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Foundations and Frontiers: Cultivating Excellence Across the Counseling Career

The Arizona Counselors Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2003

Tentative Schedule (6.75 CE)

08:00am-08:30am      Check-in and Breakfast, Visit Exhibitors

08:30am-09:00am      Welcome, President Comments, Recognition

09:00am-10:15am        Speaker Greg Searls, Executive Director, Counseling Compact Commission - This session will focus on providing updates and information regarding Arizona’s involvement in the Counseling Compact. (1.25 CE)

10:15am-10:45am        Networking, Visit Exhibitors, Members-Only Drawing, All-Attendees Drawing

10:45am-12:15pm      Speaker Tobi Zavala, Executive Director, Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners - This session will provide updates on the board’s activities and will also include an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about counseling and the board's operations.(1.5 CE)

12:15pm-01:15pm      Lunch and Networking, Visit Exhibitors, All-Attendees Drawing

01:15pm-02:45pm      Breakout Sessions - 4 Options (1.5 CE)

1. Counseling in the Age of AI: Promise, Practice, and Precaution with Kelly O'Horo, LPC and Patrick O'Horo, LAC – This presentation explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the field of counseling. As AI tools – from notetaking assistance to treatment planning, and clinician coaching – become increasingly integrated into mental health services, counselors face both exciting opportunities and complex ethical challenges.
2. The Healing Art of Ketamine: Psychotherapy Ketamine Treatment with Lillie Cortes, LPC-S, CSAT, SEP, Psychedelic-Informed Therapist and Michael Yasinski, MD – This presentation will cover the use of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as an emerging treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Participants will be guided through an experiential exercise to deepen their understanding of the internal therapeutic process supported by ketamine.
3. Rooted Resilience: Honoring Identity to Prevent Burnout and Cultivate Excellence in Clinical Practice with Sirenna Meza, LPC - This workshop helps clinicians reconnect with their personal stories, identities, and cultural heritage to enhance their therapeutic practice. Through reflective exercises, participants will explore how personal struggles and cultural experiences—especially around shame, weakness, or identity—can be transformed into sources of strength, insight, and resilience in the therapy room.
4. Messy Magic: Nurtured Parenting in a Trauma-Informed Setting for Neurodivergent Families with Regina Thompson, LCSW – This direct, experiential presentation introduces early-career clinicians to the Nurtured Parenting model within a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming framework. Using storytelling, role play, and demonstrations, it highlights how co-regulation and relational safety can improve parenting.

03:00pm-04:30pm      Breakout Sessions - 4 Options (1.5 CE)       

1. Evolving Impact and The Business of Therapy: Expansion and Sustainable Growth for Experienced Counselors with Julia Spain, LPC - This presentation is designed for experienced counselors aiming to grow professionally by blending clinical expertise with business strategy. The session includes real-life examples, guided reflection, and practical tools to help counselors take meaningful steps toward a practice that honors both clinical integrity and entrepreneurial vision.
2. Coming Soon! An Updated Code of Ethics and the Impact on Arizona Counselors with Ann M. Ordway, JD, PhD and Tobi Zavala - This presentation reviews key issues in the upcoming ACA Code of Ethics update, expected in 2026. It will address challenges for Arizona counselors, current responses from the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health, and complications around dual relationships and professional boundaries with clients.
3. Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Burnout with Carlie Deadman, LPC - This breakout session supports early-career mental health professionals by addressing imposter syndrome and its link to burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral injury. It teaches how to recognize burnout warning signs, maintain well-being, and find supportive communities and growth opportunities for a sustainable, values-aligned career.
4. More Than Just Odd: What I Learned from My Neurodivergent Journey into Clinical Work with Christian Senftleben, LAC - This presentation focuses on five key areas related to autism: 1) Discussing; 2) Clarifying; 3) Mapping; 4) Responses; and 5) Supporting.

04:45pm-06:00pm      Closing Session: Recentering & Refueling: Practical Self-Care Interventions for Counselors with Marcela Kepic - This interactive session is designed to provide counselors with practical, evidence-based self-care interventions that promote wellness, balance, and resilience.(1.0 CE)

Closing Remarks, Members-Only Drawing, All-Attendees Drawing

Thank you to our sponsors!

All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than October 1, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $30 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) may be requested. No refunds after October 1, 2025.

By registering for this training, you are giving AZCA permission to add your email to our email list and permission for AzCA to use any photographs taken during the conference for promotional purposes.