Announcing the Spring 2025 Group Work Continuing Education Series
Announcing the Spring 2025 Group Work Continuing Education Series
The Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work is proud to announce the Spring 2025 Group Work Continuing Education Series. Group work is a vital skill for social workers, educators, administrators, and professionals throughout the world. With presentations by national and international experts, this series aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of anyone who works with groups.
“Many skilled professionals lack adequate training in group work," said Program Director Shirley Simon. "While group work remains a vibrant method within the practice arena, schools of social work have all too often decreased their attention to this important methodology. This series attempts to begin to address this need.”
Simon's Group Work Series received a formal endorsement from the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG) after its board voted unanimously in the series' favor.
Simon has been working with groups for more than 40 years and has developed the Group Work Continuing Education Series, now in its fourth year. Working with leaders in the field, she has created a successful and highly regarded bi-annual, primarily online series to enhance practitioners' and students’ group work knowledge and expertise. This Spring the sessions include:
February 28, 1-4 p.m. - Healing Connections: Group Work in the Face of Grief and Uncertainty in Health (3 CEUs)
Presented by Jen Currin McCullough, Ph.D., LMSW
March 14, 1-4 p.m. - Creating, Building, Promoting, and Leading Successful Groups in Private Practice (3 CEUs)
Presented by Kendra Vargas, LCPC, PMH-C
March 21, 1-4 p.m. - Working with LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Practical and Effective Group Work Strategies (3 CEUs)
Presented by Mauricio Cifuentes, Ph.D., LCSW, JD
March 28, 12-4 p.m. - Facilitating Groups Through a Trauma-Informed Lens (4 CEUs)
Presented by Carolyn Knight, Ph.D., MSW
April 4, 1-4 p.m. - Group Work Strategies for Meaningful Conversations About Race and Ethnicity (3 CEUs)
Presented by Binita Donohue, MSW, LCSW
April 11, 1-4 p.m. - Adventure-Based Group Work (3 CEUs)
Presented by Christian Itin, Ph.D.
April 25, 12-4 p.m. - Working with Conflict and Challenging Dynamics in Groups (4 CEUs)
Presented by Ann Bergart, Ph.D., LCSW
All sessions are held online via Zoom. All of the seven sessions this spring are hosted by local and international experts in the area of group work.
This series offers:
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum – Developed with international experts, our curriculum is designed to address the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in group work.
- Practical Skill-Building – Participants will engage in hands-on activities, case studies, and interactive sessions to enhance their practical skills in group facilitation, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
- Expert-Led Workshops – Renowned professionals with content and teaching expertise lead specially developed workshops providing insight and real-world experiences to enrich participants’ understanding of group process.
- Flexible Learning Options – Most sessions in the series are offered in a virtual online format with a few highly specific in-person sessions allowing participants access to high-quality education from wherever they are.
- Continuing Education Credits – Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 23 CEUs, contributing to their professional development and ensuring they stay current with industry requirements.
Loyola-affiliated individuals receive a discount on registration. Students are eligible for a highly discounted registration fee. There is also a 20% discount for anyone who registers for three or more sessions and scholarships may be available upon inquiry. Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to cgosselin@luc.edu.
