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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T160000
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CREATED:20251106T204226Z
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UID:10001848-1791469800-1791475200@mc708.org
SUMMARY:A Trauma Informed Approach | Virtual | Presented by Gary Rukin\, LPC\, MA\, MS
DESCRIPTION:This is not a series. The same session is repeated monthly.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFree: 1.5 CEUs for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and IAODAPCA \nSummary: \nThe presentation\, A Trauma Informed Approach\, is replacing the monthly ACE Interface Trainings provided by the McHenry County Mental Health Board and differs in several respects. While it  incorporates information from the ACE Study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control\, it also explores other causes of childhood and adult adverse experiences. These include the role of genetics and epigenetics in transmission of trauma reactions from one generation to the next\, environments in which violence is commonplace\, behaviors which result from trauma\, and begins to delve into ways to mitigate these reactions\, and how we can do better as individuals\, organizations\, and as a society. \nPresenter: \nGary Rukin\, LPC\, MA\, MS\, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board\, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy\, Understanding Psychosis\, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma\, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds\, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference\, Northwestern University Hospital\, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/9701/2026-10-08/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T160000
DTSTAMP:20260206T162926Z
CREATED:20251106T204226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T162926Z
UID:10001850-1796913000-1796918400@mc708.org
SUMMARY:A Trauma Informed Approach | Virtual | Presented by Gary Rukin\, LPC\, MA\, MS
DESCRIPTION:This is not a series. The same session is repeated monthly.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFree: 1.5 CEUs for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and IAODAPCA \nSummary: \nThe presentation\, A Trauma Informed Approach\, is replacing the monthly ACE Interface Trainings provided by the McHenry County Mental Health Board and differs in several respects. While it  incorporates information from the ACE Study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control\, it also explores other causes of childhood and adult adverse experiences. These include the role of genetics and epigenetics in transmission of trauma reactions from one generation to the next\, environments in which violence is commonplace\, behaviors which result from trauma\, and begins to delve into ways to mitigate these reactions\, and how we can do better as individuals\, organizations\, and as a society. \nPresenter: \nGary Rukin\, LPC\, MA\, MS\, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board\, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy\, Understanding Psychosis\, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma\, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds\, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference\, Northwestern University Hospital\, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/9701/2026-12-10/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T160000
DTSTAMP:20260206T160309Z
CREATED:20251205T192905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T160309Z
UID:10001871-1786631400-1786636800@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Trauma 101: Key Principles and Practical Approaches | Virtual | Presented by Gary Rukin\, LPC
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1.5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and IAODAPCA \n  \nSUMMARY\n \nThis training covers basic trauma-informed principles. It distinguishes developmental trauma—chronic\, relational\, and attachment-based—from shock trauma\, caused by sudden overwhelming events. Participants learn how each influences emotional\, cognitive\, and physiological functioning. \nThe presentation covers the normal stress-response system and how trauma disrupts it\, leading to hyperarousal\, hypoarousal\, and dissociation. It highlights the roles of biology\, genetics\, epigenetics\, and environment\, emphasizing that trauma reactions stem from neurobiology rather than character or willpower. \nAttendees are introduced to mindful\, expressive\, and somatic interventions that support stabilization and nervous-system regulation. The training concludes with an overview of effective and evidence-based trauma therapies. \nParticipants leave with an understanding of trauma foundations and some practical tools to support clients safely and effectively. \nOBJECTIVES \n\nDifferentiate between developmental trauma and shock trauma\, including their origins and clinical presentations.\nExplain the functions of the normal stress-response system and its role in maintaining safety and regulation.\nDescribe how the stress-response system becomes altered under traumatic conditions.\nDiscuss how biology\, genetics\, epigenetics\, and environment interact to shape trauma responses.\nApply mindful\, expressive\, and somatic-based interventions to support trauma recovery in clinical settings.\nIdentify evidence-based therapeutic approaches effective in treating both shock and developmental trauma.\n\nPRESENTER \nGary Rukin\, LPC\, MA\, MS\, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board\, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy\, Understanding Psychosis\, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma\, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds\, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference\, Northwestern University Hospital\, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. \n 
URL:https://mc708.org/event/trauma_101/2026-08-13/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T160000
DTSTAMP:20260206T160309Z
CREATED:20251205T192905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T160309Z
UID:10001872-1794493800-1794499200@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Trauma 101: Key Principles and Practical Approaches | Virtual | Presented by Gary Rukin\, LPC
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1.5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and IAODAPCA \n  \nSUMMARY\n \nThis training covers basic trauma-informed principles. It distinguishes developmental trauma—chronic\, relational\, and attachment-based—from shock trauma\, caused by sudden overwhelming events. Participants learn how each influences emotional\, cognitive\, and physiological functioning. \nThe presentation covers the normal stress-response system and how trauma disrupts it\, leading to hyperarousal\, hypoarousal\, and dissociation. It highlights the roles of biology\, genetics\, epigenetics\, and environment\, emphasizing that trauma reactions stem from neurobiology rather than character or willpower. \nAttendees are introduced to mindful\, expressive\, and somatic interventions that support stabilization and nervous-system regulation. The training concludes with an overview of effective and evidence-based trauma therapies. \nParticipants leave with an understanding of trauma foundations and some practical tools to support clients safely and effectively. \nOBJECTIVES \n\nDifferentiate between developmental trauma and shock trauma\, including their origins and clinical presentations.\nExplain the functions of the normal stress-response system and its role in maintaining safety and regulation.\nDescribe how the stress-response system becomes altered under traumatic conditions.\nDiscuss how biology\, genetics\, epigenetics\, and environment interact to shape trauma responses.\nApply mindful\, expressive\, and somatic-based interventions to support trauma recovery in clinical settings.\nIdentify evidence-based therapeutic approaches effective in treating both shock and developmental trauma.\n\nPRESENTER \nGary Rukin\, LPC\, MA\, MS\, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board\, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy\, Understanding Psychosis\, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma\, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds\, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference\, Northwestern University Hospital\, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. \n 
URL:https://mc708.org/event/trauma_101/2026-11-12/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260923T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260923T123000
DTSTAMP:20260720T195003Z
CREATED:20260601T190022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T195003Z
UID:10001921-1790161200-1790166600@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Building a Better Suicide Risk Assessment: The Nuts and Bolts of the Columbia Protocol | Virtual | Presented by Adam Lesser\, LCSW
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1.5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and IAODAPCA \n  \nSUMMARY\n \nThe Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS) (www.cssrs.columbia.edu) is now widely recognized as a gold-standard\, innovative suicide risk screening tool. It has been implemented in many systems across the US and abroad with tremendous benefit– identification of people who would have otherwise been missed while redirecting scarce resources. Evaluation in hospital-based psychiatric emergency departments when it is not necessary is costly\, sometimes traumatic\, and may be less effective in routing people into ongoing care. This workshop will review the development of the C-SSRS and its administration\, covering its items predictive of increased risk. Participants will learn about how to administer the full and screening versions of the tool\, how to customize the tool and how to interpret results.  Population-specific editions will also be reviewed (very young children\, military\, etc.). Training will include didactic\, video demonstration and role play training techniques. \nOBJECTIVES \n1. Explain how screening with the C-SSRS can be used to identify at-risk individuals and identify steps taken to implement a comprehensive screening program that includes targeted and public health approaches to prevention \n2. Describe how utilizing a systemic best practice measurement\, the C-SSRS\, to identify suicidal ideation and behavior results in improved identification and precision\, which ultimately saves lives \n3. Learn the types of suicidal ideation and the four behaviors that are predictive of imminent risk and how to administer the C-SSRS full and screener scales \nPRESENTER \nAdam Lesser\, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker\, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatric Social Work in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons\, Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work and the Deputy Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project at the New York State Psychiatric Institute where he assists with all suicide prevention activities related to public health including the international dissemination and implementation of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). He has published\, presented internationally and consulted to state and local governments on best practices for suicide risk identification and prevention. His work has been featured in Social Work Today Magazine and on Atlanta National Public Radio\, CNN-Espanol\, Univision and other local print and television media outlets.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/building-a-better-suicide-risk-assessment/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T130000
DTSTAMP:20260615T204210Z
CREATED:20260615T203403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T204210Z
UID:10001928-1787745600-1787749200@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Implicit Bias Awareness  | Virtual | Presented by Shira Greenfield\, LCPC
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE!\n\nFREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\n  \nSUMMARY \nImplicit Bias is an unconscious belief system based on stereotypes (e.g. racial\, gender) that inadvertently influences one’s attitudes and behaviors towards members of certain groups in ways in which one may not be aware. \nOBJECTIVES\n\nAt the end of this training\, participants will be able to: \n\nDefine implicit bias and explain the difference between explicit bias and implicit bias\nDiscuss the ways implicit biases are formed\nExplain the negative impact of implicit bias on healthcare recipients\nList ways to recognize and mitigate implicit bias in their personal and professional roles\n\nPRESENTER \n \nShira Greenfield\, LCPC\, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa in 1985.  In the past 38 years\, she has worked as a therapist\, a crisis intervention worker\, a group facilitator\, and an educator.  She has also held several leadership positions in behavioral health care providing oversight to both inpatient and outpatient programs and teams.  She currently serves as the Clinical Director for Pivotal Counseling Center with offices in Lake in the Hills and Woodstock.  Shira is an experienced and sought-after speaker who is known for her down to earth style and relatability.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/implicit-bias-awareness/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260903T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260903T100000
DTSTAMP:20260710T155351Z
CREATED:20260709T162854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T155351Z
UID:10001930-1788426000-1788429600@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Children and Adolescents Struggling with School Refusal/School Anxiety | Virtual | Presented by Jacqueline Rhew\, CADC\, LCPC\, and Lauren Hart\, MA\, LBS1
DESCRIPTION:The Mental Health Board and the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs have partnered to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health network.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and ISBE CPDU’s for School Professionals \n  \nSUMMARY and OBJECTIVES\n \nSchool professionals and clinicians are invited to participate in a one-hour virtual training led by experts in school mental health and anxiety treatment. This interactive session will focus on understanding and supporting students experiencing school anxiety\, avoidance\, and refusal behaviors. Participants will explore the emotional\, social\, academic\, and environmental factors that contribute to attendance challenges and learn evidence-based strategies to improve student engagement\, school connectedness\, and successful attendance. Practical tools and resources will be shared\, including attendance plans\, family engagement strategies\, anxiety-management supports\, and intervention frameworks that can be implemented across school and clinical settings. \nThe training will include opportunities for discussion\, collaborative problem-solving\, and case-based learning. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their current practices\, share challenges\, and engage with colleagues to generate new ideas and solutions for supporting students and families. Through guided activities and expert facilitation\, attendees will identify barriers to school engagement\, develop targeted intervention strategies\, and create action steps that can be tailored to the unique needs of their students\, families\, and school communities. \nPRESENTER \n\nJacqueline Rhew\, CADC\, LCPC\, is the co-founder of the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs. She is an expert in her field and is called upon by hundreds of school districts\, family agencies and mental health facilities — locally and nationally — for consulting staff to better serve their youth. Jacqueline served as a Clinical Consultant for AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital for many years\, and previously served as Assistant Director for the School Anxiety/School Refusal Program — a program she was instrumental in creating and developing. She has facilitated 300-plus workshops for professionals and parents — locally and nationally — on topics ranging from anxiety\, school refusal\, parenting\, and self-injury. \nLauren Hart\, MA\, LBS1\, has been a teacher for the past 18 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education\, a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education and a Learning Behavior Specialist Certification (LBS1). Before choosing to invest her time fully into building the company in response to community need\, she spent the 12 years prior as the Clinical Supervisor of Patient Education at Ascension- Alexian Brothers Behavioral Medicine\, overseeing nine programs at two locations. Before leading her team at the hospital\, she taught at the middle school and high school level\, in the general education setting as well as in a therapeutic day school and alternative high school program.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/assessment-and-intervention-strategies/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261002T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261002T100000
DTSTAMP:20260710T185606Z
CREATED:20260709T183923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T185606Z
UID:10001931-1790931600-1790935200@mc708.org
SUMMARY:A Family-Centered Approach to Patient Care | Virtual | Presented by Jacqueline Rhew\, CADC\, LCPC\, and Robin Choquette\, PsyD
DESCRIPTION:The Mental Health Board and the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs have partnered to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health network.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and ISBE CPDU’s for School Professionals  \n  \nSUMMARY and OBJECTIVES\n \nEating disorders affect not only individuals but also families and support systems\, requiring a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to care. This presentation examines evidence-based approaches to eating disorder treatment that integrate family involvement with medical\, nutritional\, and behavioral health interventions. Participants will explore strategies for engaging families in the recovery process\, collaborating across disciplines\, and addressing the complex medical\, psychological\, and relational aspects of care. \nThe presentation will review the role of family-based interventions\, assessment of medical stability and risk\, and coordination among treatment providers. Through discussion of clinical applications and case examples\, participants will gain practical tools for supporting individuals and families throughout the recovery process. \nPRESENTERS \n\nJacqueline Rhew\, CADC\, LCPC\, is the co-founder of the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs. She is an expert in her field and is called upon by hundreds of school districts\, family agencies and mental health facilities — locally and nationally — for consulting staff to better serve their youth. Jacqueline served as a Clinical Consultant for AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital for many years\, and previously served as Assistant Director for the School Anxiety/School Refusal Program — a program she was instrumental in creating and developing. She has facilitated 300-plus workshops for professionals and parents — locally and nationally — on topics ranging from anxiety\, school refusal\, parenting\, and self-injury. \nRobin Choquette\, Psy.D\, is the founder of Elite Performance Counseling\, where she provides psychological services to individuals\, couples\, and families in Illinois\, Iowa\, and Kansas. \nShe is the co-author of The Successful Parenting Workbook: Create Your Custom Plan for Raising Independent Children into Adulthood and co-host of the Successful Parenting Podcast. Dr. Choquette also delivers trainings and presentations for schools and private sports organizations at both local and national levels. \nPassionate about community involvement\, she serves on the board of directors for New Horizon Ranch\, where she combines her love for volunteering with her dedication to supporting families and communities.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/family-centered-approach/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T100000
DTSTAMP:20260710T192341Z
CREATED:20260710T155616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T192341Z
UID:10001932-1792746000-1792749600@mc708.org
SUMMARY:A Family-Based and Integrated Medical Approach to Eating Disorder Treatment | Virtual | Presented by Jacqueline Rhew\, CADC\, LCPC\, and Stephanie Kaser\, LCPC
DESCRIPTION:The Mental Health Board and the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs have partnered to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health network.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and ISBE CPDU’s for School Professionals \n  \nSUMMARY and OBJECTIVES\n \nEating disorders affect not only individuals but also families and support systems\, requiring a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to care. This presentation examines evidence-based approaches to eating disorder treatment that integrate family involvement with medical\, nutritional\, and behavioral health interventions. Participants will explore strategies for engaging families in the recovery process\, collaborating across disciplines\, and addressing the complex medical\, psychological\, and relational aspects of care. \nThe presentation will review the role of family-based interventions\, assessment of medical stability and risk\, and coordination among treatment providers. Through discussion of clinical applications and case examples\, participants will gain practical tools for supporting individuals and families throughout the recovery process. \nPRESENTERS \n\nJacqueline Rhew\, CADC\, LCPC\, is the co-founder of the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs. She is an expert in her field and is called upon by hundreds of school districts\, family agencies and mental health facilities — locally and nationally — for consulting staff to better serve their youth. Jacqueline served as a Clinical Consultant for AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital for many years\, and previously served as Assistant Director for the School Anxiety/School Refusal Program — a program she was instrumental in creating and developing. She has facilitated 300-plus workshops for professionals and parents — locally and nationally — on topics ranging from anxiety\, school refusal\, parenting\, and self-injury. \nStephanie Kaser\, LCPC\, received her Master’s Degree of Education in Community Counseling and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Loyola University of Chicago. Steph has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with eating disorders\, OCD\, anxiety\, and depression. She has received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and integrates this work alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support lasting\, meaningful change. \nSteph takes a holistic\, somatic approach to therapy\, recognizing the deep connection between the mind and body in the healing process. She practices from a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective and is passionate about supporting clients in building a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with themselves. Steph values collaboration and regularly works alongside dietitians\, medical providers\, schools\, and other professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive\, well-rounded care. Her background also includes working in higher levels of care\, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings. \nSteph believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change. She prioritizes creating a space that feels safe\, supportive\, and nonjudgmental\, where clients feel truly seen and understood. Deeply valuing compassion\, being approachable and easy to connect with\, Steph meets clients where they are and works collaboratively to help them build the skills and confidence needed to move toward a more balanced\, fulfilling life.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/eating-disorder-treatment/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T100000
DTSTAMP:20260710T203426Z
CREATED:20260710T203244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T203426Z
UID:10001933-1794560400-1794564000@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Chronic Pain and Illness: Counseling Strategies for Supporting Resilience\, Coping\, and Quality of Life | Virtual | Presented by Megan Nogasky\, JD\, LCSW
DESCRIPTION:The Mental Health Board and the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs have partnered to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health network.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and ISBE CPDU’s for School Professionals \n  \nSUMMARY and OBJECTIVES\n \nThis virtual CEU training provides counselors with an in-depth understanding of the psychological\, emotional\, and social impacts of chronic pain and chronic illness. Participants will explore evidence-based counseling approaches that help clients manage pain-related distress\, adjust to long-term health conditions\, and enhance overall well-being. The training emphasizes a biopsychosocial perspective\, culturally responsive care\, and practical interventions that support resilience\, coping\, and improved quality of life. \nBy the end of this training\, participants will have a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of biological\, psychological\, and social factors that shape the experience of chronic pain and chronic illness. They will learn to recognize common mental health concerns associated with chronic health conditions\, including depression\, anxiety\, grief\, and adjustment challenges\, while developing practical skills to implement evidence-based counseling interventions. The training will also explore strategies for fostering resilience\, self-management\, and adaptive coping\, as well as the broader impact of chronic conditions on family relationships\, employment\, and daily functioning. Emphasis will be placed on integrating culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices and strengthening collaboration with healthcare providers and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive\, client-centered care. \nPRESENTERS \n\nMegan Nogasky\, JD\, LCSW\, is a warm\, nonjudgmental clinician who enjoys building unique therapeutic relationships with each person she sees. She received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and law degree from The University of Chicago. After several years as an attorney\, Megan completed UIC’s MSW program and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining the Center for Emotional Wellness\, she developed and served as Director of the Mental Health\, Pain\, and Illness PHP/IOP at Compass Health Center in Northbrook. She has extensive experience providing individual\, family\, and group therapy to clients with a wide variety of diagnoses and stressors\, including: depression\, anxiety\, perfectionism\, trauma\, chronic pain and illness\, and grief and loss. Megan has particular interest in working with lawyers\, law students\, executives\, teachers\, and other professionals. \nOne of Megan’s top priorities as a therapist is to offer a friendly\, open environment in which clients feel safe enough to discuss vulnerable topics. She values balance in her practice: between empathy and challenge\, comfort and actionable steps. This balance is also apparent in her modalities of choice: Megan is highly knowledgeable in evidence-based practices (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy\, Dialectical Behavior Therapy\, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)\, but is keenly aware that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. She prides herself on her eclectic approach\, and her ability to quickly shift strategies when needed. Megan is committed to providing an inclusive space that is welcoming to those from marginalized communities (including LGBTQ+ clients\, those in non-traditional family or relationship structures\, and more).
URL:https://mc708.org/event/chronic-pain-and-illness/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Training-on-Zoom-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261204T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261204T100000
DTSTAMP:20260713T164309Z
CREATED:20260713T164309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T164309Z
UID:10001934-1796374800-1796378400@mc708.org
SUMMARY:Grief 101: Foundations of Grief\, Loss\, and Mourning | Virtual | Presented by Mallory Pavlik\, LPC
DESCRIPTION:The Mental Health Board and the Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest Suburbs have partnered to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health network.\nREGISTER HERE!\nFREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW\, LPC/LCPC\, Psychologists\, and ISBE CPDU’s for School Professionals \n  \nSUMMARY and OBJECTIVES\n \nThis introductory training is designed for early-career helping professionals and others seeking a foundational understanding of grief and loss\, with a primary focus on adults and older adolescents. Participants will explore concepts related to death\, grief\, mourning\, and bereavement\, while also examining non-death losses such as relationship changes\, health challenges\, identity shifts\, and major life transitions. The training encourages reflection on how personal experiences\, beliefs\, and social contexts influence responses to loss. \nGrounded in humanistic\, person-centered\, existential\, and narrative frameworks\, this course emphasizes meaning-making\, therapeutic presence\, and respect for the unique ways individuals experience grief. Participants will also consider multicultural perspectives on loss and mourning\, including the influence of cultural\, spiritual\, familial\, and community factors on grief experiences. Brief consideration will be given to cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approaches within a broader person-centered framework. \nPRESENTERS \n\nMallory Pavlik\, LPC\, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) who earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. A natural people-person\, Mallory provides therapy today through a strong and diverse foundation of clinical and support roles\, including previous experience in an occupational/physical therapy setting\, public school\, applied behavior analysis\, and providing collegiate career counseling at Northwestern University. In these roles\, she supported people of all ages with a wide range of needs. These varied experiences continue to shape her relational and integrative approach to therapy today. \nTaking a person-centered approach to therapy\, Mallory prioritizes building an authentic\, trusting relationship where clients feel genuinely known and accepted for who they are in the moment as they show up to each session. She views therapy as a collaborative space where individuals can explore their thoughts\, emotions\, and experiences without fear of judgment or agenda. Grounded in a humanistic and existential perspective\, Mallory encourages clients to reflect on meaning and purpose\, identity\, and choice in the face of life’s challenges. She also integrates evidence-based modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)\, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)\, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop practical skills that address their needs. Her approach balances insight and structure\, allowing clients to deepen self-understanding while working toward meaningful\, sustainable change and lasting wellbeing. Mallory fully acknowledges that therapy looks different for each person and their unique needs and actively works with each client to tailor therapy to the individual. Working with Mallory\, clients will find a warm and empathetic space for healing\, clarity\, growth\, skill-building\, all of the above\, or even something completely different. \nMallory works with preteens\, teens\, adults\, and older adults presenting with a range of concerns including mood disorders\, anxiety\, life transitions and stage-of-life issues\, identity development\, social skills\, self-esteem\, body image disturbance\, grief and loss\, LGBTQ+ issues\, and self-injury. Mallory is welcoming to clients of all backgrounds and cultural identities and listens to each individual to create a space that feels safe.
URL:https://mc708.org/event/grief-101/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Training
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