2026 Oxford Institute: FAQs

The Oxford Institute is organized as a small international gathering of practicing mental health professionals, educators, graduate students, and others engaged in a “helping profession” who share an interest in excellence in global education and clinical practice. The Oxford Institute combines a professional development event which features scientific/scholarly presentations, close collegial interaction, and optional “cultural immersion” experiences.

The Institute has remained by design a small event. The small size allows the Institute to offer a unique personal and professional experience. If you are seeking the anonymity of a large conference, the Oxford Institute may not be for you. The institute is a truly international event and provides a “networking” opportunity with colleagues from around the world. In past years, educators, clinicians, and students from throughout the USA, the UK, Germany, Turkey, Malaysia, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, South Africa, Mexico, Bahamas, China, and Ukraine have attended and presented at the Institute. Each year, the Institute includes many returning participants.

The Oxford Institute is open to graduate students and professionals in any “helping profession” – including psychology, counseling, social work, marriage & family therapy and related fields who share an interest in family counseling/therapy education, training, supervision, clinical practice issues, as well as international issues. The Institute welcomes spouses, family members, and travel companions.

The Oxford Institute reflects the values of the International Association of Psychology and Counseling (IAPC). As such, we do not advocate or seek to advance any particular philosophy, ideology, social, or political agenda. However, we welcome presentations and discussions on all topics that impact our professional work and the clients we serve – particularly those that are supported by research findings and/or clinical experience. The Oxford Institute provides a safe and supportive environment to share and exchange ideas.

Presentation proposals are “peer-reviewed” by the Oxford Institute Program Committee. Program presentations must relate to some aspect of education or clinical practice. We also consider topics that relate to clinical supervision, pedagogy, school counseling, substance abuse treatment and substance abuse recovery, ethics, and working with special populations. The Institute strives to balance professional learning with in-depth cultural immersion experiences. As such, program presentation space is limited and program presentation selection is selective. However, every effort is made to accommodate participants who wish to share their knowledge and expertise. In addition to content sessions, the Oxford Institute also offers a “poster session” for presentation and informal discussion of clinical and research topics.

Prospective presenters should email the proposal submission form, along with other registration forms included in this packet to brian@intapc.org for review by the program selection committee. In the event a program is not selected due to time constraints, etc. – we will attempt to combine program proposals that share a common theme, including panel presentations on critical issues. All presenters MUST register for the Institute. Presenters will be acknowledged in the final program materials of the 2026 Oxford Institute.

The registration fee includes access to all scientific and scholarly presentations, cultural immersion field trips, and all social events. The housing registration options include six nights of housing in modern campus residential facilities at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University, daily breakfast in the St. Hilda’s College dining hall, and access to all Institute programs and events. The cost of airfare, ground transportation, meals other than breakfast, and incidental expenses are not included in the institute registration fee.

In past years, many participants have engaged in independent travel before and/or after the Institute – often with other Institute participants. The Institute organizers have traveled extensively throughout the UK and Europe and will be glad to offer suggestions and facilitate connections with other Institute participants who share common interests.

Absolutely! You will have numerous opportunities to meet and interact with people who live in the UK, as well as Institute participants from other countries. Many long-standing friendships and professional relationships trace their origins to the Oxford Institute.

If you have any questions concerning the Oxford Institute, travel to the UK, and/or suggestions for independent travel before or after the Institute dates, please contact Dr. Brian Canfield at email brian@intapc.org or text (+1) 985-974-8405.