Thursday, September 5, 2013

KMHCA and WKMHCA join forces to plan for 2013-14

The West Kentucky Counseling Association (WKCA) met on August 30th at the Murray State University Curris Center.  Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors from Western Kentucky used this opportunity to discuss and plan actions for the newly vitalized Kentucky Mental Health Counselors Association (KMHCA). The counselors association was enthusiastic about the progress so far in reorganizing KMHCA. A highlight of the meeting was the introduction of new officers in KMHCA who were appointed by KCA Executive Director, Karen Cook.  They include Amy Washington, President, and Alan Bakes, President Elect.  Jeri Harrell, Treasurer for KMHCA, was not present for the meeting. Officers from other parts of the state include Shanna Goggins, Secretary Technical Coordinator, and Dr. Marie Shafe, Coordinator of Programs and support for other officers. In addition, newly appointed Citizen at Large for theKentucky Board of Professional CounselorsDr.Sandra Parks, was introduced to the counseling group during their semi-annual meeting.  Dr. Parks of Murraywas appointed to this office by Governor Steve Beshear.  

    The KMHCA members discussed informally new projects and communication outlets for the group.  A formal meeting is planned for October 24th at the yearly KCA meeting in Louisville.  The Kentucky Board of Professional Counselors will hold a board meeting on October 24 in the morning to discuss possible changes in regulations related to licensed counselors.  In addition the board will host a luncheon for all licensed counselors in Kentucky following the board meeting.  Again, proposed changes in regulations in the licensure law will be discussed.  

     As a part of the WKCA meeting, The Bridges counseling group located in Murray, Kentucky presented a program describing different methods of using Play Therapy in working with children and adolescents.  The group earned CEU and EILA credits for attending this meeting. The presentation was offered at no cost to the participants and a luncheon was provided by Murray State University at no cost to the organization.  This meeting has always been an excellent opportunity for counselors in Western Kentucky to communicate and build relationships.  Discussion of the spring meeting of WKCA and WKMHCA at Barkley Lodge was discussed with members considering the types of programs and training that they would like to see.  WKMHCA will meet again October 15th to finalize plans for the spring meeting which will offer 6 hours of CEU and EILA for participating counselors.  Counselors from any group throughout Kentucky are welcome to participate in the spring WKMHCA meeting to exchange information and gain skills.  


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