The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is excited to invite you to our premiere Beyond Borders: Global Collaborations for Mental Health Research and Services Conference on October 9 and 10, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, our theme is: From local to global, encouraging creative solutions to transcultural mental health challenges. This two-day event will bring together leaders, researchers, practitioners, and people with lived experience from the local Champaign-Urbana community and around the world.
Submissions are open until January 31, 2025
We welcome all formats—from traditional scholarly abstracts to artwork, poetry, and video.
The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) recently collaborated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work’s Violence Prevention Research Lab to elevate the experiences and perspectives of domestic violence survivors across Illinois. Through a series of focus groups in 2023, survivors shared their journeys, challenges, and recommendations, shedding light on key areas for growth and reform within domestic violence support systems.
In 13 focus groups, 46 survivors from diverse backgrounds recounted their help-seeking experiences. Many sought assistance from domestic violence agencies, legal services, and community organizations, highlighting the importance of supportive advocates who empowered them. However, survivors noted enduring barriers to accessing services, with challenges such as eligibility restrictions, stigma, and gaps within formal systems creating significant hurdles.
The survivors’ stories call attention to the pressing need for more inclusive and trauma-informed care. Recommendations emphasized enhancing education on domestic violence, expanding service practices to include comprehensive, long-term supports, and reducing stigma across systems. Additionally, survivors highlighted the need for services that respect cultural backgrounds, provide multilingual resources, and accept diverse family dynamics, including pets and accommodations for disabilities.
These insights are shaping ICADV’s ongoing work to strengthen supports for all survivors. By integrating survivor voices into service and policy enhancements, ICADV reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safer, more responsive system for survivors across Illinois.
Social Anxiety and Social Media: Teen and Young Adult Stress in a Fast-Paced World
January 17, 2025 10am-12:30pm 2.5 CEs for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC $20 for CEs, $10 for no CEs
In this interactive 2.5-hour virtual instructor-led course, attendees will build awareness of the impact of social media on increasing rates of social anxiety in teens and young adults. This training will also present ways to use therapeutic techniques to address social media-driven anxiety, both for young people and care providers.
This training will include multimedia components intended to reflect and emulate the fast-paced flow of modern social media content and the anxiety it can induce in teens and young adults.
Learning Objectives:
Define social anxiety as it exists for the teen and young adult population
Recognize the components that contribute to social anxiety
Develop therapeutic strategies for engaging effectively and addressing social anxiety with teens and transitioning adults
Registration Options:
If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:
Steve Ploum, MA, LCPC, is a Field Specialist at the University of Illinois School of Social Work’s Provider Assistance and Training Hub (PATH) where he provides training and field support pertaining to IM+CANS, IM-CAT/Crisis Safety Planning, and using the CANS in treatment planning and supervision. Steve holds a Masters in Counseling/ Art Therapy and has been a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) since the early 90’s having worked predominantly in child welfare before joining the PATH team in 2018. He maintains a small private practice and has been an adjunct and an assistant professor at a couple Chicagoland universities. He’s married for 30 years, has two grown kids, and to help balance work and play, he also writes music and performs as a musician, sings in a choir and coordinates a quarterly concert series in his hometown.
Jaclyn Petersen is a Systems of Care (SOC) Specialist for Behavioral Health, Provider Assistance and Training Hub (PATH). She is responsible for providing training and field support pertaining to Systems of Care, Wraparound, IM+CANS, Treatment Planning, IM-CAT & Crisis Safety Planning, and other curriculum relevant to assisting providers obtain the skills necessary to help individuals make meaningful lifestyle changes.
Jaclyn graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2013. She received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2014. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Jaclyn worked as a Care Coordinator and a Care Supervisor for a social services agency before becoming a SOC Specialist for the PATH team. Jaclyn has experience as a Mobile Crisis Responder and a private clinical therapist serving all populations.
Students will learn about social justice and health equity models in Brazil and the United States and have the opportunity to interact with Brazilian peers in online-classes and an on-site visit to Rio de Janeiro.
Much like Bluey cartoon parents Bandit and Chilli, human parents try to keep all the balls in the air— trying to work, keep the house clean, manage other day-to-day tasks—also let’s not forget about trying to spend quality time with our kiddos and have a bit of alone time. Different parenting challenges come along, but we can get creative (and be imperfect) with how we manage them. During this presentation we take some pointers from our favorite Heeler parents, Bandit and Chilli, about how to work through parenting issues such as screen time, creative play, bribing our kids, mistakes, favoritism, and difficult topics such as infertility, mental health, miscarriage, and death—all in an imperfect, perfectly realistic way.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to list and discuss theoretical parenting frameworks (Attachment, Behavioral, Social Relational, etc.) and their impact on today’s modern parenting.
Participants will be able to list at least three ways to effectively restructure relationships between children and parents to help children develop safety and security by building trust-based relationships based on open, age-appropriate communication and interactions.
Participants will be able to identify the benefits of a holistic view of work/family/self and how this intercedes with positive self-care and modern parenting styles including Conscious, Attachment, and Elephant.
Registration Options:
If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:
Staci McNicholl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience. She is the founder, co-owner, and Vice-President of The Rock Counseling Group. Staci focuses on treating concerns such as anxiety, trauma, and depression as well as eating disorders, body image, and family/marriage concerns. Staci has a passion for family court, custody, and mediation issues.
Staci has obtained several certifications and specialized trainings. Staci is a Certified Mediator through the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) for Champaign County (Sixth Judicial District). Additionally, Staci has completed training as a Parent Coordinator through the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), of which she is also a member. Staci provides solution-focused mediation services, with the goal of minimizing time and expenses in court as well as empowering parents to focus on healthy communication and decision-making post separation or divorce. Staci’s focus is child-focused and child-centered.
Staci is also a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant through the American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA). Staci is also certified by the Family Dynamics Institute as a Dynamic Marriage Facilitator, focusing on the identification and fulfillment of important needs within a marriage or relationship.
Staci works within a cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, relational model with her clients. Her ability to incorporate proven therapy techniques and strategies via assignments, in-session metaphors, examples, and real-life practice, as well as her inclusion of therapy techniques utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Cognitive Remediation Therapy, provide the ability for her to work with clients with unique or complex issues.
Communicating & Direct Work with Traumatized Children & Youth: An Introduction to Therapeutic Life Story Work
January 10, 2025 1:30-4:30pm CST 3.0 CEUs for LCSW/LSW And LCPC/LPC $30 for CEs, $10 for no CEs Webinar
Life story work refers to any intervention that explores a life history of an individual. Broadly speaking, a life story work intervention aims to support individuals to connect the past with the present and future, reconstructing personal narratives through developmentally sensitive and trauma informed approaches. First mandated for foster children who were adopted in the United Kingdom, life story work has expanded over time to target other groups of children served in child welfare. Yet not all life story work models have been standardized, or rigorously tested for effectiveness.
This training seeks to provide an overview of the Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) model, a structured clinical model created by Richard Rose which is currently being implemented in several states in the US, including Oregon and Minnesota. Research, though emerging, suggests promising impacts.
In presenting the TLSW model, the training will provide an overview of the specific ways that TLSW seeks to (1) build a clear understanding of a young person’s history, (2) support a young person to process life experiences, and (3) offer a synthesis of the work and story. In doing so, it offers a specific introduction to the Richard Rose model, which is grounded in an understanding of attachment, the impact of emotions and feelings work on processing experiences, and offers tangible strategies for supporting trauma-experienced children and youth to understand their pasts and move towards recovery.
Learning Objectives
Gain familiarity with a variety of interactive tools supporting child & family engagement
Explore the impact of creative emotions & feelings work
Acquire a deeper understanding of attachment dynamics
Registration Options:
If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:
Professor and adoptee Richard Rose, AAP, MBA, BPhil, PGSWE, PQCCA, CQSW founded and oversees the Therapeutic Life Story Work International (TLSWi) program, www.tlswi.com. Richard undertakes consultancy and training on Life Story Therapy and working with ‘hard to reach’ children and adolescents and develops academic training programs in the UK and internationally. Richard is a regular visitor to Australia where he is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University, Honorary Associate of Institute of Open Adoption Studies, University of Sydney and Honorary Associate of Berry Street Melbourne. He trains often worldwide, including in the State of Oregon where he has helped to shift practice statewide in the child welfare field. Richard has authored multiple books and works with children and youth and their carers in out of home care and family settings with the aim of enabling placements to become healthy and nurturing for all involved.
October 25, 2024 10:00am – 12:00pm CST 2.0 CEs for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC $10 for CEs, Free to attend with no CEs Online Webinar
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is releasing a report that highlights the results of focus groups with survivors of domestic violence in Illinois. For this project, the ICADV partnered with the Violence Prevention Research Lab at the School of Social Work; this report elevates the stories of 46 survivors who came together to talk about things they had gone through, the support systems they sought out, and recommendations for domestic violence services and supports. Please join use for this webinar, where we will explore the focus group findings and highlight recommendations for practice and policy.
Learning objectives:
Learn about the complexities of help-seeking among domestic violence survivors
Explore survivors’ experiences with support systems and services
Examine recommendations posited by survivors which will inform practice and policy directions for domestic violence services.
Registration Options:
If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:
Chloé McMurray is the Chief Capacity Building Officer at the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In this position, Chloé leads the Technical Assistance team in developing innovative solutions to help over 60 domestic violence agencies in the state reach their yearly goals. She creates and implements best practices like trauma-informed statewide needs assessments, DEI efforts, and other resource development. She previously worked for the University of Illinois’ Child Protection Training Academy as a curriculum designer and facilitator, working closely with a pilot project to provide simulation training for incoming child welfare investigators. Before moving to Illinois, Chloé worked at the Tennessee Coalition as a VOCA Program Specialist assisting programs in Tennessee with their advocacy work, prevention initiatives, and cultural responsiveness. From the foothills of Appalachia, Chloé advocated for rural needs and firmly believes that in advocating for the most isolated, most voiceless populations, we are advocating for true equality. Her three favorite things in life are her dog Odie, JiF peanut butter, and her wife—in that order.
Rachel Garthe, PhD, (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also is the director of the Violence Prevention Research Lab. Her research examines the etiology, consequences, and prevention of youth violence. Additionally, she researches dating violence and intimate partner violence, specifically looking at how definitions and responses to violence can more inclusive and accessible to historically marginalized populations (e.g., racial and ethnic minority youth, transgender populations, justice-involved women).
Apoorva Nag, MS, (she/her) is a PhD student in Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on examining distinct pathways adopted by gender-based violence survivors to seek help from formal and informal response systems. Her research aims to inform public policies to develop coordinated and integrated survivor-centered response systems.
CELEBRATE your mental well-being any way you like or you can engage in any of the following ways:
Starting Oct 7, SSW students can submit “World Peace” drawings on 8×8 cards in the student lounge. Participants will be entered into a raffle for ten $10 Amazon gift cards. Watch your email for details!
October 10th: SSW World Mental Health Day Raffle OPEN TO SSW STUDENTS, FACULTY, & STAFF Submit entry by Wednesday, October 9th at 11:59 PM for a chance to win 1 of 8 amazing prizes! SUBMIT YOUR RAFFLE ENTRY
October 11th, 10-1pm: Virtual webinar “Burnout Awareness Training” Students can attend for FREE. Check your email for promo code. Registration is required.
October 10th, World Mental Health Day Trauma-Informed Yoga Class 12-12:55pm, SSW Room 2015 OPEN TO STUDENTS, FACULTY, and STAFF Join us for a special trauma-informed yoga class in recognition of World Mental Health Day. Led by Taylor Jules, a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher and MSW student, this gentle and supportive practice is designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and nurture your well-being in a safe and welcoming space. Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot, as space is limited. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to get settled and ensure we can start on time. Mats will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Come exactly as you are—no prior yoga experience is needed. Celebrate World Mental Health Day by taking time for self-care and community connection. REGISTER FOR TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA
These events are sponsored and coordinated through collaborative engagement among the following SSW teams: Student Affairs, EDEI, International Committee, Advancement, Business Office, with support from Administration.
November 4, 2024 12:00-1:00pm CST 1.0 CEU for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC FREE webinar
A polarized population means a polarized workforce and virtually every company has confronted the challenges of dealing with internal and external stakeholders on a wide range of controversial social issues. Furthermore, recent research indicates business is the most trusted institution in America today, ahead of government, the media and even NGOs.
The consequence is that critical pressures are facing today’s C-suite:
Do you speak out on high-profile social issues?
How do you navigate political discourse in the context of the workplace?
Does a corporation have any obligation to educate and promote civic responsibility among its employees?
The Dialogue Project, housed at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, explores what role business can play to help reduce polarization and improve civil discourse. It sponsors research, conferences, Webinars and more. A wide range of companies and business leaders have contributed content as well as financial resources to bring more attention to this issue.
Bob Feldman will share examples of the work being done by companies today and how these companies are tackling the issues raised above. Bob will also allow plenty of time for discussion and to assure broad engagement.
Learning Objectives
Understand the role of business in addressing societal polarization: Learners will be able to explain how companies are involved in mitigating societal polarization and fostering civil discourse.
Identify the pressures faced by business leaders in addressing political and social issues: Learners will recognize the critical challenges that C-suite executives face when navigating political discourse and social issues within the workplace.
Analyze strategies businesses use to promote civic responsibility and dialogue: Learners will assess how various companies are contributing to civic education and promoting responsible discourse among employees.
Registration Options:
If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, use the Zoom registration option below: (Registrants from the Gies College of Business should use this option)
ZOOM REGISTRATION
If you DO need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:
Bob Feldman, a longtime and well-known senior marketing and communications executive, is the founder of the Dialogue Project, a program that engages the world’s business leaders on what role business can play to reduce polarization in society, improve civil discourse and create a more productive climate for business.
The Dialogue Project began in 2019 with the support of a number of corporations, including Southwest Airlines, Pfizer, JP Morgan Chase, Bristol Myers Squibb, HPE and others. In that launch year, the Dialogue Project conducted a major study of business leaders to gain insight into how industry can contribute to reduced polarization. Soon after, results of that research received widespread media coverage in Fortune, The Financial Times, Harvard Business Review, Politico and elsewhere. The following year the program took residence at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
The Dialogue Project has sponsored symposia and generated thought leadership for business leaders and academia worldwide on critical issues facing today’s society. Programming has focused on:
Mitigating threats of disruptive employee behavior during this political campaign season (remarks to the Conference Board’s Chief Legal Officers Council and Chief Compliance Officers Council);
How should corporate leaders engaging on social issues (remarks to a conference sponsored by SHRM, the world’s largest organization representing senior human resource executives);
The New Ideas competition for top-tier college student across the country that challenge them to develop new ideas for businesses that tackle polarization and discourse;
Risk and rewards of stakeholder capitalism (remarks to a conference at Duke University);
Managing crises and politics in a polarized world (a full-production crisis simulation exercise at the annual conference of the Page Society – the world’s leading association of chief communications officers).
Prior to founding the Dialogue Project, Bob was vice chair of ICF Next, a worldwide marketing and communications firm. Bob joined ICF as part of that company’s acquisition of PulsePoint Group, a communications management consulting firm Bob founded in 2007. Earlier in his career, Bob was with DreamWorks Animation SKG as the company’s first head of corporate communications and corporate marketing. Prior to that, Bob lived in New York and was for eight years president and chief executive of WPP’s GCI Group. Before that he held senior positions with Ketchum and Burson.
In 2018, Bob received the prestigious Plank Center “Milestone in Mentoring Award” for a career that prioritized mentoring and “touched the lives of countless public relations professionals.” In 2019 he received the Page Society’s “Distinguished Service Award,” granted annually to the professional who has “strengthened the role of public relations in business and society” and advanced the state of the corporate communications practice.
