Another Successful Training with the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism.

It was an absolute honor and pleasure to spend time with Director Erika Harold and Deputy Director Stephanie Villinski of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism as we presented on judicial wellbeing to two judicial circuits in Illinois on January 29, 2026.

We missed the wisdom of our friend and colleague Dr. Diana Uchiyama, JD, PsyD, CAADC from Illinois LAP who usually presents on the clinical side of the issues of secondary trauma. Unfortunately, she was not able to attend, and we all look forward to her, sharing the depths of her knowledge in the near future.

Our first session was held in Bloomington at the MClean County Courthouse with Judges from the 11th Judicial Circuit. The second session was held about 50 miles east at the Champaign County Courthouse with Judges from the 6th Judicial Circuit.What struck me about both locations was these courthouses is where President Abraham Lincoln practiced law and gave political speeches. It is electrifying to know that you stood in the same place as this incredible orator and decent human being.

Both Circuit Judge Casey Costigan, who serves as the Chief Judge for the 11th, and Circuit Judge Randy B. Rosenbaum, the Chief Judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, began our discussions by stressing the benefits of engaging in well being practices, highlighting both the benefits for the judicial officer and for the communities they serve.

Erika began both sessions by acknowledging the difficulty of the work of being a judge and expressing gratitude to the Illinois Supreme Court for supporting this program. I am personally amazed as to the innovative, creative work being done by Erika on a multitude of issues that impact the professionalism of the Illinois bar.

Stephanie and I then led an interactive discussion about secondary trauma and the importance of developing tools to increase resilience. Stephanie did an amazing job of stepping in for Dr. Uchiyama and leading the discussion on the definition and effects of secondary trauma.

The judges who participated in these sessions were reflective and appreciated this issue being taken seriously in their Judicial community.

I have found that whenever judicial well-being is discussed, judges from around the world and the systems in which they work, are acknowledging the necessity of resources to support these human beings who have taken on such a grave responsibility. It is comforting to know that there are many people around the world and organizations such as Judicial Well-being among others, who are taking this seriously and are engaging in the types of actions needed to advanced the welfare of Judicial officers and the communities in which they serve. #thriving #flourishingasaspiritualbeing #dothework #emotionalintelligence #beaware #increaseawareness #flourishing #humangrowth #discoveryourpotential #visionquest #connectwithyoursoul #developthemind #developtheheart #thrive #flourish #stateofmind #awareness #thrivingnotsurviving #beaware #mindfulliving #mindfullife #mindfulmoments #mindfulness #karma #fourdoorsofspeech #share #shareyourstory #authenticity #beauthentic #ubuntu