Enhancing Counseling Skills

Peer Counselors are always searching for enhanced counseling skills. This is a one-day version of a program presented to PCs in Iowa. It received rave reviews. The morning session delves into all things peer counseling, from staying self-motivated to overcoming rejection and everything in between. It is designed to be interactive by encouraging discussion and sharing of ideas. The afternoon session will continue the conversation and sharing of successes and struggles as a peer in WIC.

2026 Dates & Times

Monday, June 29
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CST

Register

Friday, July 10
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EST / 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CST

Register

Tuesday, July 21
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CST

Register

Thursday, July 30
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EST / 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CST

Register

Monday, August 10
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CST

Register

Thursday, August 20
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EST / 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CST

Register

Monday, August 24
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CST

Register

Thursday, September 3
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. EST / 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CST

Register

One-day live virtual program 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. No pre-course work or homework required.

  • 9:00 a.m.–9:25 a.m. — Welcome and introductions
  • 9:25 a.m.–9:45 a.m. — Cold calling: how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable
  • 9:45 a.m.–10:05 a.m. — Digging deeper: Probing for more information
  • 10:05 a.m.–10:45 a.m. — Working with difficult situations: Unblurring the lines
  • 10:45 a.m.–11:25 a.m. — Staying within your scope: Knowing when and to whom to refer
  • 11:25 a.m.–12:25 p.m. — Lunch
  • 12:25 p.m.–1:30 p.m. — Staying within your scope: Knowing when and to whom to refer
  • 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. — When enough is enough: How to gauge contact interactions
  • 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. — Celebration! Ideas to boost breastfeeding self-efficacy and increase interest in support groups

5 L CERPs.

For information on which IBLCE categories are covered in the OA grant-funded trainings, please see the IBCLC CERP Guidance document.

This course is available to current and aspiring PCs in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio.

Due to high demand, this year’s OA Grant trainings will be limited to primarily WIC Staff. For more information, please contact MWRtrainings@mphi.org.

  • List three methods of overcoming initial calls to new participants.
  • Describe four methods to probe for more information.
  • Identify how to stay within the PC Scope of Practice.
  • Develop three new strategies for engaging contact interactions.

  • Stephanie Hutchinson BA, MBA, IBCLC
  • Carole Peterson MS, IBCLC or
  • Mendy Roudebush BS, RD, IBCLC

The deadline for registration is two weeks before the start of the training. All registrants will be placed on a short waitlist until approved by the Midwest region breastfeeding coordinators.

Once registered, all communication will come from Lactation Education Consultants (Stephanie Hutchinson). There is no fee for this training. In the event you need to cancel or reschedule a training, please email MWRtrainings@mphi.org.

Once registered all participants will be emailed a link to the virtual meeting and all PowerPoint handouts.