Description: This is a multi-session conference. Below are the descriptions for each session being offered.
Time:9 am - 5 pm
Date: 2/21/26
Cost: $45 for member and non-members
Counseling Asexual, Aromatic, and Agender Clients
Description: This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the best practices and strategies when providing therapy to asexual, aromantic, and agender clients. Attendees will be taught multiple specific evidence-based theories and strategies to use when working with these marginalized identities, both individually and in relationships.
Presented by: Rachel Allen
Considerations for treating Trans-including couples in therapy
Many transgender-inclusive couples may seek therapy for similar reasons as cisgender couples. However, the context, background, and motivations behind their needs can differ greatly. Today we will discuss the shared and unique stressors facing the couple, ethical considerations, limitations, and interventions. We will also discuss shifting gender identity demographics, stressors related to trans identity, and how intersectionality can affect these couples. Ultimately, therapy for transgender-inclusive couples should be affirming of gender and embrace all facets of identity within a non-binary framework.
Presented by: Heather Fry
Counseling in the Crossfire: Building LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support
Texan LGBTQ+/Queer mental health clinicians and individuals experience additional stressors while navigating harmful systemic oppression in rural/suburban areas. Intentional collaboration with safe, sustainable community partners and co-conspirators is key to providing intersectional and affirming LGBTQ+ mental health care, while confronting the risks of visibility, in unsafe or unknown socio-political situations.
Presented by: Kevin Wong, Ana Salazar, Elizabeth Okoye-Ezeoke, and Jace Schmidt
Counselor Obligations to LGBTGEQIAP+ Clients Amidst a Politically Hostile Environment
This presentation explores counselors' responsibility in ethically protecting vulnerable LGBTGEQIAP+ clients in politically unsafe climates. Presenters will discuss applying the ACA Code of Ethics and multicultural competencies, fostering cultural sensitivity, and promoting social justice. Attendees will gain strategies for creating inclusive and supportive counseling environments while prioritizing self-care. With practical tools and real-world examples, this session empowers counselors to navigate ethical dilemmas, prioritize client safety, and advocate in politically volatile environments.
Presented by: Melissa Shiplett-Jupe
Reclaiming Identity: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Clients through Affirmative Therapy
In this session, we will explore the concept of covert cultural sexual abuse (chronic verbal, emotional, and psychological assaults against an individual's gender expression, sexual feeling, and behaviors) as the foundation for many problems that LGBTQ individuals face. Using the framework of Cass's Identity model (the 6 Stages of Coming Out), this session will explore common misdiagnoses made in counseling queer populations that can alienate clients while also learning strategies to advocate for clients as they confront their own emotional conflicts throughout the process.
Presented by: Brian Kennedy
The Drama of Trauma
The likelihood of encountering trauma in our rooms is high. We will learn what trauma is, how to effectively navigate the impacts trauma creates, and find helpful resources to stabilize the client's presenting problems. Then we will unpack how to reprocess and thrive from their traumatic experiences.
Presented by: Danae Crume and Chris Boyles
Neuroqueering Your Therapy Practice: Best Practices for Work with Queer Autistic Clients
Join two neuroqueer clinicians to learn best practices for working with queer autistic adults, including common presenting problems, affirming theories, and best practices for working with these populations. The clinicians bring a wealth of current research and lived experiences to help clinician neuroqueer their therapy practice.
Presented by: Abi Smith and Garreth Baldwin
REGISTER HERE!
All conference programs and workshops listed are eligible for:
LPC, NBCC, SBEC, LMFT, LCDC, SW, and Psychologist continuing education hours.
TCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2044_. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. TCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.