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.
