Theme:

Over the last several decades many among us have been buffeted, battered, bruised, and broken. Wars, just or unjust, violence towards adults or children, sexual abuse, and other horrors have been inflicted on the innocent and in the process hearts have been shattered. We wonder how we can treat and minister to the victims and to ourselves. How do we serve Jesus and his call to… “bind up hearts that are broken”? This 2008 Association of Therapists International Conference is an attempt to provide tools and answers to do so.

The conference will address the challenge of bringing a sense of hope to individuals and families who have been impacted by trauma in their lives. Presentations, workshops, and liturgies will guide us in ministering to those with the trauma-induced manifestations. This conference will provide an opportunity to hear stories and gather information that will enhance an increase of confidence, self-worth, healing, and restoration through innovative sharing, reflection, and prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May we truly become hope-filled healers in a broken world, sustained by the Holy Spirit’s healing presence, guidance, and blessings!

Location and Accommodations:

The conference center is located on the grounds of the university and the setting is typical of a midwestern college campus. The dormitory has elevators and each room has either two twin beds or a twin and a double bed along with its own bathroom

Transportation to the Conference Center:

From O’Hare or Midway airports: North Shore Limousine (847-816-7474) provides service to individuals or small groups (there is significant savings when 3-4 share). Public transportation is available through Metra/RTA (312836-7000, www.metrarail.com) and cabfare is $6 from the Libertyville station.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION SAVINGS!

Meal Package:

We have arranged a low price for the Meal package and encourage you to take advantage of it. The closest restaurant is about a mile away.

Party:

There will be a party on Sunday evening and the cost is included in the meal package. Tickets for those not opting for the meal plan, may be purchased at the conference registration desk. The theme will be “Chicago, Chicago (our) kind of town!”

Music Ministry:

Bonnie and Trevor McMaken have been writing and playing music together since they met at Wheaton College in 2003. They play around town with their friends in local coffeehouses, restaurants, churches and in their living room. Their music is a blend of folk, Americana, rock, and jazz that ends up sounding like an old friend. They have a heart for worship and the local church. They lead worship at their home church, Church of the Resurrection and wouldn’t give that up for the world.

CEUs:

12 Hours of Continuing Education are possible for RN, LCSW and MFT. This conference has been approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, BBSE (PCE 742) and California Board of Registered Nurses (CEP 12192) for 12 hours of Continuing Education.

The cost will be $60.00 and you may sign up and pay at the conference only. Check with your individual state boards to verify acceptance of these hours.

Specialty Groups:

ACT is an interdisciplinary organization which includes Specialty Groups in the areas of: * Allied Health * Associates * Clergy * Nurses * Pastoral Care * Physicians/Dentists * Therapists.  Each group will hold individual meetings during the conference.

Refund and Cancellation Policies:

All cancellations must be made in writing. Written cancellations before August 25, 2008 are subject to a $50 processing fee. Refunds are not possible after August 25,2008 except for emergencies. All refunds will be processed after the meeting.

Additional Information:

Be sure to visit the ACT website, www.actheals.org, for updates on the conference program, workshops and conference schedule.

 

Click here to download printable registration form!

 

              Organization                                    Prayer                                           Conversation

Conference Speakers

Reverend Nigel Mumford:

Father Mumford is an Episcopal priest and the Director of the Healing Ministries of Christ. He is a published author and his latest book, The Forgotten Touch, was released by Seabury Press in September 2007. A former British “Green Beret”, he is currently developing a program for healing the trauma in war veterans. He will gift us with one presentation and a workshop.

Anna Maria Pou, MD:

Doctor Pou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and has been in practice for 18 years. In choosing to work with the poorest, she found herself experiencing the cultural and environmental trauma of Hurricane Katrina. She will share the personal trauma of taking care of elderly patients during and after the horror of this disaster.

Robert Sears, SJ, Ph.D.:

Father Bob is a well-known ACT member and is former Superior of Gonzaga Jesuit Community at Loyola University Chicago. He has written extensively and has spoken at many of our ACT meetings and has taught courses on Jung, Theology, Family Systems, Healing, Adult Faith Formation and Ignatian Spirituality. He will be speaking on the relationship of Trauma and Ecumenism.

Julie Woodley, LMHC:

Julie is the founder and director of Restoring the Heart Ministries. She has co-authored Restoring the Heart, Post-Abortion Trauma, and Surviving the Storms of Life. She has also produced a DVD series with curriculum, In the Wildflowers, for women seeking healing from childhood sexual abuse. She will be speaking on the topics of Sexual Abuse and Post Abortion Trauma.

H. Norman Wright, PhD:

Dr. Wright is a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. He is the author of 85 books and papers, including Experiencing Grief, The New Guide to Crisis and Trauma, and Recovering from the Losses of Life. He is a Research Professor at the Talbot School of Theology. His current focus is on grief and trauma counseling and critical incident debriefings. He will be doing a presentation and workshop dealing with the healing of trauma from a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective.

Conference Prayer Father God, we come before you, united as your body, to offer the 2008 ACT Conference before your throne. We place it in the hands of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We come, Lord, as hope-filled healers in a broken world, asking for your healing presence, guidance and blessing upon each of us and upon this gathering. Open our hearts, Lord, that we may hear your voice more clearly, and grow in your wisdom, knowledge and discernment. Lord, you raise us from death to life; you mend our shattered souls; you sustain us in our darkest hours and celebrate our every step. Give us, this day, the eyes to see your resurrection power at work in every broken heart. Grace us to be ambassadors of your fidelity, your compassion, your hope, peace, love and joy. Open the hearts of the many, whom you call to assemble, so that they will respond to your call. Send a special anointing, through your Holy Spirit, upon all who participate in this conference in any way. Give them safe travel. We thank you, Jesus, that you have come to heal us and set us free. Father, Son & Holy Spirit, all praise and glory be yours. Amen! & Amen!!!

 

 

           Community                                            Worship                                    Celebration