Local therapists and clinical workers learned about recognizing psychiatric symptoms with neurological roots and supporting clients through grief at a professional development conference March 27, hosted by the West Central Illinois Professional Counselor Association (WCIPCA).
The training, funded by the Schultz Foundation for Advancing Counseling, equipped clinicians with practical tools directly applicable to their counseling practices. Dr. Sonia McGowin, DC, presented on PANS/PANDAS, a condition that causes acute psychiatric symptoms with neuroimmune origins. Dr. Cara Cerullo, Ed.D., LISW, addressed transforming grief support in therapy.
The conference was organized by WCIPCA members Marsha Dace (WIU/UCC), Jennifer Smith, Amy Hofmeister and Kimberley Laird (Therapeutic Solutions).
Long-term impact of foundation support The Schultz Foundation has supported WCIPCA's professional development mission since 2013, providing more than $15,000 annually for regional counselor training. Between 2013 and 2024, the foundation's grants enabled conferences that trained over 375 counselors.
The impact extends far beyond the training room.
On average, each year's conference results in improved services for approximately 3,000 people receiving outpatient counseling care. In total, the foundation's funding has directly benefited an estimated 28,000 people through enhanced clinical care over the grant years.
Since 2021, WCIPCA has offered training in a blended format, providing both in-person and virtual attendance options to reach more regional clinicians.
About the Schultz Foundation for Advancing Counseling The Schultz Foundation for Advancing Counseling supports professional development and education for counselors and mental health professionals in central Illinois. For more information, visit https:// www.advancingcounseling. org About the West Central Illinois Professional Counselor Association WCIPCA advances the counseling profession through education, networking, and professional development opportunities for regional mental health practitioners.
