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the national Association of Black Counselors


"Action Through Unity: Commanding Change in Counseling."


When:  April 24-26, 2025

Where: Drury Plaza Hotel, 11049 West Broad St, Richmond, VA 23060

About the Venue:

Conveniently located just off I-64, the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond offers both comfort and easy access to some of Richmond’s best attractions, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia State Capitol, University of Richmond, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This venue is ideal for conference attendees looking to explore the city while enjoying top-notch amenities.

Amenities include:

  • Free Hot Breakfast: Kickstart your day with scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and more. Breakfast is served 6-9:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7-10 a.m. on weekends.
  • 5:30 Kickback®: Unwind in the evening with free snacks, hot food, and cold beverages like beer, wine, and mixed drinks from 5:30-7:00 p.m. (Non-guest price: $12.99/person).
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
  • On-Site Facilities: Enjoy the hotel’s business center, fitness center, and pool. Whether you need to print boarding passes, finish a presentation, or relax, these facilities are at your service.

Room Rates:

  • Weeknight Rate: $149
  • Weekend Rate: $171

Please make your reservations by Thursday, March 20, 2025, to secure the group rate. After this date, reservations will be subject to the hotel’s prevailing rates and availability.

To make reservations:
Call 1-800-325-0720 and refer to the NABC Conference group registration number 10105913 to receive the special rate.

    Register now and secure your spot for this "don't-miss" event! About the Conference!

    Early Bird Registration (September 30, 2024 – March 31, 2025):

    • Member Rate: $200.00
    • Non-Member Rate: $275.00
    • Student Rate: $150.00

    Regular Registration (April 1, 2025 – April 23, 2025):

    • Member Rate: $250.00
    • Non-Member Rate: $300.00
    • Student Rate: $150.00


    Conference Highlights:

    This groundbreaking event will be packed with valuable presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities for Black counselors and mental health professionals. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with peers and earn continuing education credits (CEs). This event will provide a space for Black counselors to come together, share knowledge, and celebrate our achievements. 

    Keynote Speaker: Dr. Arcelia "CC" Jackson

    Dr. Jackson is a licensed professional counselor, ordained minister, and President of Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV). She is a passionate mental health advocate known for her community outreach efforts and leadership at her nonprofit organization, CC & Friends. Her work focuses on breaking down stigma, fostering healing, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue around mental health issues.

    Here is a sample of the Topics & Presenters for the conference:

    From Roots to Liberation: Community-Centered Healing Through a Bottom-Up Approach with EMDR
    Presenter: Jacqui Johnson, LPC, ATR-BC, CCMHC, TMH-C, PMH-C
    Explore how EMDR and somatic practices can be used to heal historical and racism-based trauma in Black communities.

    The Dissection of Grief and Loss
    Presenter: Michelle Crumbly, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CAGCS
    Gain insight into culturally relevant approaches to grief therapy, DSM-5 TR updates, and assessment techniques for Black clients.

    Integrating Afro-Indigenous Dreamwork and Oral Traditions into Mental Health Modalities
    Presenters: Andrusa Lawson, BS; Aazim Lawson, BSW, MSW, LMSW; Sahlah Lawson Dubel, BS, MPH, PMP, CDP
    Learn how traditional storytelling and dreamwork can enhance mental health interventions and deepen cultural connections.

    Utilizing Assessment for Treatment Planning, Progress Monitoring, and Diagnostics: Implications for Therapists Who Serve Black Clients
    Presenter: Tara M. Benn, Ed.D.
    Address the historical biases in assessment tools and explore how to use rating scales effectively in diagnosis and treatment planning for Black clients.

    "You Got Clients, But Who Got You?" Burnout Prevention and Managing Secondary Trauma for Counselors
    Presenter: Artisa Mae Moten, MS, LMFT
    Discover strategies for self-care, boundary setting, and preventing burnout while serving our community.



      Earn up to 16 Continuing Education Credits (CEs)
      Participate in a wide variety of educational sessions and expand your expertise.

      Division Meetings
      Opportunity for NABC Division leaders and member to meet face-to-face for their annual meetings.

      Roundtable Discussions
      Engage in deep discussions on key topics affecting the field of counseling and the Black community.

      Special Events:

      Thursday Evening - Alma Mater/D9 Representation

      • Represent your alma mater or D9 organization with pride during this evening of connection and celebration.

      Friday Evening - Semi-Formal Amethyst Ball

      • Celebrate Black counselors and the vital work we do at our semi-formal banquet. It will be a night to remember, filled with celebration and camaraderie.


       National Association of Black Counselors, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7685. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. National Association of Black Counselors, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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      National Association of Black Counselors Headquarters 

      3552 Boulevard Colonial Heights, VA 23834

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