Seminar for counselors suffering from burnout

[April 10, 2012]  NORMAL -- Lincoln Christian University's Hargrove Leadership Institute and Illini Christian Ministries will sponsor a seminar April 20 at ClearView Church, 1503 E. College Ave., Suite G, in Normal. "Clinical Perspectives on Burnout Issues for Clinical and Ministry Leaders" is for people who counsel families in crisis.

Tony Merritt and Elisha Hamilton will provide insights for practicing therapists, clinicians and ministry leaders who feel their health, marriage or family life are being negatively affected by constant care for others. The seminar will also show the value of self-monitoring principles and seeking outside objective reality checks to help prevent burnout. Attendees will learn how to assess, assist and restore clients and their family members who are experiencing burnout.

Merritt is a licensed clinical social worker at Campion, Barrow & Associates in Champaign, where he provides intensive therapeutic retreats for leaders from ministries such as Salvation Army and Vineyard Church. He is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and received a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Hamilton is a licensed professional counselor and has personally experienced burnout and renewal. Ms. Hamilton works as the director of counseling ministry at Illini Christian Ministries. She is a graduate of Johnson University and received a master's degree in counseling from Lincoln Christian University.

The April 20 seminar runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The cost is $85 for professional counselors and social workers and $40 for nonprofessionals and ministry leaders. Students may attend at a discounted rate of $25. The registration deadline is April 13. For more information or to register, contact Illini Christian Ministries at 217-469-7566 or [e-mail].

Six continuing education units are offered for licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors and licensed professional counselors.

The Hargrove Leadership Institute is part of the School of Adult & Graduate Studies at Lincoln Christian University, Lincoln. Illini Christian Ministries, based in St. Joseph, is a faith-based nonprofit ministry that assists families in need through grace-filled social services.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Christian University]