A CHANGING WORLD

… what it does with us and what we do with it

Perspectives of Person-centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling

The person-centered and experiential approach offers a unique and hope-inspiring perspective on how to elicit and support sustainable change. In light of today’s challenges and developments with which we are faced as individuals, societies and also as psychotherapists, counselors, practitioners and researchers, the need to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for change is both our best hope as much as our responsibility. Climate change, military and culture wars, racism and discrimination, digitalization, fake news, social media and artificial intelligence – we are amidst rapid and persuasive changes which affects us as persons and which are often at odds with the way we see or we want to see us. Clearly, all of these changes are of our own doing and thus, we are not only responsible but also our one and only hope for a change to the better. 

We want to invite you to the PCE2026 conference in Cologne, Germany (July 6-12, 2026) to experience, share, discuss, elucidate, understand, question, celebrate and feel how we become agents of change in this time of pressing and alarming changes. This will be done by both acknowledging and fostering our rich clinical, theoretical and empirical basis in psychotherapy, counseling and personal change as well as employing these treasures as a point of reference to face a changing world. 

To facilitate this process, the program of the PCE2026 consists of keynotes and workshops as well as ample room to meet, gain new insights, think ahead or just have fun together. We will use dialogue keynotes between renowned external experts and scholars of our community to elucidate current and future challenges: the climate crisis, humanitarian crises and social justice, artificial intelligence and social media. These new formats are complemented by the proven setting of experiential, scientific, practice-based and creative workshops as well as encounter groups to ensure a safe and lively space for development. Our aim is to allow the exchange between the various players, deepen self-awareness and to further the development of the person-centered and experiential approach. It is our specific aim to attract and support students, young clinicians, upcoming researchers and to include people and perspectives from diverse backgrounds, understanding and cultures. 

Submission of abstracts for the diverse conference formats start on June 1, 2025. You can look forward to a colorful program.

See you in Cologne!