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

BEGINNING JULY 1,  CLICK SESSION TITLE TO REGISTER.

Morning Sessions:    9:00am-12:15pm

1. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Considerations of Beginning a Private Practice 

Presented by Brian S. Canfield, Ed.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    Ethics

2.  Beyond the Rainbow: Creating and Affirming 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    General

3. LSCA  Sponsored  Pre-Conference Workshops

There are two 1.5 workshops in this bundle.  

Cost:  Members $25.00         non-members   $50.00

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,                 General

b. 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  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

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

1. The Business of Establishing and Operating a Private Practice

Presented by Brian S. Canfield, Ed.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 

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  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, Play Therapy Diagnosis