WIU Dept of Counselor Education

10/16/2024

Our intern Emily Ferreyra is presenting at the ISCA Conference in November in Itasca, near Chicago!

Congratulations Emily!

09/06/2024

Join WQPT on September 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. for a screening of excerpts from the film, A Reason to Live, and an engaging panel discussion about su***de prevention and mental wellness.

Every day, 20 young people die by su***de in the United States.
A Reason to Live, is a powerful documentary on teen and young adult depression and su***de. Featuring honest and introspective stories of despair and hope, the film sheds light on the mental illness behind the second leading cause of death among 15–24 year olds.

The panel discussion will reflect on the film’s excerpts shared during the screening. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Carrie Alexander-Albritton, Professor, Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work at Western Illinois University along with panel members comprised of Western Illinois University Department of Education clinical mental health counseling interns.

The full length version of A Reason to Live will air on WQPT PBS, September 12 at 9:00 p.m. The documentary features 12 personal stories from diverse young people and their families. Filmmakers Allen and Cynthia Salzman Mondell created it after a friend’s son died by su***de. With input from crisis line professionals and mental health experts, the film sensitively portrays depression while offering guidance on recognizing warning signs and seeking help.

Screening & Panel Discussion
(The screening will be held in person with a virtual viewing option.)
Thursday, September 12 | 5:00PM
Room 111, Riverfront Hall
Western Illinois University
3300 River Dr, Moline, IL

For additional information, and access to the virtual link, visit: https://wqpt.org/awareness/

08/16/2024

Congratulations Amy, a WIU Counselor Education Graduate, on your amazing accomplishment!

Rock Island Academy counselor Amy Zero was named the 2024 Illinois K-8 Counselor of the Year.

05/08/2024

Western Illinois University Quad Cities' Counselor Education program is proud to present a trainings for helping professionals to increase their competency in assessing, supporting, and providing care for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Transcending Barriers workshop will focus on improving assessment and understanding regarding Gender Dysphoria and gender affirming care, as well as how to write letters of support for these clients.

How To Foster LGBTQ+ Inclusivity will focus on creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ clients by learning terminology, increasing understanding of the situations faced by these clients, and discussing strategies for creating inclusive environments.

These workshops will count toward CEUs and will help practitioners provide better care for their community.

Registration link for Transcending Barriers: https://forms.gle/PELnJipj5LZeeQSW7

Registration link for How to Foster LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: https://forms.gle/o6LX9xod9xNCKNu49

We hope to see you there!

09/14/2023

On September 21 at 5:00 pm, WQPT will be showing the documentary My Ascension at Riverfront Hall on WIU's Quad Cities campus. The film will be followed by a panel discussion by professionals in the field of mental health.

My Ascension chronicles the story of Emma Benoit, a 16-year-old Dutchtown High School varsity cheerleader who was paralyzed by a su***de attempt, which propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive.

For those who can't make the screening in person, a virtual option will be available. The link can be found at https://wqpt.org/awareness/

For those struggling with suicidal ideation, the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline is there to help, just call or text 988.

09/11/2023

The most important part of being a counselor-in-training is the *training* part-- we're so proud of our students for attending the three hour Safe Space Training. As counselors, it's vital to be educated on LGBTQ+ issues so that we can provide a secure and supportive environment for all clients.

Special thanks to Viminda Shafer for leading such a great workshop!

08/01/2023

Calling all CNED students! Crisis response is a vital part of our field that is now being integrated more fully into first responder teams. If you are interested in being one of these life saving individuals, check out our new course in Crisis Response!

06/16/2023

Congratulations to two of our Alumni, Julie Churchill and Sarah Walas-Teed! Keep motivating students!

06/13/2023

Congratulations to Dr. Haley Wikoff, a valued faculty member, for winning the ISCA Impact Award! Your compassion and determination is evident, we are so lucky to have you!

06/01/2023

A message to our Leathernecks! Diversity makes us strong-- be proud of who you are today and everyday!

Alt text: rainbow hearts and a Pride flag on a purple background with the words "Happy Pride Month! Show your true colors."

04/10/2023