Waynesburg U. issues Call for Proposals for Regional Counseling Symposium

Waynesburg University will host a regional symposium focusing on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Southwestern Pennsylvania Friday, March 15, 2024, in Canonsburg.

The symposium, “Elevating Voices: Adverse Childhood Experiences,” is free to attend and will be comprised of a series of round table discussions, clinical workshops and informational presentations covering current and relevant information on the impact of ACEs on individuals across the lifespan.

Proposals are now being accepted for agencies or individuals interested in presenting. Licensed professional counselors, professional counselors, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, community stakeholders, human resources professionals and other members of the behavioral health workforce are encouraged to submit a proposal by Dec. 15, 2023. Presenters will be notified of their selection Jan. 19, 2024. Interested parties can submit a proposal at waynesburg.edu/regional-counseling-symposium.

Agencies can help make this conference a success by sharing the knowledge they have about working with individuals, families and communities impacted by ACEs. Agencies are encouraged to share their expertise by participating in a round table discussion with other providers and stakeholders, or presenting a workshop or paper on the prevention and treatment of ACEs. In addition, agencies can use this symposium as an outreach and networking opportunity by setting up an informational table.

The purpose of the symposium is twofold: to provide state-of-the-art information regarding the impact of ACEs as well as prevention and clinical interventions; and to provide a forum for treatment providers, agencies and policy stakeholders to share their successes and challenges in identifying and addressing the impact of ACEs.

ACEs are based on a study by Kaiser-Permanente and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that surveyed people about painful and disruptive experiences they had in their childhood, including divorce, abuse, neglect and family dysfunction. They found that ACEs are common, with over 61% of adults surveyed reported at least one ACE. Many of the most serious illnesses facing our country, including heart disease, cancers, autoimmune disorders, obesity, substance use disorders, depression and suicide, are highly correlated to the number of ACEs an individual experiences.

For questions on the symposium or proposals, please contact Dr. Kelley McNichols, Assistant Director of Graduate Counseling Programs, at kelley.mcnichols@waynesburg.edu.