauma processing in a group format. Attendees will leave with practical tools for integrating EMDR into continuum-of-care programming while adhering to ethical and evidence-based standards.

Speakers

Anthony Vajda, PhD, LPC

Core Faculty, Antioch University

Dr. Anthony Vajda is part of the core faculty team of the CES program at AU-Seattle with expertise in multicultural counseling, social justice advocacy, and trauma-focused work. His research focuses on racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care, social determinants of health... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

9:15am EST

Between Neutrality and Attunement: Navigating Political Conversations in Therapy (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

With an increasingly complex social climate, clients often bring political and systemic stressors into therapy and may directly ask about a therapist’s beliefs or values. Counselor training has traditionally emphasized neutrality to protect the therapeutic alliance; however, clinicians frequently encounter moments in which avoiding these topics feels distancing, while disclosure risks shifting focus away from the client. Clinicians are therefore navigating clinical ambiguity rather than following a clear rule: how to remain client-centered when a client’s lived experience is intertwined with broader social context.

This roundtable invites counselors to explore the ethical and relational tensions that arise when political or value-based questions emerge in therapy. Through guided discussion, participants will examine common clinical dilemmas, share experiences, and reflect on how different responses impact the therapeutic relationship. Emphasis will be placed on attunement, client autonomy, and minimizing unintentional harm while navigating these conversations in a changing social climate.

Speakers

Rachel Gerrity, MA LAPC NCC

Outpatient Therapist, Counseling Collective

Rachel Gerrity is a trauma-informed outpatient therapist at The Counseling Collective in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Alvernia University and is currently working towards full licensure. Rachel is also a National Certified... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

9:15am EST

Beyond the Binary: Supporting Transgender Clients through the Gender Constellation (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

You've heard of the genderbread person, the gender unicorn now get ready for the gender constellation! The gender constellation offers a more nuanced and intersectional approach to gender exploration than traditional gender models. In this roundtable, you will learn about the gender constellation and have the opportunity to complete your own gender constellation in this interactive roundtable discussion. Lastly, we will review ways to apply this to client work, supervision sessions, and classroom education.

Speakers

Dr. Tish Weikel, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, ACS

CEO & Licensed Professional Counselor, Phoenix Counseling Services, LLC

Dr. Tish Weikel (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience serving diverse client populations across Pennsylvania. She is the founder and CEO of Phoenix Counseling Services, a holistic, LGBTQIAP+ affirming care practice... Read More →

goose Linneman, MA, LAPC

Mental Health Counselor, Alexandra R. Darion LLC

Goose (they/them) is a queer & trans, neurodivergent mental health therapist and yoga teacher. They are interested in the intersecting considerations of queer & trans and neurodivergent clients. Goose is inspired by their own mental health experiences and the experiences of their... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

9:15am EST

Culturally Responsive Supervision: Theory and Application in a Changing World

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This interactive session will explore the competencies and practices that define culturally responsive supervision in today’s evolving professional and clinical contexts. Grounded in Anci and Ladany’s (2010) Multicultural Framework for Counselor Supervision, we will examine key theoretical principles and consider their application through a practical vignette designed to foster discussion and reflection. Participants will engage in group dialogue to identify strategies for enhancing cultural knowledge, awareness, addressing power dynamics, and promoting equity within supervisory relationships. Attendees will leave with concrete, actionable tools to integrate culturally responsive approaches into their own supervisory practice.

Speakers

Scarlett Iglesias Hoyos

Doctoral Candidate, The Pennsylvania State University

Scarlett Iglesias Hoyos, MS, LCPC (NV), CADC-I, CPGC-I, NCC is a doctoral candidate specializing in immigration, mental health, and trauma, focusing on supporting Spanish-speaking counselors in training and Latino immigrants. Her clinical practice and advocacy address the cultural... Read More →

Cassandra Y. Kam

Doctoral Candidate, The Pennsylvania State University

Cassandra Y. Kam, MEd, MS, CRC, LMHC, NCC, is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education program at PSU. Cassandra previously worked as a state and federal vocational rehabilitation counselor, an ADA/504 disability coordinator, and as a services supervisor for community-based services for individuals with intellec... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

9:15am EST

Embracing Inquiry: Transforming Counselor Development Through Socratic Dialogue (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This presentation aims to bring Socratic questioning to the forefront of clinical mental health counseling and position its use as a multidisciplinary tool to explore and expand competencies related to counseling practice, social and cultural diversity, and diagnostic processes. Participants will learn about Socratic questioning as it’s defined, the many ways it’s already implemented in counseling work, and discuss the implementation throughout clinical training programs.

Speakers

Sheba Antony

Doctoral Student and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Pennsylvania State University

Sheba is a South Asian American licensed mental health counselor, specialized in the treatment of eating disorders and co-occurring concerns. With five years of clinical experience and a current doctoral student in counselor education and supervision, Sheba advocates for fat-positive... Read More →

Elizabeth Prosek PhD, LPC, NCC

Professor, Pennsylvania State University

Elizabeth A. Prosek (she/her/hers), PhD, LPC, NCC, is a Professor of Education and Professor-in-Charge of Counselor Education at Penn State University. Her research interests include counseling military populations; community engagement and program evaluation; co-occurring presenting... Read More →

Sloan Ferron MA, LAPC, NCC

Doctoral Student & Liscensed Associate Professional Counselor, Pennsylvania State University

Sloan Ferron, MS, LAPC, NCC, is a doctoral student at Pennsylvania State University and a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Nickischer and Associates. With training in trauma-focused clinical mental health counseling, she blends Black feminist, liberatory, and community-driven... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

9:15am EST

Outside the Box: Using Board Games in the Counseling Space (and the ones I tried so you don't have to!) (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Ever look at a board game and think, "I wonder how I can make this therapeutic"? Me too! This session is about what I've learned as a school counselor and clinical mental health counselor who uses games in session regularly. We'll review research on games in counseling and discuss practical ways to integrate them into counseling sessions. I'll also share some of my favorite (and lesser-known) games that I use in my practice!

Speakers

Sarah Powers, MS, NCC, LPC

Doctoral Student; Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Sarah Powers, MS, LPC, NCC is a 4th year doctoral student at Adams State University in the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD program. A lifelong Pennsylvania resident, she resides near Philadelphia and earned her master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

9:15am EST

When Leaders Are Cut Down: Exploring Tall Poppy Syndrome in the Counseling Profession (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Tall poppy syndrome (TPS) - or the tendency to criticize, exclude, or undermine individuals who achieve success - has been widely documented across disciplines but remains underexplored within the counseling profession. This session presents findings from a phenomenological study examining the lived experiences of female leaders in counseling who have encountered TPS in professional contexts.

Drawing on participant narratives, the presentation highlights how TPS manifests through relational dynamics such as criticism, exclusion, and negative messaging, often leading leaders to modify their behavior, downplay achievements, or withdraw from opportunities. At the same time, participants described experiences of growth, resilience, and strengthened leadership identity, illustrating the complex, dialectical nature of success and scrutiny.

Attendees will gain insight into TPS within counseling environments, its implications for leadership development and retention, and considerations for fostering more supportive and equitable professional cultures.

Speakers

Sarah Bell, PhD, LPC

Director of the Pathways Center, Waynesburg University

Sarah Bell is the Director of the Pathways Center (student support) at Waynesburg University, where she has worked since 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP). Sarah holds a PhD in Counselor... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

10:30am EST

Enhancing Self-Efficacy Among Substance Use Disorder Counselors in Times of Change (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session addresses urgent behavioral health workforce challenges with specific emphasis on substance use disorder (SUD) counselor self-efficacy in bolstering a resilient and competent workforce. By strengthening SUD counselor self-efficacy, Pennsylvania will be well positioned to retain skilled clinicians, improve service delivery, and navigate ongoing transitions in behavioral health care. Drawing on current workforce trends and evidence-informed practices, the session will highlight strategies to strengthen SUD counselor competence, confidence, and leadership capacity.

Speakers

Devon Bowser

Dean of Assessment, Program Director for the Master of Arts in Counseling, Program Director for the Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Education, and Professor, Waynesburg University

Dr. Devon Bowser earned a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University, Ph.D., a Master of Arts from Franciscan University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University. Dr. Bowser serves as the Dean of Assessment, program director for the Master of Arts... Read More →

Kelley McNichols

Assistant Director of Graduate Counseling Programs, Clinical Coordinator, and Associate Professor, Waynesburg University

Dr. Kelley McNichols earned an undergraduate degree in Criminology and Pre-Law from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Community Counseling from Duquesne University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

10:30am EST

From Trainee to Clinician to Educator: A Shared Reflection on Navigating War, Grief, and Growth in Times of Crisis (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This co-facilitated roundtable explores how clinicians and educators are shaped by personal, community, and global crises. Through reflections on war, suicide loss, pandemic-era training, and workplace grief, participants will engage in dialogue about professional identity, meaning-making, and growth in the helping professions. We will share lived experiences across multiple levels of crisis: personal milestones such as childbirth and graduation; community losses including the deaths of a coworker and a student; and global upheavals such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts. Participants will be invited into a reflective dialogue about how such moments of rupture can become sites of resilience, redefinition, and growth. This roundtable aims to create space for shared storytelling and critical reflection on what it means to train, practice, and teach in a profession that is continually shaped by crisis and change.

Speakers

Phuong Bach, Psy.D, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Princeton University Counseling and Psychological Services

I received my Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University’s Clinical Psychology and my Master’s level training in Counseling Psychology and Education from the University of Pennsylvania. I currently serve as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University’s... Read More →

Miranda (Xiaofeng) Wang, M.Phil.Ed, LPC, NCC

Private Practice Mental Health Counselor, Adjunct Faculty at University of Pennsylvania

Miranda Wang is a private practice mental health counselor, clinical supervisor, and educator whose work spans therapy, supervision, training and higher education. She serves as adjunct faculty at the Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, and worked as the Assistant... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

10:30am EST

Reframing Resilience: An Ecological Approach to Treatment Planning with Military Spouses (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Military families play a vital role in sustaining force readiness, with spouses providing key stability for children and overall family functioning. Spouse mental health strongly influences child wellbeing and satisfaction with military life, yet resilience messaging often focuses on individuals rather than systems. This session introduces counselors to an ecological approach to treatment planning with military spouses, emphasizing strengths and vulnerabilities across contextual domains to better support family wellbeing.

Speakers

Elizabeth Prosek PhD, LPC, NCC

Professor, Pennsylvania State University

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

10:30am EST

Unmasking the Catfish: Key Considerations and Practices when Working with Online Deception in Counseling (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Catfishing, or online deception, is an increasingly prevalent presenting problem for individuals in counseling. Online deception is the practice of creating a fabricated personality or exaggerating aspects of one's identity to attract individuals online. Online deception can be used for both romantic and financial gain. This presentation will explore key background information on online deception. It will explore catfishing from both a theoretical and a social construct, facing our clients. It will also explore the characteristics of both victims and perpetrators and the impact AI may have on online relationships. Finally, this presentation will present counselors, counselors-in-training, and supervisors with treatment recommendations and practices.

Speakers

Derek J. Parker, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS

Assistant Professor, Liberty University

Dr. Derek Parker is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. He spent about a decade working with children, adolescents, and their families before transitioning to the field of addiction. He received his master’s degree (MA) in Professional Counseling... Read More →

Eric J. Camden, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS

Associate Professor, Liberty University

Dr. Camden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and approved clinical supervisor (ACS) in Virginia and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). He holds a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision and is an associate professor in Liberty University’s Clinical Mental Health... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

10:30am EST

What We Needed, What We Know: A Conversation on Supporting Graduate Student-Parents in Counselor Education (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Graduate student-parents in counselor education navigate the dual demands of academic training and caregiving, often with limited support. This 60-minute roundtable, is facilitated by PhD student-mothers and invites participants to share lived experiences, reflect on key challenges and transitions, and discuss strategies for fostering more supportive learning environments. Through collaborative dialogue, this session aims to build community and generate practical insights for better supporting student-parents in counselor education.

Speakers

Xin Zou, LPC (PA), LMHC (IA)

Penn State University

Xin Zou (she/her/hers) is a mental health counselor and a doctoral student in the Counselor Education program at Penn State and serves as a clinic supervisor at the Dr. Edwin L. Herr Clinic. She holds master's degrees in Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania... Read More →

Courtney Dixon, LPC (PA), LCPC (MD)

Doctoral Student, Lead Clinic Supervisor, The Pennsylvania State University

Courtney Dixon (she/her/hers) is a doctoral student at Penn State’s Counselor Education program as well as the lead clinic supervisor at the Dr. Edwin L. Herr Clinic. Courtney earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2021... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

“Just wait until they find out I have no idea what I am doing”: An open discussion about imposter phenomenon among counselors and emerging leaders

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Imposter phenomenon (IP), which is described as a feeling of professional fraudulence, is a common experience of novice and experienced counselors, supervisors, counselor educators, and leaders within the counseling profession. This has a profound impact on an individual’s professional identity development, career satisfaction, and sense of belonging. Despite this commonplace experience within our field, there continues to be hesitancy and stigma associated with sharing imposter feelings.
This session aims to engage in a discussion with fellow counselors-in-training and professional counselors as we seek to lessen the burden of imposter phenomenon. Whether you are a counseling student with limited clinical experience or a seasoned professional, this roundtable discussion will raise personal awareness of this phenomenon. Due to a lack of sufficient research, this roundtable serves to inform future direction of mitigation of imposter phenomenon among helpers and leaders in our field.

Speakers

Amanda Steigerwalt, BS

Amanda is a second-year Masters student at Immaculata University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a special interest in working with children, adolescents, and families. She uses her decade of experience working in creative direction, design, and visual literacy to... Read More →

Lauren Herman, BS

Lauren is a Masters student at Immaculata University pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also works as a graduate assistant for the university’s newly established Counselor Education and Supervision PhD program. With former education in biochemistry and molecular... Read More →

Noah Schoch, Ph.D., LPC

Assistant Professor, Immaculata University

Noah Schoch, Ph.D., LPC, is a core faculty member at Immaculata University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the Counselor Education and supervision Ph.D. program. He serves as an assistant professor and clinical facilitator of fieldwork within both programs. His clinical... Read More →

Paige Lilly-Ivens, MA, LPC

Paige is a current PhD student at Immaculata University pursuing Counselor Education and Supervision. She is also the Bethlehem Facility Director, Quality Assurance Director, and Clinical Supervisor at Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services, an outpatient substance use treatment facility... Read More →

Cicely Holston, MA, LPC, NCC

Cicely is a current PhD student at Immaculata University pursuing Counselor Education and Supervision. Cicely is the owner of her private practice, Phoenix Wellness LLC dba Cicely Holston Counseling in Berks County, PA. Cicely’s practice specializes in working with individuals who... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

Beyond Performing Wellness: Counselor Impairment, Professional Identity, and Sustainable Practice in Times of Change (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Counselors are trained to promote wellness, yet many practice within systems that quietly undermine their own sustainability. This session examines counselor impairment not simply as individual burnout, but as a disruption in professional identity integration shaped by systemic pressures. Drawing from research on impairment, professional identity development, and trauma-informed systems, participants will explore how counselor education, supervision, and leadership must evolve to support ethical, sustainable practice in an era of rapid change.

Speakers

Dr. Curtis Lee Taylor, PhD, LPC (PA), LPCC (OH), NCC

Founder & Executive Director, Authentic Wellness & Empowerment

Dr. Curtis Lee Taylor, PhD, LPC (PA), LPCC (OH), NCC, is a licensed professional counselor, educator, and founder of Authentic Wellness & Empowerment in Erie, Pennsylvania. His work focuses on counselor wellness, workforce sustainability, and reforming structural barriers that contribute... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

Embracing the Journey of Counselor Supervision: Leading Ethical Practitioners Through Change and Transition (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This presentation will take a deeper dive into Section F of the ACA Code of Ethics. Specifically, counselor supervisors, trainers, and educators will be introduced or reintroduced to the ethical implications relating to supervision, training, and teaching. In addition, special attention will be given to the ethical responsibilities of counselor educators and supervisors to recognize personal and professional dispositional issues, provide difficult feedback, remediate concerns, and gatekeep the profession.

Speakers

Julie A. Cerrito, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC, ACS

Associate Professor and School Counseling Program Coordinator, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Cerrito is an Associate Professor and School Counseling Graduate Program Coordinator at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg. She brings 25 years of experience to the field in her work as a counselor, educator, supervisor, and leader.
Having served as a professional school counselor in Pennsylvania public schools for 12 years and as a counselor educator for 13 years, Dr. Cerrito has built collegial connections with counselors across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and around the nation. She has taught numerous... Read More →

Richard Joseph Behun, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS

Associate Professor and School Counseling Program Coordinator, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Behun has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision as well as two master’s degrees in School Counseling and School Administration from Duquesne University. He also holds a third master’s in law from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Dr. Behun is licensed as... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

Multicultural Competence for Clinical Counselors (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This workshop introduces clinical counselors to the principles and practices of multicultural competence, emphasizing culturally responsive care across diverse client populations. Participants will explore how cultural identities—including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and socioeconomic status—shape client experiences and the counseling relationship. The workshop integrates key guidelines from the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, particularly standards related to cultural sensitivity, nondiscrimination, and counselor self-awareness (e.g., Section A.4.b. and Section E.5.b.). Through case reflective exercises, attendees will strengthen their ability to recognize bias, adapt interventions, and uphold ethical responsibilities in multicultural counseling practice.

Speakers

Jeremy Nesmith

Jeremy Nesmith, M.Ed., LAPC, Cpl USMC (Ret.), is a dynamic professional counselor, ordained Christian prophet, and fitness educator with a passion for personal transformation, spiritual growth, and holistic well-being. With a Master of Education and licensure as an Associate Professional... Read More →

Kimberly Romero

Kimberly Romero is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) who holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and has served as a secondary school counselor for over 24 years. She primarily works with students ages 16–18 from diverse backgrounds, providing comprehensive support... Read More →

Dr. Latinia Shell

Assistant Professor of Counseling, Grand Canyon University

Bio- Dr. Latinia M. ShellDr. Latinia M. Shell is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in teaching and counseling across school, college, and community/mental health settings. With a strong academic background, Dr. Shell holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

Neurodivergence, Disability, and Sexuality: Using Intimacy and Kink As Emotional and Physical Regulation Skills

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

In this presentation, participants will learn to understand the unique intimacy needs of clients who are chronically ill, disabled, and/or neurodivergent. This presentation will cover practical clinical skills and conversations to assist clients in learning how to use intimacy, sex, and kink for emotional and physical regulation.

Speakers

Ann Turoczy, Ph.D, LAPC

Courageous Conversations

Ann Turoczy, Ph.D, LAPC is a Pre-Licensed Counselor. She earned a Ph.D. in General Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology. My career in behavioral health and education has spanned over two decades. Ann utilizes an integrative, trauma-informed approach that includes Narrative... Read More →

Amber Lynn Connell, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor and Owner, ALC Counseling and Therapy

Amber Lynn Connell, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA with 18 years of experience providing individual, family and group counseling to teens, young adults, and families. She specializes in working with clients who are members of the LGBTQ+, ENM, and kink communities... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

Understanding CPTSD in a Gender-Informed Lens: Understanding Divergent Trauma Responses for Clinical Practice (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Explore how gender socialization shapes CPTSD presentations. This session highlights key differences in trauma responses and offers clinical strategies for more accurate case conceptualization and effective application in mental health care.

Speakers

Alex Dang

MS, LAPC, NCC

Alex Dang is a graduate of Duquesne University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the same university. He works extensively with clients struggling with suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression... Read More →

Gabriella Myers-Gilbert

MS, NCC, LPC

Gabriella Myers-Gilbert, MS, NCC, LPC, is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Duquesne University. She works as an outpatient therapist, providing services to individuals and couples across a range of clinical concerns. Her clinical focus includes personality... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

2:30pm EST

We Don't Shame, We Question: Practical Applications for Treatment of Queer, Kink, and ENM Populations (1 CE)

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This presentation explores strategies to strengthen the therapeutic alliance with clients who identify as queer, kinky, or engage in ethical non-monogamous relationships. Attendees will gain practical skills, including evidence-based treatment interventions and other actionable techniques, to provide competent, affirming, and effective support for these populations.This presentation explores strategies to strengthen the therapeutic alliance with clients who identify as queer, kinky, or engage in ethical non-monogamous relationships. Attendees will gain practical skills, including evidence-based treatment interventions and other actionable techniques, to provide competent, affirming, and effective support for these populations.

Speakers

Laura "Veronica" Temons

Clinician, Ellie Mental Health

Veronica earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2013 from Eastern University and is a regular guest speaker in the program’s psychopathology class. She went on to Immaculata University, where she earned her Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling in 2018 and was... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

Career Development Across the Lifespan: Helping Students Find Joy in the Journey

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

Students don’t just choose a career — they grow into one. This session explores how career development unfolds from early childhood through adolescence, highlighting the developmental stages that shape interests, identity, and future pathways. Join us as we connect these stages to today’s rapidly changing career landscape, showing how educators and counselors can help young people build the mindsets and skills they need to thrive.

Speakers

Julie A. Cerrito, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC, ACS

Associate Professor and School Counseling Program Coordinator, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Richard Joseph Behun, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS

Associate Professor and School Counseling Program Coordinator, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

Challenging Masculinity Norms: A Feminist Counseling Approach to Engaging Men in Therapy (1 CE)

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session explores how masculinity norms influence men’s mental health engagement and presents feminist-informed counseling strategies for reducing stigma and supporting male clients in therapy.

Speakers

William Tyler Johnson Doctoral Candidate MS LPC

Doctoral Candidate, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Delaney F. Sullivan

Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Doctoral Student in Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD), Good Thoughts Therapeutic Services, PLLC

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

Culturally Competent Counseling with Asian American Clients (1 CE)

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This 60-minute roundtable session invites participants into an open, thoughtful discussion on providing culturally relevant counseling for Asian American and Asian adoptee clients. Together, we will explore challenging and often unspoken questions around culture, identity, stigma, family dynamics, and the therapeutic relationship. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own assumptions, share experiences, and engage in honest dialogue about what it means to practice therapy in a culturally responsive and meaningful way. This interactive format centers curiosity, humility, and connection, creating space to learn from one another while deepening our ability to support Asian American and Asian adoptee clients with greater awareness and authenticity.

Speakers

Grace Kim

Associate Professional Counselor

As a Korean American U.S. Army veteran and therapist, I take a human-centered, integrative approach to counseling that emphasizes the connection between mind and body. My work is shaped by both lived experience and clinical training, guiding the work I do with clients facing anxiety... Read More →

Andrea Kirsch, LPC

Owner/Therapist, Andrea Kirsch, LPC

Hello! My name is Andrea. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Pennsylvania and also licensed to serve clients who reside in New Jersey. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Penn State University, and my master's degree in counseling psychology from Delaware... Read More →

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

Evolving Trauma Treatment: Integrating EMDR into Modern Counseling Practice (1 CE)

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This interactive roundtable session brings together three Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)-trained counselors to engage participants in a dynamic discussion about the evolving role of trauma-informed care in counseling. The presenters will share insights from their clinical work across diverse populations, addressing how EMDR can be adapted to meet the needs of clients from varying cultural, socioeconomic, and identity backgrounds.

Speakers

Elise Tate MS LAPC

Professional Counselor, Mindful Therapy Solutions

Elise Tate, MS, LAPC, is a professional counselor who provides psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. Her clinical work is grounded in psychodynamic theory and integrates attachment-based, relational, and systemic perspectives to support a deeper understanding of intrapersonal and... Read More →

Meg Loceff MS LPC NCC

Doctoral Student, Duquesne University

Meg Loceff is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) in Pennsylvania and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Meg graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then went on to graduate school at Carlow University... Read More →

Rachael Dittmar MS, NCC, LPC

Professional Counselor

Rachael Dittmar, MS, NCC, LPC, is a professional counselor specializing in attachment and relational-based work with both individuals and couples. She is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), allowing her to effectively... Read More →

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

Limiting and Liberatory Language: Our Word Choice Matters (1 CE)

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

The preliminary information regarding this in-process mixed-methods study will offer attendees foundational information about why limiting and liberatory language is important when discussing the identities and experiences of counseling participants. The goals of the presentation are for attendees to analyze conscious language that liberates, to articulate the value of developing conscious language practices to facilitate their responsibilities and thus adhere to standards, and acquire readily operational conscious language development tools currently being used by professionals in the editing field and analyze the guides’ applicability to conversational language (Yin, 2024).

Speakers

Emily Johnson

Graduate School Counseling Alumni, Rosemont College

Emily Johnson is a community based mental health counselor in Philadelphia serving families and young children experiencing housing insecurity. She has an MA in Counseling from Rosemont College and a Pennsylvania School Counseling Certification. She has seven years of teaching experience... Read More →

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

Navigating Current Challenges in Clinical Supervision: Ethics, Technology, and Evolving Practice (1 CE)

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session examines current challenges in clinical supervision, including telehealth, artificial intelligence, workforce pressures, and ethical complexities. Participants will engage in case-based learning and gain practical, research-informed strategies to enhance supervision effectiveness in an evolving counseling landscape.

Speakers

Dr. Stephen Kiuri Gitonga

Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania at Lock Haven University Campus, Lock Haven, PA

I am a counselor educator with over 15 years of experience as a faculty in CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs. I hold the Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential, and I am licensed to practice as a counselor in ID, UT, and PA. I play the faculty advisor... Read More →

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

3:45pm EST

We Didn't Learn This in Collage: Promoting Self-Care (1 CE)

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

Session Feedback (for CEs)

This session aims to use collage as a form of psychoeducation to promote intentional, restorative, self-care for both counselors and their clients. Our session will stimulate the neurotransmission of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins re-enforcing the benefits of creativity on intentional self-care.

Speakers

Angie Conrad, Ph.D., LPC

Editor of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, Pennsylvania Counseling Association/Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Rachael Pursell, LPC, MA, NCC

Rachael Pursell (she/her) is a counselor at a practice near Pittsburgh, PA and doctoral candidate at IUP in their Counselor Education and Supervision program. She has clinical experience with adults and trauma, being trained in EMDR. Rachael has taught both master’s and bachelor’s... Read More →

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

60 Minute Roundtable

global Y

58th Annual PCA Conference

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