ACA Conference to Feature Sessions on Climate Change, Today’s Political Landscape, Impact of the Loneliness Epidemic on Youth & More

Orlando, Fla. (March 24, 2025) — The 2025 ACA Conference & Expo, the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors, will feature 200+ education sessions, organized across 24 mental health and counseling topic areas. The signature event takes place from March 27–29 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando and Orange County Convention Center.

The conference will also feature a keynote address by Brandon Wolf, survivor of the 2016 shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. Wolf is national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign and a nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights and gun safety.

SELECT EDUCATION SESSIONS INCLUDE:

Eco Anxiety and Climate Trauma: Navigating the Psychosocial Impact of Climate Change on Communities, March 28, 7:30–8:30 a.m. ET
Climate change is a reality, with extreme weather events occurring more frequently worldwide, across the U.S., and in Florida. Eco-anxiety and climate trauma are genuine responses, with potentially serious psychosocial impacts. A panel of trauma experts will discuss the stressors and traumas associated with climate- and weather-related crises and disasters, drawing on recent global, national, and local events.

The Loneliness Epidemic: Its Impact on Youth and How We Can Help, March 28, 11–12:00 p.m. ET
In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared a loneliness epidemic and issued a comprehensive advisory highlighting the far-reaching impact of this public health crisis. This presentation will explore key findings from the advisory, focusing on the profound effects of loneliness on youth. The session will examine relevant research and statistics, emphasizing the mental and physical health consequences of loneliness among young individuals, including the role of social media in exacerbating feelings of disconnection.

How “Anti” Legislation Affects the Counseling Profession, March 28, 12:15–1:15 p.m. ET
Many states have enacted or are considering legislation that restricts the rights of marginalized communities, including Black and Brown individuals and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This session will examine the implications of such “anti” legislation for licensed professional counselors and explore strategies for navigating these challenges effectively and ethically.

Am I Going to Lose My License? Navigating The Topic of Abortion with Clients in Post-Roe America, March 28, 1:30–2:30 p.m. ET
This presentation will explore findings from a qualitative study examining the experiences of counselors navigating abortion-related conversations in the evolving landscape of post-Roe America. Presenters will discuss the implications of the study’s results for both counselors and the counseling profession, addressing the challenges posed by the changing legal and ethical framework. Recommendations will be shared to help counselors approach these sensitive topics with confidence and ethical integrity, while acknowledging the complexities of the current environment.

Florida’s Political Landscape: 2025 Legislative Session – Part 1 & Part 2, March 28, 1:30–2:30 p.m. & 2:45–3:45 p.m. ET
Florida’s annual legislative session has set the stage for sweeping changes to laws and policies that directly impact the counseling profession and the communities it serves. This session will delve into the latest developments, providing a comprehensive analysis of the bills passed, vetoed, and still under consideration. Attendees will gain insights into how these changes affect mental health access, school-based counseling programs, and professional licensure requirements.

When Isms, Law, and Ethics Collide: Navigating Sexual Concerns in Today’s “Patriotic” Climate, March 28, 1:30–2:30 p.m. ET
When working with clients’ concerns related to sexuality, gender identity, and the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, counselors must develop sophisticated approaches that uphold ethical principles while acknowledging the reality of discriminatory legislation. This creates a complex professional landscape where counselors need to understand not only best practices for addressing sexual concerns but also strategies for providing ethical care in environments where discrimination may be codified into law. This session explores evidence-based approaches for ethical practice in sexuality counseling, equipping counselors with practical tools for ethical decision-making while navigating complex legal requirements that impact both client care and professional practice.

Processing and Navigating Trauma, Grief and Loss from Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises March 28, 2:45–3:45 p.m. ET
Global conflicts and humanitarian crises impact populations worldwide, affecting individuals in both direct and indirect ways. Some people may endure the effects of direct exposure to unrest, violence and loss, while others may experience trauma through their identity affiliations with impacted communities. Additionally, challenges can arise through social movements, protests, media exposure to events, or witnessing the suffering of loved ones and others. While counselors are uniquely positioned to support individuals navigating and healing from these experiences, they are often also personally affected, frequently with little support or guidance of their own. In this session, attendees will explore and share their experiences of working with clients, students, supervisees and colleagues, discussing strategies to cope with the grief, loss and trauma associated with these global events.

Novel Techniques for Accessing, Processing, and Regulating Difficult Emotions: Results of Pilot Study March 28, 4–5 p.m. ET
Suppressed emotions are considered transdiagnostic factors in numerous mental disorders. This presentation will explore the neuroscience behind a new treatment protocol, now in its third study.

Attendees will learn about an eye movement technique that affects the amygdala differently than eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) by activating the basolateral amygdala, the emotional-memory center. Participants will also explore the neuroscience and steps of techniques that mimic ventral vagal activation — positioning clients within the optimal window of tolerance — and stimulating affiliative brain regions. This process has been linked to the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins and the creation of new neural pathways.

Pediatric Patients: Working with Children and Chronic Illness, March 28, 4–5 p.m. ET
According to the 2019-2020 survey by the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, 37.9% of American children had one or more current or lifelong health conditions. Children with chronic illnesses experience a myriad of stressful events, including invasive treatments, procedures, and hospital admissions, and they are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. There is a dearth of clinical therapists working in hospital settings. Therefore, it is imperative that community-based therapists have a better understanding about how to work with these children.

View the full agenda for the complete list of education sessions.