A learning experience in Cologne, Germany, is anything but ordinary.

Five Missouri State University counseling students traveled there this summer to attend the Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling (PCE) Conference. Faculty member Dr. Yasuko Kanamori and Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius-White, distinguished professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, led the group from July 5-13.

At the conference, Cornelius-White delivered a keynote on AI and its benefits, risks and the opportunities it creates for practitioners and patients.

Expanding perspectives

The goal of the trip was to give counseling students cultural experiences that deepen their understanding of communication and how to approach different situations.

“A problem and its solution are best understood from multiple perspectives, and this experience gives students the opportunity to see healthcare and counseling through a different cultural lens,” Cornelius-White said.

Once the PCE conference began on July 6, students met people from around the world in the counseling profession and learned about practices in their home countries.

“It was nice to see that many of the challenges they face are also challenges for us,” said graduate counseling student Yasmin McPoil.

This year’s conference, themed “A Changing World: What It Does with Us and What We Do with It” focused on AI and sustainability. With almost 500 delegates from about 35 countries, the students had plenty of opportunities to build connections, according to Cornelius-White.

They talked with professionals during breaks, attended workshops and joined in community encounter groups. They also heard keynote speakers address topics, such as climate crisis, social injustice, AI and experiential-existential psychotherapy.

The experience influenced how students see their future careers as counselors.

“It strengthened my commitment to becoming a future clinical mental health counselor who values authentic relationships, cultural humility and personal-centered practice,” McPoil said.

“I hope to integrate the lessons from the PCE conference by recognizing the influence of social identities, responding thoughtfully to emerging global challenges and using person-centered principles to promote healing, resilience and meaningful growth.”

Beyond the conference

The trip included some sightseeing. Students got to explore local history and culture by visiting museums, taking a Rhine riverboat cruise and touring the ruins of Drachenfels Castle and nearby Schloss Drachenburg.

“Germany is rich with history and has unique architecture. The food was also amazing with authentic German and Italian restaurants,” McPoil said.

Learn more about the graduate counseling program