Illinois Counseling Association

Illinois Counseling Association The Illinois Counseling Association

Mental health isn’t just a "buzzword"—it’s the foundation of how we navigate every part of our lives. From our morning r...
02/07/2026

Mental health isn’t just a "buzzword"—it’s the foundation of how we navigate every part of our lives. From our morning routine to our closest relationships, our mental well-being influences everything. 💙

Prioritizing your mind isn't selfish; it's essential. Check in with yourself today. How are you really feeling?

In times of uncertainty, coming back to the basics can make all the difference. 🧘‍♂️✨Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed ...
02/06/2026

In times of uncertainty, coming back to the basics can make all the difference. 🧘‍♂️✨

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news or navigating personal transitions, grounding yourself is a powerful act of self-care. Try these four simple steps today:

Breathe slowly to calm your nervous system.

Stay informed through trusted, reliable sources.

Connect with people who fill your cup.

Reach out—professional help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.

💙 Save this post for when you need a gentle reminder to find your center.

Today, we recognize World Cancer Day. Behind every ribbon is a person, a family, and a story. At the Illinois Counseling...
02/04/2026

Today, we recognize World Cancer Day. Behind every ribbon is a person, a family, and a story. At the Illinois Counseling Association, we know that healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental, too. We stand with the survivors, the fighters, and the caregivers. 🎗️💙

Upcoming Keynote: Integrating Somatic Experiencing (SE) into Psychotherapy 🧠✨Join us on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the...
02/04/2026

Upcoming Keynote: Integrating Somatic Experiencing (SE) into Psychotherapy 🧠✨

Join us on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the University of Illinois Springfield for a transformative presentation by Pamela Baldinelli, PhD, LCPC, SEP.

Learn how to support nervous system regulation, resilience, and trauma healing through body-based interventions. This training covers core SE principles, including:
Polyvagal Theory & the Window of Tolerance

Practical interventions like grounding and titration

Enhancing safety and presence in the therapeutic process

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your clinical framework and enhance your effectiveness as a practitioner!

📍 Location: The University of Illinois Springfield 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM


Whether we have six more weeks of winter or an early spring, your mental health deserves a season of growth. 🌱This Groun...
02/02/2026

Whether we have six more weeks of winter or an early spring, your mental health deserves a season of growth. 🌱

This Groundhog Day, remember that it’s okay to take things at your own pace—sometimes we all need a little more time in the "burrow" before we're ready to bloom. How are you checking in with yourself today?

This February, the Illinois Counseling Association celebrates Black History Month by recognizing that healing is a vital...
02/01/2026

This February, the Illinois Counseling Association celebrates Black History Month by recognizing that healing is a vital part of history.

We honor the resilience, legacy, and contributions of Black mental health professionals and the communities they serve. This month (and every month), we recommit to fostering spaces where mental wellness is accessible, celebrated, and prioritized.

🖤 How are you honoring your journey and history today?

The storm may have been loud, but the silence of a new morning is where the magic happens. Reset, refocus, and get ready...
01/26/2026

The storm may have been loud, but the silence of a new morning is where the magic happens. Reset, refocus, and get ready for what’s next. ✨

Taking time to recharge isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for those who hold space for others. Wishing our ICA community a...
01/25/2026

Taking time to recharge isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for those who hold space for others. Wishing our ICA community a peaceful and restorative weekend.

Mindfulness is a powerful clinical tool, but it is often misunderstood as something that requires hours of silence or pe...
01/23/2026

Mindfulness is a powerful clinical tool, but it is often misunderstood as something that requires hours of silence or perfect meditation.

As professionals, we know the reality: ✅ Fact: It significantly reduces stress and improves clinical focus. ❌ Myth: You don't need a meditation cushion or an hour of free time to practice it.

Mindfulness can be as simple as a 30-second grounding exercise between clients or mindful breathing during your commute. By integrating these "micro-practices," we protect our own mental health and model healthy boundaries for our clients.

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming webinar on January 29th at 12 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for prof...
01/22/2026

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming webinar on January 29th at 12 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional growth and engagement within our community.

Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your skills and connect with fellow professionals.

Mark your calendars and be ready to engage!

Register Here: https://www.ilcounseling.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2023232&group=

Journaling isn’t just a tool we recommend to clients; it’s a powerful practice for the Self-Reflective Counselor. Resear...
01/22/2026

Journaling isn’t just a tool we recommend to clients; it’s a powerful practice for the Self-Reflective Counselor. Research shows that just 15 minutes of expressive writing can:

Reduce burnout by helping you process the "emotional leftovers" of a long week.

Identify patterns in your own responses to stressors.

Boost empathy by deepening your own self-awareness.

As we move through the middle of the week, take five minutes to breathe and reflect. When we acknowledge what is weighing us down, we make room for the light.

In the spirit of our 2026 theme of Authenticity: Share one thing that helped you feel lighter this week in the comments below. ⬇️

Did you know that a 20-second hug releases oxytocin? 🧠💙As counselors, we know that human connection is a fundamental pil...
01/21/2026

Did you know that a 20-second hug releases oxytocin? 🧠💙

As counselors, we know that human connection is a fundamental pillar of mental health. Oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," helps lower cortisol levels and reduce blood pressure.

This , we encourage you to embrace the people in your support system. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a colleague, that small moment of connection can make a world of difference for your nervous system.

How are you practicing "Being Human" today? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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PO Box 367
Dekalb, IL
60115

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