CEI 2026 Recap: Innovation, Connection, and Momentum for What’s Ahead
The 2026 Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Conference brought together counseling professionals, educators, and students from across the country for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussion.
Hosted virtually, this year’s conference continued the tradition of innovation established by its earlier roots as the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference, originally developed through Palo Alto University. CEI remains focused on advancing counselor education through the integration of research, applied practice, and emerging technology.
A Nationwide Community of Counselor Educators and Professionals
Professionals, faculty, and graduate students joined from institutions and organizations across the United States, including representatives from Thomas Jefferson University, University of Georgia, Palo Alto University, and many others committed to strengthening counselor preparation and professional practice.
The fully virtual format allowed participants to connect across regions while engaging in meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of counselor education.
Connecting Practice, Research, and Technology
Aligned with this year’s theme—Connecting Practice, Research, and Technology in Counselor Education—sessions explored practical and innovative approaches to modern counselor training.
Topics included:
- Behavioral addictions
- Trauma-informed counselor education
- Self-care for clinicians (ACES & secondary trauma)
- The role of neuroscience in counseling
- Immersive experiences for online counseling students
- AI and ethical use in clinical practice & counselor education
Throughout the conference, presenters shared research-informed strategies and real-world applications that attendees can bring directly into their teaching, supervision, and clinical environments.
Participants also had the opportunity to earn 6 continuing education credits, including ethics-focused content, supporting both professional growth and licensure requirements.
Keynote Spotlight: Intersection of Mental Health and Technology
Donna Sheperis, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Donna S. Sheperis, explored the intersection of mental health and technology and its growing role in counselor preparation and clinical practice.
Her presentation highlighted both the opportunities and ethical considerations that emerging technologies present for counselor educators and practitioners, reinforcing the importance of intentional, evidence-based integration.
Collaboration That Continues Beyond the Conference
One of the defining strengths of CEI 2026 was the level of engagement across sessions, discussions, and networking spaces. Attendees exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and explored solutions to common challenges across counseling programs and professional settings.
These conversations reflect the broader mission of CEI—to create an ongoing community focused on innovation, accessibility, and excellence in counselor education.
Looking Ahead to CEI 2027
The momentum from this year’s conference is already shaping what comes next.
Planning is underway for CEI 2027, with continued emphasis on emerging research, ethical innovation, and meaningful collaboration across counselor education and clinical practice. As the profession continues to evolve, CEI will remain a space where educators, practitioners, and students come together to share ideas and drive progress.
If you missed CEI this year, we hope you’ll join us for the next conference experience.