Professional Development

Empowering individuals and organizations through curated training experiences

Professional and Personal
Growth Never Ends

At Inspired Consulting Group, we are committed to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential through tailored training and professional development solutions. Whether through a keynote address, webinars, team-specific trainings, or in-person educational sessions, our goal is to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement for all participants.

Our Proven Approach

No matter the need or environment, at Inspired Consulting Group, we seek to enhance both personal and professional growth in these ever-evolving landscapes where we all exist. When we partner with an organization to help meet their identified professional development needs, we keep the following key principles and deliverables in mind:

Customized Needs Assessment

We start by understanding your specific needs and goals through a thorough assessment process. This includes conversations with stakeholders to craft a sense of the identified professional development need and begin the process of drafting solutions.

Training Development

Based on our shared understanding of the educational need, we design customized training and development programs that align with your objectives. Our professional development offerings are customized to your industry and are created to be practical, engaging, and tailored to meet the specific needs of your team or stakeholders.

Interactive Training Delivery

We deliver our training programs through a blend of interactive workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities. Our sessions are designed to be engaging and informative, ensuring participants gain valuable skills and knowledge. Sessions can be offered either in-person or remotely, depending on the needs of your team and resources available.

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Ongoing Support and Coaching

We provide support and coaching after the training encounter to reinforce learning and development. Our team is available to offer guidance, answer questions, debrief learnings, and provide feedback to help you achieve your organization’s goals.

Feedback

We believe in the importance of feedback and believe that ensuring our professional development sessions made a positive impact on your team is a key part of our role. With your support, we gather feedback to assess the effectiveness of our programs and offerings, making necessary adjustments to ensure continuous improvement and optimal results for future partnerships.

Our Robust Training Library

Inspired Consulting Group has curated an ever-evolving selection of professional development offerings that can be delivered virtually or in-person to teams of all sizes. Trainings typically run for 60-90-minutes and include time for participant Q&A. Training times can be extended for more a more comprehensive, engaging, and dynamic session.

Authentic Leadership

This training is geared for leaders of all levels on how to elevate their own leadership styles and promote positive engagement of staff, especially when supervising teams remotely.  This presentation draws heavily from other leadership concepts such as Kim Scott’s “Radical Candor”, Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead, as well as the “Servant Leadership” philosophy.

Collecting Joy

In a world often filled with uncertainty and challenges, finding moments of joy becomes paramount. This thought-provoking and engaging presentation will explore the profound impact of joy on our mental and emotional well-being. Through inspiring anecdotes, research-backed insights, and practical strategies, this presentation delves into the transformative power of joy in fostering resilience and cultivating hope. Participants will explore the “science of joy” and how the intentional act of collecting joy can increase our personal resilience, as well as the resilience of those we are working with. Participants will be empowered to embrace joy as a catalyst for resilience, hope, and positive change in their lives and communities. Join us and embark on a path to discovering the profound impact of joy in fueling a brighter, more resilient future.

DEI&B Training Series

Foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace with our “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B)” training series. These programs are designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to create a culture where everyone feels valued and included. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and actionable strategies, participants will learn how to promote diversity, advance equity, encourage inclusion, and cultivate a sense of belonging within their organization. Trainings can be offered individually or as a series to build upon participants’ knowledge to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of these core DEI&B concepts. Trainings in the series includes:

  • DEI&B 101 & 201
  • DEI&B for Hiring Managers
  • DEI&B – Implicit Bias Awareness
  • DEI&B – Identifying and Responding to Microaggressions
  • Belonging

Ethical Practices for School-Based Mental Health Providers

In the dynamic environment of schools, behavioral health providers face unique ethical challenges that require specialized knowledge and decision-making skills. This session is designed to equip school-based behavioral health providers with the essential tools and understanding needed to navigate these complexities effectively. Participants will explore real-world scenarios that highlight common ethical dilemmas encountered in school settings, such as confidentiality issues, dual relationships, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, and informed consent with minors. Working more effectively with families, co-workers, and community members, especially when conflict arises, will also be an area of focus. This session is designed not only to inform but also to foster a community of practice that supports ongoing learning and ethical sensitivity among professionals dedicated to the mental health and well-being of all students.

Grief and Loss

This session provides a deeper exploration of the universal nature of grief and the shared experience of loss through conversations intended to normalize these processes and discuss how to best attempt to harness the transformational powers of grief for both ourselves and for those we support.

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health

This session is designed to advance understanding of health disparities and the impact on historically marginalized client and patient populations. This program provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors influencing health outcomes and the systemic inequities affecting various populations. Through informative education, case studies and research, and interactive discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to address health disparities and advocate for health equity within their communities and organizations. Topics include definitions and review of key concepts, exploring the Social Determinants of Health model, identifying disparities, strategies for change and advocacy skill building.

LGBTQIA+ Training Series

Enhance personal and team knowledge and understanding with our series of LGBTQIA+-themed trainings. These programs are designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to better support and care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and actionable strategies, participants will increase both confidence and competence in working successfully and effectively with LGBTQIA+ team members, customers, and clients. Trainings can be offered individually or as a series to build upon participants’ knowledge to develop a deeper understanding and increased empathy around the different aspects of our LGBTQIA+ community members. Trainings in the series includes:

  • LGBTQIA+ 101 & 201
  • LGBTQIA+ Allyship
  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care and Practices
  • LGBTQIA+ Leadership Practices
  • Queer Joy
  • Inspired Allies Certificate Course for Behavioral Health Providers
  • Inspired Allies Certificate Course for Educators and School Teams

Explore Inspired Allies Certification Course.

Leadership Role in DEI&B

In this engaging session, participants will gain valuable insights into the importance of representation and inclusion in the workplace. This session will explore practical strategies and real-world examples to help effectively lead diversity initiatives, overcome challenges, and create a culture of belonging and representation. Whether one is just starting this journey or is looking to enhance existing efforts, this session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact. As we look towards one particular role model in how to effectively lead efforts in representation and inclusion, we’ll be exploring these topics “Taylor’s Version”.

Mental Health and Stigma

Promote a healthier and more supportive workplace with training on “Mental Health and Stigma”. This program can be customized to any audience and setting and aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, while addressing the stigma that often surrounds them. Topics include understanding mental health, recognizing signs/symptoms, addressing stigma, supportive practices, and resources and support.  By attending this session, participants will have a better understanding of mental health issues and be equipped with the tools to reduce stigma and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for mental well-being in the workplace.

Authentic Leadership

This training is geared for leaders of all levels on how to elevate their own leadership styles and promote positive engagement of staff, especially when supervising teams remotely.  This presentation draws heavily from other leadership concepts such as Kim Scott’s “Radical Candor”, Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead, as well as the “Servant Leadership” philosophy.

Collecting Joy

In a world often filled with uncertainty and challenges, finding moments of joy becomes paramount. This thought-provoking and engaging presentation will explore the profound impact of joy on our mental and emotional well-being. Through inspiring anecdotes, research-backed insights, and practical strategies, this presentation delves into the transformative power of joy in fostering resilience and cultivating hope. Participants will explore the “science of joy” and how the intentional act of collecting joy can increase our personal resilience, as well as the resilience of those we are working with. Participants will be empowered to embrace joy as a catalyst for resilience, hope, and positive change in their lives and communities. Join us and embark on a path to discovering the profound impact of joy in fueling a brighter, more resilient future.

DEI&B Training Series

Foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace with our “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B)” training series. These programs are designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to create a culture where everyone feels valued and included. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and actionable strategies, participants will learn how to promote diversity, advance equity, encourage inclusion, and cultivate a sense of belonging within their organization. Trainings can be offered individually or as a series to build upon participants’ knowledge to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of these core DEI&B concepts. Trainings in the series includes:

  • DEI&B 101 & 201
  • DEI&B for Hiring Managers
  • DEI&B – Implicit Bias Awareness
  • DEI&B – Identifying and Responding to Microaggressions
  • Belonging

Ethical Practices for School-Based Mental Health Providers

In the dynamic environment of schools, behavioral health providers face unique ethical challenges that require specialized knowledge and decision-making skills. This session is designed to equip school-based behavioral health providers with the essential tools and understanding needed to navigate these complexities effectively. Participants will explore real-world scenarios that highlight common ethical dilemmas encountered in school settings, such as confidentiality issues, dual relationships, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, and informed consent with minors. Working more effectively with families, co-workers, and community members, especially when conflict arises, will also be an area of focus. This session is designed not only to inform but also to foster a community of practice that supports ongoing learning and ethical sensitivity among professionals dedicated to the mental health and well-being of all students.

Grief and Loss

This session provides a deeper exploration of the universal nature of grief and the shared experience of loss through conversations intended to normalize these processes and discuss how to best attempt to harness the transformational powers of grief for both ourselves and for those we support.

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health

This session is designed to advance understanding of health disparities and the impact on historically marginalized client and patient populations. This program provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors influencing health outcomes and the systemic inequities affecting various populations. Through informative education, case studies and research, and interactive discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to address health disparities and advocate for health equity within their communities and organizations. Topics include definitions and review of key concepts, exploring the Social Determinants of Health model, identifying disparities, strategies for change and advocacy skill building.

LGBTQIA+ Training Series

Enhance personal and team knowledge and understanding with our series of LGBTQIA+-themed trainings. These programs are designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to better support and care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and actionable strategies, participants will increase both confidence and competence in working successfully and effectively with LGBTQIA+ team members, customers, and clients. Trainings can be offered individually or as a series to build upon participants’ knowledge to develop a deeper understanding and increased empathy around the different aspects of our LGBTQIA+ community members. Trainings in the series includes:

  • LGBTQIA+ 101 & 201
  • LGBTQIA+ Allyship
  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care and Practices
  • LGBTQIA+ Leadership Practices
  • Queer Joy
  • Inspired Allies Certificate Course for Behavioral Health Providers
  • Inspired Allies Certificate Course for Educators and School Teams

Explore Inspired Allies Certification Course.

Leadership Role in DEI&B

In this engaging session, participants will gain valuable insights into the importance of representation and inclusion in the workplace. This session will explore practical strategies and real-world examples to help effectively lead diversity initiatives, overcome challenges, and create a culture of belonging and representation. Whether one is just starting this journey or is looking to enhance existing efforts, this session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact. As we look towards one particular role model in how to effectively lead efforts in representation and inclusion, we’ll be exploring these topics “Taylor’s Version”.

Mental Health and Stigma

Promote a healthier and more supportive workplace with training on “Mental Health and Stigma”. This program can be customized to any audience and setting and aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, while addressing the stigma that often surrounds them. Topics include understanding mental health, recognizing signs/symptoms, addressing stigma, supportive practices, and resources and support.  By attending this session, participants will have a better understanding of mental health issues and be equipped with the tools to reduce stigma and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for mental well-being in the workplace.

Motivational Interviewing for Staff

Enhance your communication skills and empower others with this “Motivational Interviewing” training. This evidence-based approach focuses on engaging individuals in constructive conversations about change. Participants will learn how to effectively guide clients, employees, or even loved ones towards their goals by evoking their own motivations and commitment to change. Participants will be more skilled in their motivational interviewing techniques, enabling them to inspire and support individuals in making positive changes in their lives. This session may serve as encouragement for individuals to explore a further certification in motivational interviewing techniques.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Unlock the potential of neurodiverse talent with the “Neurodiversity in the Workplace” training. This comprehensive training session is designed to help organizations understand, embrace, and leverage the strengths of neurodiverse individuals. Enhancing compassion, insight, introspection, and empathy are just some the goals for this session. Participants will learn practical strategies on how to create an inclusive environment that supports neurodiverse employees, enhancing innovation, productivity, and workplace harmony.

Person First & Inclusive Language

Words matter. The language we use to speak about our clients or patients can convey unintentional messages about conscious and unconscious biases. Using person-first language is just one way that providers can combat the stigma associated with many of the presenting concerns our clients and patients bring to us. This training will review person-first and trauma-informed approaches to language and identify some of the ways that words do indeed matter.

Substance Use Disorders

This training session is designed to provide a deeper understanding of substance use disorders, their impact on individuals and the workplace, and effective strategies for intervention and support. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of substance use disorders and provide appropriate support and resources for employees, coworkers, friends, and loved ones.

Suicide Prevention

These sessions are intended for all audiences and can be customized for specific populations and disciplines.   This training will provide teams with a basic overview of suicide prevention and intervention strategies including myth-busting, warning signs, safety planning approaches, and how to decrease stigma for those who are struggling with behavioral health needs.

Supporting Youth in a Post-Pandemic World

For the last several years, COVID-19 has appropriately dominated discussions around child development, parenting, supporting education, and the behavioral health and social needs of youth.  As we approach a post-pandemic world, it’s essential that we now acknowledge how we defended our “bubbles” during the pandemic and discuss our approaches to these issues now that the global pandemic has shifted.  We must seek to discover what our new realities will be in the future?  And, here’s what makes this challenging: We still don’t know this answer! While youth have absolutely experienced significant needs during the pandemic, parents, caregivers, educators, and providers have also been impacted to a high degree. This interactive session will review where we’ve collectively been and provide some suggestions about where we might be going in the months and years ahead as we work to continue to support youth in a post-pandemic world.

Trauma-Informed Care (Frontline staff or Leadership version)

Increasing attention is being paid to the concepts of trauma-informed care and not just in traditional health care settings either. More and more organizations of all types and sizes are seeking strategies to create spaces that are supportive of staff and consumers alike and are conducive to wellness and growth for all.  This workshop will introduce the core concepts of trauma-informed care and will provide valuable information for attendees around how our early experiences with adversity coupled with our current realities of the stressors around us can have serious implications on the wellness of ourselves and of those who depend on us.

Wellness and Self-Care

Enhance well-being, resiliency, and productivity with our “Wellness and Self-Care” training. This training session is designed to equip participants with essential tools and strategies for maintaining personal health and well-being in a demanding work environment. Through engaging sessions, practical exercises, and insightful discussions, participants will learn how to integrate wellness and self-care practices into their daily routines, leading to improved mental, physical, and emotional health. Participants will have a better understanding of wellness and self-care, along with practical tools and strategies to enhance their health, reduce stress, and maintain a balanced lifestyle, leading to greater productivity and personal satisfaction.

Motivational Interviewing for Staff

Enhance your communication skills and empower others with this “Motivational Interviewing” training. This evidence-based approach focuses on engaging individuals in constructive conversations about change. Participants will learn how to effectively guide clients, employees, or even loved ones towards their goals by evoking their own motivations and commitment to change. Participants will be more skilled in their motivational interviewing techniques, enabling them to inspire and support individuals in making positive changes in their lives. This session may serve as encouragement for individuals to explore a further certification in motivational interviewing techniques.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Unlock the potential of neurodiverse talent with the “Neurodiversity in the Workplace” training. This comprehensive training session is designed to help organizations understand, embrace, and leverage the strengths of neurodiverse individuals. Enhancing compassion, insight, introspection, and empathy are just some the goals for this session. Participants will learn practical strategies on how to create an inclusive environment that supports neurodiverse employees, enhancing innovation, productivity, and workplace harmony.

Person First & Inclusive Language

Words matter. The language we use to speak about our clients or patients can convey unintentional messages about conscious and unconscious biases. Using person-first language is just one way that providers can combat the stigma associated with many of the presenting concerns our clients and patients bring to us. This training will review person-first and trauma-informed approaches to language and identify some of the ways that words do indeed matter.

Substance Use Disorders

This training session is designed to provide a deeper understanding of substance use disorders, their impact on individuals and the workplace, and effective strategies for intervention and support. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of substance use disorders and provide appropriate support and resources for employees, coworkers, friends, and loved ones.

Suicide Prevention

These sessions are intended for all audiences and can be customized for specific populations and disciplines.   This training will provide teams with a basic overview of suicide prevention and intervention strategies including myth-busting, warning signs, safety planning approaches, and how to decrease stigma for those who are struggling with behavioral health needs.

Supporting Youth in a Post-Pandemic World

For the last several years, COVID-19 has appropriately dominated discussions around child development, parenting, supporting education, and the behavioral health and social needs of youth.  As we approach a post-pandemic world, it’s essential that we now acknowledge how we defended our “bubbles” during the pandemic and discuss our approaches to these issues now that the global pandemic has shifted.  We must seek to discover what our new realities will be in the future?  And, here’s what makes this challenging: We still don’t know this answer! While youth have absolutely experienced significant needs during the pandemic, parents, caregivers, educators, and providers have also been impacted to a high degree. This interactive session will review where we’ve collectively been and provide some suggestions about where we might be going in the months and years ahead as we work to continue to support youth in a post-pandemic world.

Trauma-Informed Care (Frontline staff or Leadership version)

Increasing attention is being paid to the concepts of trauma-informed care and not just in traditional health care settings either. More and more organizations of all types and sizes are seeking strategies to create spaces that are supportive of staff and consumers alike and are conducive to wellness and growth for all.  This workshop will introduce the core concepts of trauma-informed care and will provide valuable information for attendees around how our early experiences with adversity coupled with our current realities of the stressors around us can have serious implications on the wellness of ourselves and of those who depend on us.

Wellness and Self-Care

Enhance employee well-being and resiliency with our “Wellness and Self-Care” trainings. These training sessions are highly customizable and are designed to equip participants with essential tools and strategies for maintaining their personal health and well-being within demanding work environments. Through engaging sessions, practical exercises, and insightful discussions, participants will learn how to integrate wellness and self-care practices into their daily routines, leading to improved mental, physical, and emotional health. Participants will have a better understanding of wellness and self-care principles, along with learning practical tools and strategies to enhance their health, reduce stress, and maintain a more balanced lifestyle, leading to greater job and personal satisfaction.

We are always eager to customize training sessions on other topics relevant to DEI&B, behavioral health and wellness, leadership, and other associated concepts and look forward to working closely with our partners to curate and develop an educational experience that is meaningful for all involved. We are grateful for the trust that organizations across the country have placed in Chris and his team members in working with their staff and customers.  We take this responsibility seriously and know that you want the very best for your teams.  

Why Choose Inspired
Consulting Group?

Expertise

Trainers at Inspired Consulting Group are seasoned professionals with extensive experience across various industries and specialties.  We lean into our unique lived experiences to bring training sessions that successfully blend our formal education with our diverse backgrounds into a training experience that is personal, professional, and engaging.

Tailored Solutions

We recognize that every organizations’ needs are unique, and we provide customized professional development sessions that meet your specific needs.

Commitment to Impact

We are passionate about making a difference and are committed to helping your organization achieve tangible outcomes.

Collaborative Approach

We work closely with you and your team members to ensure that our trainings and professional development sessions will meet your intended goals and bring the outcomes necessary to move your teams forward in a positive and successful manner.

Professional Development

Get Started!

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Ready to embark on your Professional Development journey? Contact us today to schedule a consultation call and discover how we can help you with your organization’s training needs.

Successful Partnerships

Inspired Consulting Group has been fortunate to work with many wonderful organizations in our communities. Here’s what they had to say about our engagement.

Working with Inspired Consulting Group to plan a mental wellness session for our annual Safety Training Days event for staff was a pleasure! We had a few planning sessions with Chris to determine the approach and relevant messaging to our team members. Because we are comprised of field and office workers, he was able to design a program that spoke to all attendees. The week that was scheduled for Chris to join us in person, a hurricane swept through our service territory and we needed to reschedule. Although, he wasn’t available for the new dates, Chris quickly created a video including an interactive portion to engage the audience. Throughout the process, he kept our audience and needs at the forefront of his work.

Tina Morrill
Versant Power

It was our absolute delight to have Chris McLaughlin, LCSW from Inspired Consulting Group, LLC deliver the keynote address on “Collecting Joy” at our annual Consortium.  Chris’ presentation was not only insightful, but profoundly impactful, resonating deeply with our behavioral health professionals and administrative employees alike, many who stated it was the best keynote we have ever had at this annual event.  Chris’ humble approach in delivery of practical methods for infusing joy into our daily practices sparked several discussions amongst members of our team, a theme we will revisit in our future supervisions and staff meetings.  Chris’ authenticity and genuineness resulted in full engagement of our attendees, and the feedback from our team has been overwhelmingly positive.  We all felt connected to Chris during the keynote, the highlight of our event.  Chris’ talk was a true catalyst for change, offering lasting benefits to our organization.  We are immensely grateful for the perspective and tools he has provided us to enhance our work in behavioral health.

Andrea Conley, LCSW
Executive Director
Health Affiliates Maine

“Chris has played a vital role in training all our staff throughout the Bangor Region YMCA and our Camps to ensure we create a safe environment for the LGBTQ community.

Diane Dickerson, CEO
Bangor Region YMCA

“Chris led our Spurwink all-management team through an excellent LGBTQIA+ awareness training as part of our ongoing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work at Spurwink. Chris was insightful, engaging, fun and informative. I highly recommend him for any of your training/consultation needs.

Eric Meyer, LCSW, MBA
President and CEO
Spurwink Services Maine

“I wholeheartedly recommend Chris McLaughlin and Inspired Consulting Group to any organization seeking to enhance its professional development initiatives, particularly in mental health and disability inclusion. Working with Chris is an investment in both the well-being of your employees and the overall success of your organization.

Jodi Fadrigon
Manager, Omnicell

“Our training partnership with Inspired Consulting Group, led by Chris McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW, has proven to be immensely beneficial to our agency staff. In the challenging and high-stress environment of human services and social work, Chris’ deep understanding, valuable perspective, and practical tools have been of tremendous value to our team. Chris’ expertise in navigating the complexities of the field has been critical, providing our staff with insights and strategies to better manage the pressures of their roles. His guidance not only provided immediate support but also opened the door to ongoing conversations and connections that continue to foster growth within our team. Over 100 of our staff members participated in the training sessions, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Chris structured the agenda thoughtfully, balancing the delivery of information with ample time for processing and debriefing, which allowed participants to fully absorb and reflect on the material. His approach fostered an environment of collaboration and learning, and our team truly appreciated the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue throughout the sessions. We are grateful for Chris’ partnership, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the future. His contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the skills and well-being of our staff, and I highly recommend his services to any organization in need of expert guidance and training.

Kristen L. Henderson, MS
Senior Director of Adult Services
Gateways Community Services