Course overview

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on various sectors is undeniable, including the field of counseling. AI presents both opportunities and challenges for counselor education programs. This webinar aims to provide counseling educators and professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how AI is reshaping counselor education in the areas of curriculum, ethics, and practice. Attendees will learn how counselor educators can harness the benefits of AI in their classroom, while confronting the challenges.

Throughout the session, we will explore the following key areas:

  1. AI Integration in Curriculum: Learn how AI tools and platforms are being integrated into counselor education to enhance student learning.
  2. Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical implications surrounding the use of AI in counseling education, including issues related to academic integrity and human-AI interactions.
  3. Enhanced Clinical Practice: Explore how AI-driven case conceptualization and virtual counseling environments can improve clinical training experiences for future counselors.
  4. Professional Adaptation: Examine the evolving role of counselors in an AI-infused world and how counselor education programs can prepare students for these changes. 


Learning Objectives:

  1. Attendees will learn about the various ways AI tools and platforms are being integrated into counselor education programs. Furthermore, they will be able to identify specific AI-driven applications that can enhance student learning and engagement in counseling education. Demonstrations will be provided.
  2. Attendees will learn about the ethical implications of AI-infused counselor education and counseling, with a focus on strategies for addressing academic integrity.
  3. Attendees will be able to identify key skills and competencies that counselor education programs can instill in students to help them adapt and thrive in a world where AI plays a significant role in counseling practice.

Course curriculum

    1. Navigating the Future: Exploring the Impact of AI on Counselor Education

About this course

  • Free

Emily L. Dennis, Ph.D

Dr. Emily L. Dennis is an Assistant Professor at Walsh University. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development Services from Kent State University. Her previous education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in psychology and history of art and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio, and her clinical work has been with children, adolescents, and families in various settings. Emily’s research interests include the impacts of study and practice on the personal relationships of professional counselors, creativity in counseling, and emotional intelligence in counselor education. She has presented at state, regional, and national conferences. In addition, Emily served four years as a trustee to the Association for Creativity in Counseling board. She hopes to continue serving the counseling profession in leadership roles.

Christine Ward, Ph.D

Dr. Ward received her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in 2009. Dr. Ward joined the team at Walsh University in 2023. Dr. Ward previously served a full-time faculty member at CACREP accredited institutions in Missouri and Virginia. Prior to receiving her doctorate, Dr. Ward worked as a school counselor in elementary and middle schools. Dr. Ward’s specialty area is school counseling and application of the ASCA National Model®. She currently serves as a reviewer for the ASCA Special Program Awards accreditation for school counselor preparation programs. Her research interests include school counseling, school connectedness and academic achievement, rural school counseling, understanding and responding to issues facing military-connected children and their families, and resiliency in military families.

Clint Limoges, Ph.D.

Dr. Limoges is an Assistance Professor of Counseling and Human Development at Walsh University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri. Dr. Limoges obtained his PhD in counselor education and supervision from Walden University and has been teaching in a CACREP-accredited counselor education program for the past seven years. In addition to teaching, he owns and operates the Center for Child and Family Counseling in St. Peters, Missouri, where he provides mental health counseling to children and adolescents. His research interests include the role of spirituality in counseling, nontraditional family caregivers, and conducting virtual supervision and consultation.

Charity Anne Kurz, Ph.D.

Dr. Charity Anne Kurz attended Youngstown State University for a bachelor’s in special education and a master’s in school counseling. She also attended Penn State University to obtain her PhD in Counselor Education. Dr. Kurz has served as a special education teacher and school counselor throughout her career. In addition to her background in school counselor, she is also an LPC in the state of Ohio and in the state of Texas. She serves as the Program Chair for Counseling and Human Development at Walsh University. She uses her expertise in education, counseling and helping relationships, children and adolescents, disabilities, and school counseling to help students, schools, churches, and families meet the needs of young people. Additionally, she has a passion to use her skills in a practical way to impact local and global communities. She has traveled to Latin American countries to provide training and consultation for school personnel in the areas of disabilities, development, and mental health. Dr. Kurz is an active presenter and researcher. Her research interests include transitioning students with disabilities to post-secondary options, career development, counseling children and adolescents, assessment and MTSS, global mental health, as well as best practices for online counselor education. When she is not teaching, counseling, or writing, Dr. Kurz enjoys playing games with her family, building Lego, and dreaming up her next big project.