Pre-Conference

2025 TCA Conference PreCon Only Registration

About Our Workshops

Pre-Conference Workshops are the perfect opportunity for the Tennessee Counseling Association Chapters/ Divisions to provide 3-hour workshops allowing for more in-depth training in their respective specialized content areas. All Pre-Conference workshops are open to anyone. You don’t have to be a member of the Chapter/ Division to attend. All events have three NBCC-approved continuing education hours provided. 

Thursday, November 13th, 2:00 - 5pmCST

Option 1: (TnSCA - TN School Counseling Association) (2:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

Speakers: 

Karen Whidby, Ed.D.

Lisa C. Davies, Ed.D.

DeAndrea Witherspoon Nash

Title: A Generation at Risk? An Informational Session on the Dual Threat of Adolescent Substance Use and Gaming Behaviors.

Summary: In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, adolescents are increasingly at risk due to the dual threats of substance use and screen dependency. This presentation will delve into the psychological and social factors that contribute to these interconnected issues. By examining the prevalence of both substance use and excessive screen dependency among youth, we will highlight the alarming trends and their potential impact on mental health and well-being. Attendees will learn about the similarities between these behaviors and discover effective prevention and intervention strategies to support healthier habits in adolescents, ultimately fostering a generation that is more aware and resilient in the face of these challenges.

 Option 2: (TAMCD - TN Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development) (2:00 – 5:00)

Speaker: 

S. Kent Butler Ph.D., LPC, NCC, NCSC, ACS

Title: Climate Control: Proactively Leading During Turbulent Times ~ Part II

Summary: S. Kent Butler uses his personal story to speak truth about the effects of privilege and oppression on his own mental wellness and resolve, while sharing best practices for removing culturally biased barriers. Described by his audiences as authentic and real, “Proactively Leading During Turbulent Times” was developed during a moment of intense reflection of his life and an even deeper meditation related to the state of the world. “Proactively Leading During Turbulent Times” highlights how professional counselors may successfully balance mental well-being and self-care with social justice advocacy. This presentation provides attendees with insights, wisdom, and encouragement on how to intentionally get into “good trouble” as Anti-Racist Co-Conspirators, fighting with humility against inequalities on a global scale and working proactively on behalf of our clients. 

Option 3: (LCA - Lookout Counseling Association) (2:00 – 5:00)

Speaker: 

Kevin Doyle, Ph.D., LPC, NCC

Title: Promoting Counselor Wellness and Longevity: Dealing with Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in the Field

Summary: The ACA Code of Ethics puts monitoring for signs of burnout and impairment in the hands of every individual counselor. A challenge that has grown over the past decade with changes in the social and technological world in which we live.  Individual wellness is a vital protective factor in preventing burnout and impairment, and sustaining counselor longevity in the field.   In this workshop, attendees will identify threats to individual wellness for counselors, recognize triggers and signs of burnout and impairment, and develop strategies to improve counselor wellness and longevity.

Option 4: (TACES - TN Association for Counselor Education and Supervision) (2:00 – 5:00)

Speakers: 

Matt Simmons, Ed.D., LPC-MHSP

Tabitha Cude, Ph.D.

Title: Emerging Trends in Clinical Supervision: Technology, Wellness, and Best Practices.

Summary: 

Clinical supervision is often a complex process that includes a unique balance between protecting clients and fostering supervisee development. As the counseling profession continues to evolve, there has been emerging trends in the area of clinical supervision which can make the process more complex. However, it is important that clinical supervisors learn about, and adapt to, these trends. By embracing these trends, supervisors can effectively empower their supervisees and increase innovative practices to promote excellence in the field. During this pre-conference session, we will explore the emerging trends in clinical supervision relating to technology, wellness, and other best practices to help supervisors promote effective development and practices for their supervisees.