Presenters & Sessions

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5 Crisis Helpers & Hurts: Identifying healthy ways to cope and connect during a crisis (1.0 CE)

Mrs. Annetta Benjamin Guillen Garcia, MA, LPC, NCC

The presentation will cover the positive and negative ways to navigate and connect through a crisis. Students, teachers, counselors, and mental health professionals will be able to identify healthy ways to cope during a crisis.

Annetta obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. After completing her graduate degree, Annetta received her Clinical License as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certification as a National Counselor (NCC) in Virginia. She specializes in counseling children, adolescents, and young adults with behavior, academic, self-esteem, coping, communication, bereavement, eating, and anger issues. She also counsels’ adults, couples, and the elderly with spiritual, bereavement, communication, family, relationships, depression, self-esteem, body image, and anxiety concerns. Annetta has been in private practice at Benjamin Counseling Center, LLC, for 14 years and has been a Clinical Supervisor for Residents in Counseling, Undergraduate and Graduate student interns. Over the past few years, Annetta has added the title of Life Coach, Professional Speaker, and Author. She published her first book and journal, "5 Helpers 5 Hurts: A Guide to Improve Your Thoughts & Feelings," and the "5 Helpers 5 Hurts Journal: A Notebook to Track Your Thoughts and Feelings," which are both available on Amazon.com.

As professional speaker, she provides mental health and wellness education at colleges, elementary and high schools, churches, corporations, international conferences, and various community centers. Annetta has been featured on several podcasts, radio, and YouTube channels regarding her success as an entrepreneur. To book her as a speaker or to interview Annetta visit www.AnnettaSpeaks.com

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Dr. Philippa Chin is the MS Counseling Program Director and an Assistant Professor with Barry University. She holds a BA in History from the University of the West Indies (Jamaica), a M.Ed. in Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from William & Mary (U.S). (Virginia). is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and a national certified counselor (NCC). Her clinical experience includes addiction therapy, trauma informed care, couples and family therapy. Dr. Chin is the President of the Virginia Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (VAMCD), an editorial board member for the Family Journal, and an associate mentor with the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Leadership Academy. Dr. Chin's research exploring ethnic/racial identity, family therapy, and social justice within counselor education, has been presented at national and international conferences, and published in peer-reviewed journals.

 AND...ACTION! Using Creative Therapy and Expressive Arts Media to Navigate Race Based Trauma. (1.0 CE)

The presentation will focus on utilizing creativity, expressive arts, cinematherapy, rap music, and film/video-based therapy to address racial trauma in clients. Participants will be equipped with a toolbox of activities. Case studies will be used to identify different types of racism and racial trauma, and focus will be placed on enhancing client communication skills, expressing feelings, and healing the trauma of those clients who have experienced racial trauma. Advocacy initiatives will be provided.

Eugenie Joan Looby, PHD, LPC, NCC, ACS is a Professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations at Mississippi State University, where she has been a faculty member for over 25 years. Her clinical experiences include working with individuals across the developmental spectrum (children, adolescents, adults) and providing individual, group, and family counseling for personal, social, and developmental issues across in-patient and out-patient settings. She has numerous publications, including a co-authored textbook on multicultural counseling and has delivered presentations, workshops, and training sessions on counseling and clinical topics to a diverse audience. Her research interests span multiculturalism and diversity, treating sexual trauma, spirituality, gender concerns with underserved and rural women, rehabilitation matters, and social justice/advocacy counseling. 

Jasmine Carter, MS, P-LPC, NCC isa staff counselor with Student Counseling services at Mississippi State University. She is pursuing a degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Mississippi State University. Her research interests include intergenerational trauma, marriage and family counseling, and incarceration.

Kimberly Gray is a former school counselor, and currently Staff Counselor with Student Counseling Services at Mississippi State University. She received her BA in Communication, and her MS in School Counseling, from Mississippi State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Counselor Education and Supervision.

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(1.0 CE)

 

 Bridging Neurodiversity Gaps: Connecting Counselor Educators, Counselors, and Clients (1.0 CE)

The presentation focuses on integrating neurodiverse affirming approaches within counseling education and clinical practice that promote connection, affirmation, and meaningful inclusion. Participants will examine common neurodiverse experiences in academic, professional, and counseling settings.

 Dr. Rosanna Sanchez John, Ed.D., LCPC, ACS, NCC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision from Marymount University. She is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Trinity Washington University. In addition to her academic role, she owns a private practice providing bilingual services in English and Spanish to adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. Her clinical work focuses on anxiety, trauma, family transitions, cultural adaptation, ADHD, and mood disorders. Dr. Sanchez John has presented nationally and internationally on racial identity, traditional spiritual practices, and the Latinx community. Her professional interests include multicultural counseling, Afro-Latinx identity development, neurodiversity, and the integration of religion and spirituality in counseling.Dr. Rosanna Sanchez John is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) in Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) who earned her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision at Marymount University. Rosanna is an Assistant Professor at Trinity Washington University. Rosanna conducts mental health services in both English and Spanish to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has been working intensively with anxiety, trauma, adjustment issues, family transitional issues, cultural adaptation, crisis assessment and intervention in both the government sector, non-profit organizations, and private practice. Rosanna has presented at numerous international and national conferences, on racial identity, traditional spiritual practices, Latinx community. Her professional interests include multicultural counseling, racial identity development in Afro-Latinx and diverse populations, religious and spiritual issues in counseling.

 

 

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Centered & Seen: Affirming Counseling Practices for Transgender Survivors Sexual Assault Survivors (1.0 CE)

The presentation is developed from a study that was done recently, utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and had eight transgender sexual assault survivors explore the meaning made throughout positive counseling experiences, as well as recount their lived experiences. These experiences lead to 5 central themes that are the focus of this session to inform gender affirming care, counseling for sexual assault survivors, and other ways of advocating for transgender sexual assault survivors and empowering this underrepresented community. Transgender survivors often face barriers to accessing care, cross-cultural stigma around identities, and borders within mental health systems (i.e., gatekeeping, discrimination, and lack of provider competency). Globally, transgender individuals experience higher rates of sexual violence, higher exposure to hate-motivated trauma, and mental health disparities. This presentation shows how counselors can dismantle these borders by offering inclusive, culturally responsive, and identity-affirming treatment. The heart of this presentation and theme is moving from trauma to empowerment for all survivors of sexual violence globally.

Adrienne Graham, PhD, LPC, NCC, is an Assistant Professor within the University of Nevada, Reno’s Counselor Education & Supervision program. Her research and clinical expertise focus primarily on sexual violence, including resiliency, education, advocacy, and prevention, with a special interest in collegiate populations. She is a social justice counselor and views counseling and teaching to make a difference among counselors in training. She is the co-chair of the American College Counseling Association’s (ACCA) Clinical & Supervision Training committee, Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Chapter Development Committee member, Chapter Faculty Advisor (CFA) for the Alpha Omega Mu CSI chapter, and a member of ACA and several other divisions. She has presented at the national and local levels on survivor advocacy and trauma-informed practices.

Centering Clinical Supervision as an Ethical Imperative: Protecting Clients, Supporting Counselors, and Elevating the Profession (1.0 CE)

The presentation examines the ethical foundations of supervision, explores common dilemmas faced by supervisors and supervisees, and demonstrates how ethical supervisory practices reduce risk, improve client outcomes, and promote counselor development. Using case examples across diverse settings (community mental health, private practice, college counseling, and telehealth), participants will examine how ethical lapses in supervision manifest and how structured, culturally responsive models of supervision can address these challenges. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for ethically grounded supervision, tools for fostering reflective practice, and strategies for navigating gray areas—such as dual roles, documentation, supervisee impairment, and power dynamics. The interactive session integrates discussion, short activities, and applied scenarios to support supervisors and counselors seeking to strengthen their ethical decision-making and supervision practices.

Dr. Matthew R. Shupp is a Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania, United States) where he serves as coordinator of the College Counseling & Student Affairs specializations and the doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Shupp’s research interests focus on inclusive supervision in student affairs, multicultural competence, student leadership development, and holistic college student experiences. He was selected to the Fulbright Specialist Roster (2021-2025) and recently returned from Suez Canal University in Egypt where he assisted with the university's first-ever clinical counseling center.

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Culturally Informed Rural Mental Health Advocacy: Barriers, Challenges, and Solutions. (1.0 CE)

The presentation will examine the intersection of rural community culture and the challenges associated with mental health service delivery. Attendees will delineate advocacy strategies for addressing and removing systemic barriers to successful mental health outcomes and services for global populations in rural communities.

Eugenie Joan Looby, PHD, LPC, NCC, ACS is a Professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations at Mississippi State University, where she has been a faculty member for over 25 years. Her clinical experiences include working with individuals across the developmental spectrum (children, adolescents, adults) and providing individual, group, and family counseling for personal, social, and developmental issues across in-patient and out-patient settings. She has numerous publications, including a co-authored textbook on multicultural counseling and has delivered presentations, workshops, and training sessions on counseling and clinical topics to a diverse audience. Her research interests span multiculturalism and diversity, treating sexual trauma, spirituality, gender concerns with underserved and rural women, rehabilitation matters, and social justice/advocacy counseling.

Jasmine Carter, MS, P-LPC, NCC isa staff counselor with Student Counseling services at Mississippi State University. She is pursuing a degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Mississippi State University. Her research interests include intergenerational trauma, marriage and family counseling, and incarceration.

 

 

 

Global Pathways to Healing: Counseling Strategies for Children and Caregivers Affected by Parental Incarceration (1.0 CE)

The session is about advancing a cross-cultural, trauma-informed approach to mental health practice. Drawing from U.S. and international research, it situates counseling within a global human rights framework through instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Bangkok Rules, and the Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights. The presentation expands global mental health literacy by introducing strength-based, culturally responsive interventions for caregivers and children affected by parental incarceration; an issue transcending national boundaries yet not deeply discussed among mental health providers in a global context. Emphasizing resilience, hope, and holistic care, the session calls for an “all-hands-on-deck” global response, uniting counselors, researchers, and caregivers in building compassionate, trauma-informed systems of support.

Dr. Avon Hart-Johnson is a distinguished scholar, counselor educator-in-training, community advocate, and author whose work bridges healing, justice, and systemic transformation. She holds a Ph.D. and currently serves as contributing faculty and doctoral mentor at Walden University. With over 15 years of group counseling-centered experience as a board-certified human services practitioner and nonprofit leader, Dr. Hart-Johnson has facilitated psycho-educational and trauma-informed support groups within Washington, D.C.’s Residential Reentry Center for women, providing counseling and reentry support to individuals transitioning from incarceration. She has also led trauma-informed storytelling and bibliotherapy groups that use narrative as a therapeutic tool for healing and resilience. Deeply committed to advancing the counseling profession, Dr. Hart-Johnson is currently pursuing a second Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision at Bowie State University, where her research and practice center on strength-based, culturally responsive counseling interventions for justice-impacted populations. Her long-term goal is to open a therapeutic practice in the Washington, D.C. area that integrates counseling, education, and advocacy for system-involved families. Her advocacy extends locally, nationally, and globally. As chair of Connecting 4 Justice: Advocacy in Action Coalition, she leads a national consortium addressing social justice across the mass incarceration continuum. She also serves as vice president of the International Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents; a global network focused on mitigating trauma and strengthening supports for youth affected by parental incarceration.

In April 2024, Dr. Hart-Johnson presented at the United Nations in Geneva, championing the rights of preschool children of African descent in U.S. schools and calling for trauma-responsive education reforms.

A prolific author with McFarland & Company, her works include African American Women with Incarcerated Mates: The Psychological and Social Impacts of Mass Imprisonment (2017) and Children of Imprisoned Parents: A Guide to Holistic Caregiver and Child Well-Being (2025), with a companion workbook designed to enhance caregiver and child mental health. With her integration of clinical insight, lived engagement, academic rigor, and global advocacy, Dr. Hart-Johnson advances a holistic, counseling-informed approach to justice, healing, and human dignity.

Mr. Geoffrey A. Johnson after retiring from the federal government, as a leader in law enforcement, I sought to contribute to my community by developing life skills curriculum and programming at a non-profit organization, helping individuals obtain their general equivalency diplomas (GED) and secure employment. Mr. Johnson has also been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for at-risk foster children in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He has co-founded DC Project Connect, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and children of incarcerated individuals. Mr. Johnson has led efforts to provide social support programs, mentorship, and advocacy for criminal justice reform.

A central guiding principle in his life is the motto of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.: “First of All; Servants of All; We Shall Transcend All.”  Mr. Johnson I currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision at Bowie State University.

Healing the Healers: Evidence-Based Approaches to Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Mental Health Practice (1.0 CE)

The presentation will assist attendees to Spot the Signs and learn to recognize burnout and compassion fatigue in self and colleagues before they impact their work. Attendees will be able to learn how to put evidence into action and discover practical, research-backed strategies to prevent and manage professional stress.

Dr. Sr. Hellen Khisa is a professor of practice in the School of Counseling at Marymount University. She has been a counselor educator for three years at Marymount University. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with Spiritual and Pastoral Integration from the Graduate Theological Foundation University in Sarasota, Florida. She also holds an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, an M.A. in Special Education and a B.A. in Special Education from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania; Diploma from National Teachers College, Nangongera in Tororo, Uganda, East Africa; Diploma in African Studies from Tangaza University in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa.

 

Implementing a Trauma Informed Lens in Clinical Practice: Experiences from the Field (1.0 CE)

The presentation will explore the use of trauma-informed practice in three distinct areas of clinical practice: medical trauma, substance use disorder, and intimate partner violence. This presentation will provide a definition and overview of trauma-informed practice, detail multiple approaches to using trauma-informed practice in clinical settings and provide insight into how trauma-informed approaches can be implemented in the treatment of intimate partner violence, medical trauma, and substance use disorder.

Ailish Riggs Dermody, MA, NCC is a 2nd year student in the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD program at Marymount University. As a Resident in Counseling in private practice she works with adults experiencing grief, trauma, substance use, and relationship issues. She also serves as a Grief Specialist with Experience Camps, facilitating clinical sessions for grieving children and their families. She is a certified equine facilitated psychotherapist and has developed and implemented equine facilitated groups for substance use, grief, and women in recovery. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. She is currently serving as the Treasurer for MRCA.

Maya Khan, MA, NCC, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and PhD Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Marymount University’s School of Counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education, along with dual Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic & Legal Psychology from Marymount University. With clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through trauma, grief, identity development, and life transitions, her work emphasizes cognitive-behavioral approaches, emotional regulation, and resilience-building. Maya’s research and professional interests center on trauma-informed care, group counseling, and culturally responsive clinical practice. She is passionate about counselor development, community mental health advocacy, and expanding access to high-quality, identity-affirming mental health services. Ms. Khan is currently the President of MR-CA,

Greta Christ, MA, MA, LPC, NCC, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, an Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, and a 2nd year PhD student in Counseling Education and Supervision at Marymount University. Her clinical experience includes providing therapeutic services to individuals facing concerns surrounding anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, medical illness, aging, spirituality, and interpersonal issues. She currently works in private practice, provides supervision to masters-level students at Marymount University’s Training Clinic, and serves as an adjunct professor of psychology at Marymount University. Greta is the current Secretary of MRCA.

Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Review of Violence Against Women, Best Practices for Global Interventions (1.0 CE)

The presentation will cover a review of International Best Practices for Global Interventions for violence against women and Identify overarching principles concerning screening, assessment, and intervention strategies for victims of intimate partner violence.

Dr. Shelly Aboagye is an Assistant Professor at Marymount University’s Counseling Department. Her research concentrates on family systems, spirituality and wellbeing, professional identity development, student growth, academic achievement, mental health, and healthy aging. Dr. Aboagye is a fellow in aging research with the Marymount University Center for Optimum Aging and a recipient of the MSI Fellow award from the NIH Resource Center for Minority Aging Research National Coordinating Center (RCMAR NCC). She is a member of the American Counselor Association (ACA), the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology (NASAP), and the Gerontology Society of America (GSA). Dr. Aboagye is also Past President of MR-CA. Alongside her academic activities, she offers clinical counseling services at a substance abuse treatment center in Maryland.

Moving Beyond Survival: Strategic Self-Care Planning for Professional Longevity and Ethical Practice (2.0 CEs)

The presentation will address the modern reality of pervasive societal and professional stress that often leads mental health practitioners, educators, and human service workers into the debilitating zone of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout.  Moving beyond mere theoretical self-care, this session frames the maintenance of personal well-being as a critical professional ethical mandate. Participants will receive the knowledge and practical tools required to shift their focus toward Compassion Satisfaction and sustainable practice. The session is distinguished by its evidence-informed approach, integrating personal risk assessment using concepts from the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) Score and the Resiliency Index. Attendees will move from passive learning to active planning by utilizing hands-on assessment and planning tools to immediately develop a strategic, daily self-care blueprint. Furthermore, the workshop will facilitate an analysis of how professional ethics apply to personal self-care, including a critical discussion on maintaining boundaries and well-being in the context of persistent technology utilization and the digital age. This workshop is essential for any professional committed to long-term efficacy and ethical integrity in high-stress roles.

Dr. Lara Vanderhoof social work educator and justice advocate. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (1992) and Master of Social Work (1997) from Roberts Wesleyan College (now Roberts Wesleyan University) in Rochester, New York, and completed her Doctor of Social Work at Capella University in 2015. Dr. Vanderhoof began her teaching career as an adjunct instructor in the Master of Social Work program at Roberts Wesleyan while working full-time in child welfare. She serves as Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor of Social Work at Tabor College. Previously, Dr. Vanderhoof is the Chief Academic Officer at Central Christian College of Kansas. Throughout her career, Dr. Vanderhoof has taught a wide range of courses, including introduction to social work, sociology, social work practice, social welfare policy, human development, group treatment, field seminar, marriage and family, child welfare, general psychology, and counseling courses.  In addition, Dr. Vanderhoof is a Kansas Supreme Court Approved Mediator providing pro bono services with youthful offenders and their families.  She focused her research in the following areas: anti-human trafficking awareness, education, and prevention; restorative justice services, and the ethical impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and social work practice.  Dr. Vanderhoof is a leader of the Set Free Movement, an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization (locally and globally positioned).

 

Psychophysiology of Crisis: How Trauma, Stress, and Neuroinflammation Shape Cross-Cultural Mental Health (2.0 CEs)

The two-hour presentation explores the psychophysiology of crisis through a neuroscience-informed lens, examining how acute and chronic stress, trauma, and neuroinflammation shape mental health across cultural contexts. Participants will learn to distinguish shared and culturally mediated nervous system responses, with emphasis on autonomic regulation, glial activation, and disrupted cognitive–emotional integration. The session translates complex brain-based concepts into culturally responsive clinical frameworks, supporting accurate case conceptualization and ethical intervention across diverse populations. Attendees will leave with practical, adaptable regulation tools that help clients move from psychophysiological instability toward nervous system stabilization, relational presence, and cross-cultural therapeutic connection.

Carmen L. Kimball LPC, BCN is a Licensed Professional Counselor and board-certified neurofeedback clinician who integrates neuroscience, psychophysiology, and psychotherapy to help clients cultivate and maintain lasting well-being. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Counseling from George Mason University, she brings an interdisciplinary perspective grounded in neuroscience research, QEEG assessment, and clinical practice that bridges psychology and physiology. Carmen is an experienced educator and trauma-informed care advocate, certified by the Office of Victims of Crime to teach the neurobiology of trauma to healthcare professionals, legal professionals, and allied systems, with presentations at universities and professional organizations nationally and internationally. As the founder of Axolotl Counseling and Neurofeedback, she provides culturally responsive, bilingual (English–Spanish) services focused on harnessing neuroplasticity to help clients move from psychological disruption to adaptive connection at individual, relational, and community levels.

 Supporting Survivors to Rise Above Coercive Control and Break Relationship Cycles (1.0)

The session will examine why survivors return, uncovering the attachment, fear, shame, cultural influences, and unmet needs that sustain these cycles. Participants will gain practical, trauma-informed interventions that promote empowerment, resilience, and safety while supporting survivors in rebuilding healthy connections. Through clinical insight and applied strategies, attendees will leave better equipped to help clients move from crisis to healing and autonomy.

Maya Khan, MA, NCC, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and PhD Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Marymount University’s School of Counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education, along with dual Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic & Legal Psychology from Marymount University. With clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through trauma, grief, identity development, and life transitions, her work emphasizes cognitive-behavioral approaches, emotional regulation, and resilience-building. Maya’s research and professional interests center on trauma-informed care, group counseling, and culturally responsive clinical practice. She is passionate about counselor development, community mental health advocacy, and expanding access to high-quality, identity-affirming mental health services.

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The Game of Managing Stress (1.0 CE) 

The session will illustrate the utilization of games/teamwork to reduce stress and making connections.  The fundamentals of stress management will be introduced (including breathing exercises, muscle tension awareness, nature therapy, and visualization demonstrations). The presentation of the importance of stress management within the wellness model will provide an experiential creative activity along with reflection and feedback on managing stress.

Dr.  Jones-Trebatoski has been in counseling private practice for over 25 years.  The presenter has been a counselor educator and supervisor for 20 years. She holds degrees in the Art and Counseling fields. Counseling contracts included state agencies, county agencies, mental health disaster relief, and community pro bono counseling for underserved populations. The presenter was a clinical director for several outpatient hospitalizations and specialize in stress management, clinical hypnosis, animal assisted therapy, and in the creative processes in counseling. The presenter is a LPC-Supervisor and has supervised many new professionals towards full licensure. The presenter holds numerous certifications and is an active member and presenter at professional organizations at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. She has been involved in several professional counseling committees/boards (local-international levels) that promote the humanistic approaches in mental health and counselor education. She has been recognized by counseling field for the work provided to communities in need, including the European Branch-ACA:  Out Standing Counselor Award; the Resolution Award (H.R. No. 1493) by State of Texas for Humanistic Counseling, and the Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC) Humanistic Clinician of the Year Award. The presenter has been an active advocate for 20 years in Human Rights for individuals challenged with intellectual, mental health, and substance use disorders.

 

 The NASW Code of Ethics/Professional Ethics as it relates to the use of AI in social work/mental health practice.(1.0 CE)

The presentation explores the ever-changing environment technological tool namely, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the impact and incorporation in the field of social work and other helping professions.  Important considerations and examinations will be explored as it relates to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics/professional ethics and the intersectionality of AI in social work practice.  Technology continues to advance and refine and impact the profession as result, social workers/mental health providers must be equipped for how to best respond when ethical decision-make intersects with the concern and potential benefit presented by AI.  This workshop explores the ethical landscape of the role of AI tools, how AI can strengthen the values of social justice efforts, consider confidentiality, and privacy concerns.  Case studies, engaged dialogue, and practical steps participants will gain comprehension for how to navigate this intersection, navigate the ethical responsibilities when utilizing AI tools in social work practice.  How will you navigate this intersection between social work practice and AI technology?

 Dr. Lara Vanderhoof social work educator and justice advocate. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (1992) and Master of Social Work (1997) from Roberts Wesleyan College (now Roberts Wesleyan University) in Rochester, New York, and completed her Doctor of Social Work at Capella University in 2015. Dr. Vanderhoof began her teaching career as an adjunct instructor in the Master of Social Work program at Roberts Wesleyan while working full-time in child welfare. She serves as Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor of Social Work at Tabor College. Previously, Dr. Vanderhoof is the Chief Academic Officer at Central Christian College of Kansas. Throughout her career, Dr. Vanderhoof has taught a wide range of courses, including introduction to social work, sociology, social work practice, social welfare policy, human development, group treatment, field seminar, marriage and family, child welfare, general psychology, and counseling courses.  In addition, Dr. Vanderhoof is a Kansas Supreme Court Approved Mediator providing pro bono services with youthful offenders and their families.  She focused her research in the following areas: anti-human trafficking awareness, education, and prevention; restorative justice services, and the ethical impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and social work practice.  Dr. Vanderhoof is a leader of the Set Free Movement, an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization (locally and globally positioned).

The Use of Sociodrama for Relational Violence Prevention in Adolescents and Young Adults (1.0 CE)

The presentation will explore the intentional use of sociodrama—an educational theatre approach—as a powerful and creative method for addressing relational violence and other mental health concerns. Unlike traditional counseling methods, which typically focus on individuals, couples, families, or small groups, sociodrama engages participants at a communal and macro level. This approach fosters meaningful connections among participants, characters, and audience members.

The sociodrama performances highlighted in this presentation address critical crises, including suicide, bullying, stalking, domestic violence, teen dating violence, and eating disorders. The artistic nature of sociodrama provides a unique medium for examining these issues in ways that transcend cultural, linguistic, and geographic boundaries, promoting dialogue and understanding across borders.

Dr. Tara Jungersen is a Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the Department of Counseling at Nova Southeastern University College of Psychology. She completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Tennessee, and her M.Ed. in Community Counseling at the University of Virginia. Prior to joining the faculty at NSU in 2009, she worked extensively in community behavioral health facilities providing crisis intervention, mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and domestic violence services across several levels of care. Since that time, she has trained and supervised clinical mental health counseling students and chaired the department through first-time program accreditations. Her current research focuses on intimate partner violence, trauma, and violence prevention using sociodrama. She is currently co-authoring the fourth edition of the Survivor Therapy Empowerment Program, a trauma-informed treatment program for survivors of gender-based trauma and serves on the Broward Domestic Violence Council. She is currently the Editor in Chief of Trauma Counseling and Resilience, the journal of the International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (a division of the American Counseling Association). She is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Florida Qualified Supervisor for the Mental Health and Marriage and Family professions, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor.

 

 

Voices of Resilience: Advocacy and Mental Health Support for Immigrants (1.0 CE)

The presentation examines the critical intersection of immigration, mental health, and advocacy.  We will explore the unique psychological challenges faced by immigrant populations, particularly undocumented individuals, due to factors such as displacement, acculturation stress, legal uncertainty, and systemic barriers to mental health care. It highlights evidence-based counseling strategies that promote resilience, including trauma-informed therapy, culturally responsive interventions, and community-based support systems. The presentation is highly relevant to counseling as it underscores the necessity of integrating social justice and mental health care for marginalized populations. Counselors can develop more inclusive and equitable therapeutic practices by fostering awareness of the sociopolitical factors affecting immigrant well-being. The discussion reinforces ethical obligations to advocate for systemic change, ensuring that mental health services are accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of immigrant communities.

Mihaela Campion, LCPC, CCDVC is the founder of the Psychotherapy and Transformational Movement, with over twenty-six years of clinical experience. She has a Master of Arts in Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, specializing in Counseling Psychology.

 

When Intelligences Combine: Ethical Applications of AI in Counseling Research and Education (1.0 CE)

As the role of AI’s is expected to expand, counselors and counselor educators have an ethical imperative to understand how it can be used in the field and how to manage the associated risks. The aim of the presentation is to provide information on AI’s many features and better prepare counselors to thoughtfully and ethically incorporate AI tools into counseling research and education. 

Greta Christ, MA, MA, LPC, NCC, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, an Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, and a 2nd year PhD student in Counseling Education and Supervision at Marymount University. Her clinical experience includes providing therapeutic services to individuals facing concerns surrounding anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, medical illness, aging, spirituality, and interpersonal issues. She currently works in private practice, provides supervision to masters-level students at Marymount University’s Training Clinic, and serves as an adjunct professor of psychology at Marymount University.

When politics become personal: Supporting clients experiencing political anxiety (1.0 CE)

The presentation will provide therapists a deeper understanding of political anxiety and provide practical, ethically grounded strategies for supporting clients experiencing these struggles.

Dr. Jimena Schroeder is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of North Dakota, as well as holding a license to supervise new clinicians. Jimena utilizes an integrative approach and a social justice lens to therapy. She currently works in a private practice setting providing services to adults and adolescents, as well as at an inpatient hospital setting as an intake counselor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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