OCA Fall Conference 2026: Full Schedule

9:00am PDT

Working Through Conflict and Forgiveness

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Forgiveness is examined under a cultural and developmental perspective by examining how environment and religion might influence how forgiveness is conceptualized. The model presented in this presentation approaches forgiveness from a theoretical model initially conceptualized from Judaism and broadened to a general population. A validated measure and the research findings related to...
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Speakers

Dr. Rick Balkin

Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Leadership and Counselor Education, University of Mississippi

Ph.D., LPC, NCC

Thursday October 1, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
TBA

Mental Health Counseling, Ethics

1:30pm PDT

The Adaptation Gap: Cognitive and Emotional Exhaustion in an Accelerating World

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Counselors increasingly encounter clients describing exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, diminished emotional capacity, social disconnection, financial worry, information overload, and distress related to social and political uncertainty. These experiences are often conceptualized separately as anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, loneliness, or attentional difficulty. This presentation asks...
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Speakers

Jamie Weiland

Owner/Therapist, Counseling In Green Country

M.S., CRC, CCTP, CATP, LPC Supervisor

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Ethics

1:30pm PDT

What's going on? Updated rules, Counseling Compact, Common Complaints, and Other Things You Want to Know.

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Many people have questions about the recently published updates to the LPC rules, the Counseling Compact, and other issues related to our role as LPCs. Join Eric Ashmore, Executive Director of the Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL) and LPC representatives on the Board as they share information related to these and other issues and answer your questions.

Speakers

Board of Behavioral Health Licensure

Executive Director & LPC Representatives, Board of Behavioral Health Licensure

Executive Director and LPC representatives of the BBHL.

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Ethics, Supervision

1:30pm PDT

Why Become an EMDR Therapist?: Efficacy and Research Review

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

This workshop introduces clinicians to the clinical value and evidence base behind Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Participants will explore the core mechanisms of EMDR, review current research and compare EMDR’s efficacy to other leading trauma treatments. The session highlights why EMDR training enhances clinical outcomes, expands therapeutic competencies, and...
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Speakers

Karen Mosshammer

Owner/Founder, Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health, PLLC

Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA Certified Therapist, EMDRIA Consultant in Training,

Jen Trompeter

Owner, Therapist, Superior Counseling, Counseling with a Twist

Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA Certified Therapist, EMDRIA Consultant and EMDRIA Approved Credit Provider

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Mental Health Counseling

3:30pm PDT

Integrating Mindfulness into Addiction Treatment

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

In this presentation, we will explore how substance use impacts the brain, how those changes to the brain make Cognitive Behavioral Therapy challenging for individuals in early recovery, and how Mindfulness can give recovering individuals tools and insights they can employ in all stages of recovery. We will also learn the basics of Mindfulness and practice Mindfulness exercises.

Speakers

Greg Sutmiller

Owner/Therapist, Evolution Mental Health Services

MS, LPC, LADC/MH

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Addictions Counseling

3:30pm PDT

Speaking Their Language: Culturally Responsive Clinical Approaches for Gen Z and Gen Alpha

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

Cultural responsiveness extends beyond race and ethnicity. Today’s clinicians and educators must also understand the digital, linguistic, and social ecosystems that shape Gen Z and Gen Alpha identities. This workshop explores how online communities, social media, gaming culture, evolving language, identity development, and digital citizenship function as important cultural influences for...
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Speakers

Brandy Guidry

Clinical Coordination and Quality Manager; Clinician; Part-Time Instructor, Transitions, Inc.; FSCKids; Cameron University

MA LPC Supervisor, Registered Play therapist Supervisor™Rostered in CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy)Circle of Security FacilitatorAttachment Biobehavioral Catchup (ABC) Parent CoachCurrent OKAPT President (Oklahoma Association for Play Therapy).Part-Time Instructor at Cameron U... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Mental Health Counseling

3:30pm PDT

Crawling to Sprinting: Leading High Capacity clinicians and Teams Through a Developmental Model

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

This session would focus on increasing understanding of a developmental model of clinical supervision and how this can also translate into a developmental model of team and organizational growth. Participants will hear real world scenarios designed to help supervisors and leaders combat the biggest challenges in supervision and leadership in today’s changing climate including early-onset...
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Speakers

Chelsea Brown

Clinical Director, Green Country Behavioral Health

Licenses professional counselor, supervisor Clinical Director, Green Country Behavioral Health

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Supervision, Ethics

9:00am PDT

AI in Clinical Practice: Navigating the New Frontier

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT

TBA

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing clinical and behavioral health practice, offering new opportunities while raising important ethical and professional questions. This keynote explores practical applications of AI, including documentation, treatment planning, psychoeducation, and other clinical workflows. Attendees will examine key risks involving confidentiality, bias, informed consent,...
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Speakers

Dr. Cody Commander

Owner, Commander Counseling & Wellness; Rock Springs Psychological Testing Center

PsyD, HSP, CMPC

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
TBA

Mental Health Counseling, Ethics

1:30pm PDT

Ethics Bowl

Friday October 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Think you know counseling? Put your knowledge to the test at the OACES Academic Bee, an engaging and competitive event bringing graduate counseling programs together for a friendly battle of knowledge, ethics, teamwork, and critical thinking. Teams of 3–4 graduate counseling students with a faculty sponsor will represent their counseling programs as they advance through three elimination rounds....
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Speakers

Erica Fenderson

Professor, Southeastern OSU and CREOKS

LPC-S, ACS, CSC, RPT

Friday October 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Ethics

1:30pm PDT

Oklahoma Mental Health Policy Panel Presentation

Friday October 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

The OK Mental Health Policy Panel Presentation will cover topics related to recent and upcoming policies impacting mental health in Oklahoma from experts. This presentation will include Bradley Horn, LPC, GRC Chair; Bobby Stem, J.D., OCA Lobbyist; Brittany Hayes, J.D, VP of Policy at Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, and Kelly Roberts, PhD, LMFT, Policy Analyst with Healthy Minds Policy Initiative....
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Speakers

Brittany Hayes

Senior Vice President of Policy, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative

J.D.

Bradley Horn

Private Practice Counselor and OCA Government Relations Committee Chair, Bradley Horn LLC

MS, LPC, NCC

Kelly Roberts

Policy Analyst, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative

PhD, LMFT

Bobby Stem

OCA Lobbyist, Capitol Gains LLC

J.D, OCA Lobbyist

Friday October 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Ethics, Advocacy

1:30pm PDT

When Therapy Isn't Enough: Recognizing Autism in Late-Diagnosed Women and AFAB Adults

Friday October 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

TBA

Many clients make meaningful progress in therapy yet continue to feel that something important has been overlooked. This session explores why autism often goes unrecognized in women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), even after years of mental health treatment. Participants will learn how diagnostic bias, masking, and diagnostic overshadowing contribute to delayed identification and...
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Speakers

Cynthia Hamill

Owner, Cynthia Hamill Counseling

Cynthia Hamill, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (Oklahoma)
Oklahoma Approved Clinical Supervisor
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)
Doctoral Candidate, PhD Counselor Education and Supervision, Grand Canyon University... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
TBA

Mental Health Counseling

3:30pm PDT

Grieving Though Substance Abuse: A Full Circle

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

Recovery from substance use is more than just being abstinent. It is the death of a former life, the challenges in between, and the birth of a new life. In this training, clinicians will analyze how the path from one version of a person’s life to the other has many intricate grieving processes, and how clinicians can use this information to increase compassion and empathy to improve long term...
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Speakers

Willow Gahr

Integrated Team Manager, Grand Mental Health

MCP, LADCMH, LPC, EMDRIA-CIT

Tamra Tollefson

Therapist, Grand Mental Health

MCP, LPC-S

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Addictions Counseling

3:30pm PDT

Cases, Choices & Counseling Ethics-- Can You Choose Your Own Adventure?

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

This interactive exploration will dive into the real-world gray areas of counseling ethics. Rather than simply reviewing what the Code says, participants will step into the counselor’s role and work through challenging scenarios-- choosing from artificial intelligence, veteran concerns, rural dual relationships, multicultural stigma and misdiagnosis, or counselor ethics around neurodivergence....
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Speakers

Andrea A.L. Core

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

BS Psychology, BA Sociology, MA American Studies

Jennifer M Dohlman

Core Faculty OU Online HR Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Program, University of Oklahoma

Ed.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, CCAT, Oklahoma Licensee Supervisor

Pitta Higadera

CEO and Founder of Meza Health, Masters Student- Clinical Mental Health Counseling at OU, Meza Health

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Student, Air Force Veteran

Daryan Parker

Student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters, University of Oklahoma

Bachelors in Child Development

Rachel Roberts

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Student, University of Oklahoma

Bachelors: Elementary Education and Teaching

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Ethics

3:30pm PDT

Supervision Is More Than “What Should I Do?”: How to Get the Most Out of Clinical Supervision

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

TBA

Clinical supervision is required for emerging therapist, but new clinicians are rarely taught how to effectively use it. This interactive session moves beyond the traditional case update and explores how supervisees can take an active role in their professional development. Participants will learn strategies for preparing for supervision, developing meaningful clinical questions, strengthening...
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Speakers

Kaitlin Black-Salinas

Therapist, Congruence OKC

MA LPC-Supervisor

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Supervision, Ethics

9:00am PDT

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3:30pm PDT

9:00am PDT

1:30pm PDT

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3:30pm PDT

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