Spring Forward

By M. Elsa Soto Leggett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, CSC

March 2026

Hola. “La primavera” (spring) will soon be upon us. The season reminds me that, even after a long winter, both externally and internally, something new is quietly preparing to emerge. I notice a thawing, loosening and shifting as growth is occurring in its own pace. As I make room for light without dismissing the shadows, I honor the effort it takes to begin again in this season. As you notice spring arriving, give attention to what part of your life feels ready for a small bloom.

Spring brings the ACA Conference & Expo in Columbus, Ohio, April 9-11. You are warmly invited to join me and your peers for the conference, which will spark renewal, growth and connection. As the season invites fresh beginnings, we will gather to explore new ideas, strengthen our shared commitment to wellness and advocacy, and celebrate the work counselors do every day. Your presence and participation will enrich our conversations and help cultivate a vibrant, collaborative learning environment.

The keynote speakers, D.J. Vanas and Françoise Mathieu, MEd, RP, will share their experiences of enduring uncertain times, turbulent changes and compassion fatigue, along with insights on wellness and self-care. Vanas, president of Native Discovery Inc., a former U.S. Air Force officer and a bestselling author, will explore the use of his Native American warrior spirit principles to inspire leading with courage, thriving in challenging conditions and building unity. Mathieu, executive director of TEND, is a leading voice on compassion fatigue who will share insights on moral courage.

Equally exciting are the messages and wisdom of our own ACA members. Learning from one another through shared experiences, insight and intentional dialogue strengthens our professional counseling community. I have invited several members to offer timely content that encourages growth, connection and renewed purpose:

• Katherine Bacon, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, has organized and developed a webinar series, “Advocacy in Action: From Insight to Impact,” which is free for ACA members through June. Bacon will present a session based on one webinar, “Understanding How Government Works,” at the conference.
• Devika Dibya Choudhuri, PhD, LPC, CCMHC, will present “Advocating for a Trauma-Informed Lens: Healing Ourselves, Our Clients, Our Communities and Our World.” This session will debunk myths and beliefs about trauma and examine interventions to provide advocacy and bring authentic healing.
• Mariaimee Gonzalez, PhD, and Douglas Valdez, LMHCA, will provide insights for advocating and protecting clients in health care or university settings when they may be most vulnerable. The presentation “Immigration in Healthcare and in Higher Education: Clinical Responsibilities and Client Rights” will help counselors be knowledgeable allies to advocate for the safety and well-being of their communities.
• Casey A. Barrio Minton, PhD, NCC, will look at the history of counseling and the profession’s challenges as they shape the future of the profession. “Counseling in Critical Times: Mobilizing Identity, Advocacy and Action” will focus on advocacy priorities, potential steps and renewed commitment to the counseling professional’s identity and advocacy.
• John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD, will describe ways counselors’ brains undermine our abilities to productively grow skills, strengths and positive experiences due to the demands of the profession and challenges of our times. His presentation, “Redirecting the Bad News Brain: How Counselors Can Pursue Greater Happiness for Themselves and Others,” will discuss eudaimonic happiness and congruence. 

Conference attendees will also learn more about acknowledging and understanding advocacy and how to create intentional space to explore its meaning, responsibility and impact. Through reflection and dialogue, participants will be invited to consider how advocacy is woven into ethical practice, leadership and our collective commitment to justice, wellness and care for our communities. Advocacy remains at the heart of our ethical practice, calling us to lead with integrity, courage and care in every space we serve.

“Esta primavera, avanzamos adelante con esperanza, propósito y el compromiso de florecer juntas y juntos.” (This spring, we move forward with hope, purpose and a commitment to flourish together.) In this new season, may you feel rooted enough to stay steady and open enough to grow.