Professional Mental Health Presentations, Workshops & Retreats
Naperville, IL & Statewide
Evidence-Based Mental Health Education Designed for Real People, Real Systems, and Real Life
Bluebird Counseling Services offers professional mental health presentations, workshops, and retreats led by Alexandria “Alex” Gohla, licensed therapist and host of The Nest Podcast. These experiences are thoughtfully designed for schools, universities, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and corporate teams seeking meaningful, practical, and trauma-informed learning.
Every engagement is customized to your audience, goals, and organizational culture—combining current research, evidence-based practices, and approachable delivery that prioritizes connection, clarity, and compassion.
Core Presentation Topics
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Learn how trauma impacts behavior, learning, relationships, and workplace dynamics. This presentation provides practical strategies for creating safer, more responsive environments across systems.
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Move beyond surface-level self-care. This session addresses chronic stress, burnout, and nervous system regulation with tools participants can realistically use in daily life.
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An accessible introduction to mindfulness practices grounded in clinical research. Participants learn techniques to improve emotional regulation, focus, and resilience.
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Learn how therapeutic journaling supports emotional awareness, trauma processing, and self-compassion—both personally and in clinical or educational settings.
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This presentation provides an approachable and informative overview of perinatal mental health for new and expecting mothers. It explores the emotional realities of pregnancy and postpartum, including common experiences such as anxiety, mood changes, identity shifts, and overwhelm, while also offering education on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The goal is to normalize these experiences, reduce stigma, and empower mothers with practical tools, coping strategies, and resources for support. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their emotional well-being and reassurance that they are not alone in navigating this season of motherhood.
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Designed for educators and school support professionals, this presentation explores classroom-based mental health supports, student regulation strategies, and staff sustainability.
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An engaging, interactive presentation designed to help students understand how stress impacts their brain and how to manage it effectively in real-life situations like tests, sports, and presentations. Through relatable examples, live demonstrations, and practical skill-building, students learn simple, science-backed strategies to calm their body, manage anxious thoughts, and stay focused when it matters most. By the end of the session, students walk away with tools they can immediately use—including breathing techniques, thought-reset strategies, and personalized routines used by elite performers—to help them stay calm, confident, and in control under pressure.
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Explore the psychological and emotional impact of screen use on children and adolescents, with developmentally appropriate recommendations for parents and professionals.
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An overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills including emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—adapted for schools, clinicians, and caregivers.
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A clear, user-friendly overview of the DSM-5, designed to reduce intimidation and increase understanding for professionals, parents, and support staff.
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This is a a dynamic, skills-based training designed to help clinicians navigate the most challenging in-session situations, including crisis calls, self-harm disclosures, domestic violence conversations, avoidance, and delivering diagnoses. Grounded in research and real-world clinical practice, this presentation provides clear frameworks, practical scripts, and experiential drills that clinicians can immediately apply to their work. Participants learn how to stay regulated under pressure, build safety and connection before assessing risk, conduct thorough and ethical risk assessments, and collaborate on effective safety plans, while also developing confidence in addressing sensitive topics with directness and compassion. Through guided role plays and repetition, clinicians strengthen their ability to remain calm, attuned, and intentional in high-intensity moments, reducing “freeze” responses and improving client outcomes. Ultimately, this training emphasizes that effective therapy is not about having the perfect words, but about being grounded, collaborative, and present—helping clinicians build both competence and confidence in their clinical voice.
Recent Speaking Highlights
North DuPage Special Education Co-Operative - Parent Series
Mostly Under Control Motherhood Summit
Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the Workplace Panel
Druden Point Middle School Career Day
Yoga Six Naperville - Yoga Is Now Series
Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) Podcast
360 Youth Services- Operation Snowball
Specialized Retreats & Immersive Workshops
Bluebird Counseling Services designs custom retreats and immersive workshops that foster connection, reduce stress, and support sustainable growth—both personally and professionally.
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Every retreat begins with collaboration. We work closely with your organization to understand your mission, culture, and goals. Each program is built with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and inclusive learning strategies that honor diverse needs and learning styles.
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Support leaders and teams in developing emotional awareness, regulation skills, and trauma-informed leadership strategies that improve culture and communication.
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These retreats focus on nervous system education, burnout prevention, and sustainable resilience practices for high-demand roles.
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Content is tailored to your organization’s values, population, and goals—whether that’s strengthening teams, supporting caregivers, or improving workplace well-being.
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Retreats may include trauma-informed yoga therapy facilitated by Alex, a certified 200-hour Yoga Teacher, offering embodied practices that support regulation and healing.
Available in Naperville and across Illinois, with location flexibility depending on program needs.
Half-Day Workshops
1- Day Retreats
2-Day Retreats
3-Day Immersive Retreats
Retreat Formats & Length
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Educators & School Staff
Retreats Design For
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Corporate & Nonprofit Teams
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Caregivers & Parents
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Therapists & Mental Health Providers
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Women’s Groups
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Motherhood & Fatherhood Programs
Why Organizations Choose Bluebird Counseling Services
Trauma-informed, evidence-based approach
Warm, engaging presentation style grounded in empathy and humor
Customized content aligned with organizational goals
Experience across education, healthcare, and community settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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Schools, universities, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, corporations, parent groups, and community programs.
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Topics include trauma-informed care, burnout, DBT skills, mindfulness, youth mental health, screen time, self-compassion, and more.
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Retreats are designed for adults including educators, caregivers, therapists, parents, and organizational teams.
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Half-day workshops, multi-day retreats, and fully customized programs aligned with your goals.
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To schedule a presentation, workshop, or retreat, please contact us with:
Program goals
Preferred dates
Audience type
Duration needed
📧 bluebirdcounselingservices@gmail.com