Pre-Conference Workshops

LCA is pleased to announce the 2025 Pre-Conference Workshops

Date:  Saturday, September 27, 2025

Time:  Morning Sessions  9:00 am-12:15 pm

Afternoon Sessions:  1:30 pm -4:45pm

Available CE clock hours:  3.0 for each session.

Cost:   Member-$25.00

Non Member-$50.00

Registration Opens July 1, 2025

Morning Sessions:    9:00am-12:15pm

1. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Considerations of Beginning a Private Practice                                                           Presented by  Brian Canfield, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT

This pre-conference workshop will provide specific information and suggestions for establishing, operating, and expanding a successful private practice in Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy.                                        Topics covered in the morning session (3 hours) include legal requirements in Louisiana and other States, providing telehealth services “Out-of-State” and internationally, ethical considerations, and commonly encountered professional practice issues

Approved for LPC, LMFT, NBCC, LAC    Ethics

2. Beyone the Rainbow: Creating and Affirmig and Safe Spaces for LGBTQLA+ Clients  (Sponsored by SAIGE-LA)
Presented by Ledora Yerks Birdlow, LPC-S, NCC, ACS, CPIS, Certified Clinical Sexologist and Kayla Rico, PLPC, M.A., NCC

Gender and sexuality influence our lives daily, yet discussions about these concepts are often silenced, stigmatized, or misunderstood. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, these challenges are compounded by systemic barriers, discrimination, and lack of affirming care. This pre-conference Safe Zone training is designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to create an inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed practice for LGBTQIA+ clients. Participants will explore the impact of stigma, learn best practices for working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, and engage in case study discussions to enhance their clinical competency. By fostering safer, more affirming spaces, mental health professionals can better support the well-being of LGBTQIA+ clients in therapy, schools, and other professional settings

Approved for LPC, LMFT, NBCC, LAC    General

3. LSCA  Sponsored  Pre-Conference Workshops
There are three 1.0 workshops in this bundle.  Patricipants may choose one or all three sessions. The cost for each session is $10.00 and the cost for all three is $25.00

a. Dig Deeper with Data: Strengthening School Counseling Through Leadership and Evaluation                      Presented by Tara Washington, M.A., NCC, NCSC and Bernell Elzey, Ph.D., LPC, NCC

This session will provide a deep dive into the NIET Counselor Rubric, offering practical strategies for aligning counseling work with evaluation criteria while using data to advocate effectively. Additionally, participants will explore the role of advisory councils as platforms for collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and program advocacy. Learn how to leverage data-driven insights to strengthen school counseling programs, secure resources, and demonstrate effectiveness. This session will blend leadership, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to create equitable, student-centered programs that drive success

Approved for LPC, NBCC, LAC                General

bb. Supervising School Counselors-in-Training: Strategiesfor Site Supervisors                                                              Presented by  Christopher Belser, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC

This session is designed for school counselors acting as site supervisors for school counselors-in-training. The presenter will highlight the rationale for providing structured

supervision. Additionally, common supervision models will be discussed with case
examples. The presenter will also provide an overview of strategies that site supervisors
can use with supervisees and topics that site supervisors can explore prior to beginning a
supervisory relationship. Lastly, resources and references for school counselors and
supervisees will be discussed.

Approved for LPC,  NBCC, LAC Supervision

c. The Critical Role of Cultural Competence in School Counseling                                                                                             Presented by A'rean Thornton Williams, PLPC, NCC

This presentation aims to highlight the significance of cultural competence in school counseling, emphasizing how it enhances student well-being, promotes equity, and fosters an inclusive school environment. As school counselors play a pivotal role in supporting diverse student populations, understanding cultural differences is essential for effective communication, relationship-building, and intervention strategies.

Approved for LPC, LMFT, NBCC, LAC Multiculturalism

4. Vicarious Liability in Clinical Supervision -                                                                                                                                            Presented by Cheryl Morris

This webinar provides a comprehensive exploration of vicarious liability as it applies to clinical supervisors. We will examine the legal and ethical responsibilities supervisors hold for the actions of their supervisees, even when they are not directly involved in client care. We will cover key concepts such as duty of care, negligent supervision, risk management strategies, and the legal implications of supervisor-supervisee relationships.

Approved for LPC (1.5 in Ethics and 1.5 in Supervision), LMFT (General), NBCC, LAC

Afternoon Sessions: 1:30 pm-4:45pm

1. The Business of Establishing and Operating a Private Practice                                                                                     Presented by Brian Canfield, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT

Topics covered in the afternoon session (3 hours) include developing a business plan for growing a “six figure” practice, advantages and disadvantages of various business models (sole proprietor, Shared ownership, For profit, Non-profit, LLC, PLLC), practice structure (solo practice, group practice models, etc.) capitalization and financing considerations, income and expense projections, and marketing strategies for practice expansion, and considerations of insurance panel affiliations.

Approved for LPC, LMFT, NBCC, LAC

2. Depressive Disorders:  Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Matching                                                                        Presented by Gary Gintner, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC

Depressive disorders are among the most common disorders that counselors treat.  This program reviews DSM-5-TR’s chapter on depressive disorders which includes Major Depressive Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.  For each, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and treatment considerations are discussed. Guidelines are provided to differentiate depressive disorders from medical conditions, substance use and other disorders like Bipolar Disorder. Special attention is paid to diagnostic and treatment issues with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Case examples are provided to illustrate diagnostic and treatment planning issues

Approved for LPC, LMFT, NBCC, LAC Diagnosis

3. Play Therapy in the Modern World: Addressing Contemporary Issues with Research-Informed and Brain-Based Interventions                                                                                                                                                                                           Presented by Erin Dugan, Ph.D, LPC-S, RPT-S and Adrianne Frischhertz, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S

This interactive workshop explores play therapy’s role in addressing contemporary issues such as neurodivergence, social media pressures, aggression, and divorce. Grounded in current research, brain science basics, and the power of regulation, participants will gain practical tools and strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes and strengthen parent-child relationships through collaborative play-based approaches.

Approved for LPC, LMFT,  NBCC, LAC , Play Therapy Diagnosis