Mental Health Speakers for Therapists & Women’s Groups in
Downers Grove, IL:
Trauma, IFS, Leadership and more

Sarah Czopek, MS, LCPC — founder & owner; IFS-informed therapy, leadership coaching, and clinician development.

Welcome! So you’re looking for an engaging, knowledgeable speaker to provide an experience your audience will LOVE! Whether you’re planning a one-time lunch & learn, an in-service training, an employee wellness event, or a series of mental health trainings, our team is here for you.

We partner with:

  • Teachers & Schools
  • Healthcare Institutions
  • Dieticians
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Moms
  • Churches
  • Universities
  • C-Suite Executives / Management
  • Banks & Financial Institutions
  • And more!

Some of our most popular topics include

ADHD/Neurodiversity in the Classroom or Workplace

Explore strategies for supporting ADHD and neurodiverse individuals in the classroom or workplace, fostering an environment of inclusion, understanding, and productivity. Participants will gain insights into the unique strengths and challenges associated with neurodiversity, along with practical tools for creating supportive, adaptable spaces.

We’ll cover effective communication techniques, methods for managing distractions, and common emotional regulation needs of neurodiverse individuals.

By the end of the workshop/presentation, attendees will be equipped with new strategies to promote a more inclusive, accommodating environment, helping neurodiverse students and adults thrive while enhancing team collaboration, performance and/or academic success.

Employee Mental Health

Ready to improve employee mental health in the workplace? We’ll share practical strategies for promoting well-being and resilience.

Led by a licensed therapist, this presentation covers key topics such as stress management, overcoming burnout, fostering a supportive work environment, and recognizing signs of mental health struggles. Participants will gain tools to improve emotional regulation, boost productivity, and create a more compassionate workplace culture.

We’ll even customize your session content to address your specific workplace concerns!

Assertive Communication

This therapist-led workshop focuses on the power of assertive communication, helping participants develop the skills to express their thoughts, needs, and feelings confidently and respectfully. Through practical exercises and real-life scenarios, attendees will learn how to communicate clearly without going to extremes of passive or aggressive, fostering healthier, more effective interactions both at work and in personal relationships.

We’ll cover key techniques for maintaining respect and emotional control while standing up for oneself, allowing participants to cultivate greater self-assurance and improve their ability to navigate difficult conversations with ease.

Have specific questions regarding common workplace communication difficulties? Allow us to customize assertive language responses for your team that will equip participants to amplify their effectiveness - and their confidence.

Parts Work in the Classroom or Workplace

Applying Internal Family Systems (IFS) in the classroom or workplace enhances communication, collaboration, and emotional well-being. Participants will learn how to identify and work with the different "parts" of themselves and others — such as an inner critic, overachiever, or micromanager — to foster greater self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Through practical techniques, attendees will gain tools to navigate challenging interactions, promote understanding, and create a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals feel heard and respected.

By integrating IFS principles, this session empowers leaders, educators, and teams to manage stress and improve relationships for a more harmonious, productive environment.

Driven & Drowning™

Helping High-Achievers Take on Challenge—Without Overwhelm

Some students push so hard that any bump triggers shutdown, spirals, or avoidance. This training helps staff spot early signs of overwhelm, co-regulate in the moment, and scaffold challenge so students can stretch without snapping. Using an IFS-informed lens (Self & protective parts), teachers learn quick nervous-system resets, “challenge ladders,” and language that validates emotion while inviting action.

Chaos to Clarity™

Helping Teens with Executive Functioning Struggles Find Their Focus

Many parents are exhausted by the constant “Did you do your homework?” loop. This workshop helps families understand why executive functioning isn’t a moral issue—it’s a brain skill set. Parents learn the Scaffold–Coach–Celebrate method to build organization, time awareness, and independence without nagging or rescuing.

Self-Led Leadership

Our Self-Led Leadership workshops or presentations offer an insightful exploration of leadership through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the concept of "Self Energy." We will dive into understanding how embracing the qualities of the "Self" — such as compassion, curiosity, confidence, and calmness — can elevate their leadership capabilities.

By identifying and working with internal parts of themselves, leaders will learn to harness their authentic power, fostering a leadership style that is centered, resilient, and mindful.

This topic empowers individuals to lead from within, cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence for more effective leadership.

Boundaries & People-Pleasing

Explore the dynamics of boundaries and people-pleasing behaviors in our most popular workshop topic, which offers participants valuable insights and tools to establish healthier relationships.

Through a combination of psychoeducation and interactive exercises, attendees will learn to recognize the patterns of people-pleasing, understand their impact, and discover effective strategies for setting and maintaining clear, respectful boundaries. We will empower individuals to prioritize their needs, foster self-respect, and build more balanced, authentic connections both personally and professionally.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to break free from people-pleasing habits and embrace a more confident, boundary-conscious way of engaging with others.

No Drama Discipline

We all need a compassionate approach to parenting that focuses on understanding and guiding children's behavior without resorting to punishment or conflict. Drawing from neuroscience and attachment theory, we can help parents and educators learn how to respond to challenging behaviors with empathy and calm, fostering emotional regulation and connection.

Participants will explore strategies for disciplining with mindfulness, setting boundaries in a nurturing way, and creating opportunities for growth and learning.

By the end of the workshop, attendees will feel empowered to cultivate a positive, respectful relationship with children while managing difficult moments with ease.

Navigating Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common experience where individuals feel like they don’t deserve their success or fear being exposed as a fraud. Through a blend of psychoeducation and practical exercises, participants will explore the underlying causes of imposter feelings, such as perfectionism and self-doubt, and learn strategies to reframe negative thoughts and build confidence.

The session provides tools for recognizing and overcoming these challenges, empowering individuals to embrace their achievements and talents without fear of judgment.

By the end of the workshop, participants will feel more self-assured, capable, and ready to tackle personal and professional challenges with greater resilience.

Courageous Conferences™

Hard Parent Conversations that De-escalate & Get Results

Teachers are under pressure and email makes everything feel hotter. This workshop moves staff from reactive, curt messages to proactive, partnership-building communication—especially when a student is argumentative, “checked out,” or panicking about failing. We’ll practice a simple pre-brief → agenda → ask structure, an email-to-meeting pathway, and IFS-informed language that keeps adults steady and families engaged.

Less Heat, More Heart™

A practical guide to raising emotionally intelligent teens (including Highly Sensitive Persons)

Teens often feel everything at a 10—well-meaning feedback stings, transitions overwhelm, and intensity fills the home. This session helps parents support emotionally intense or highly sensitive teens with calm connection and clear limits, using a simple Calm-Then-Coach script and home communication plan.

Liz Bohnsak teaching

"Working with Sarah at Grace & Gratitude Counseling was seamless from start to finish.

When we connected to discuss a speaker for my event, she immediately understood my audience and knew exactly what topic - boundaries and people-pleasing - would resonate most. She asked all the right questions, ensuring the presentation would be impactful, and confidently selected the perfect therapist, Liz, to deliver it.

Not only was Liz very knowledgeable, but I’ve also had attendees tell me they’ve reached out for therapy services as a result. Sarah’s professionalism, insight, and care for both her team and the people they serve made the entire process effortless. Highly recommend!"

Melanie O'Reilly Rogers, MostlyUnderControl.com

Sarah Czopek teaching

"This was a wonderful workshop. Sarah is a great speaker who was thorough and clear in sharing content about IFS.

I have a much deeper understanding about IFS and am curious to learn more!"

Dr. Deb Majewski, Trinity Christian College

"The teaching was super engaging, creating interest & a desire to want to know more! Sarah was clearly passionate and enthusiastic about IFS and delivered the material in a way that was easily digestible."

Anonymous, Student at Wheaton College

Looking for another topic? We are happy to customize a speaking engagement or event based on your needs.

Ready to book? Let’s chat!

Flyers highlighting previous GGC groups: Relationships, finding your voice. Taming the Fuse, anger management for women

Check Out Our Workshops near Downers Grove, IL

Registration open to the general public

Trauma-Informed Yoga: Love Yourself!

Parts Art Workshop

No Drama Discipline: Parenting Through Connection TBD

Relationships & Communication TBD

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