CULTIVATING FAMILY RESILIENCE:
ENHANCING WELL-BEING THROUGH COMPASSION, COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTION
Friday, August 25, 2023
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(lunch included)
Shrine Visitors Center
An annual conference to help those journeying with people with mental illness
In person (limited to 125 attendees)
Online registration is closed.
618-394-6281
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“Attachment, Boundaries, and Communication: The ABCs of Healthy Relationships”
Presenter: Ky Miller
All human relationships are founded on the quality of connection between ourselves and others. Participants will learn about attachment theory, healthy boundaries, and emotionally connective communication in order to enhance interpersonal experiences and psychological well-being.
Ky A. Miller, MSW, LCSW (they/them) is a social worker who provides affirming and competent, attachment/trauma-informed psychotherapy to children, teens, adults and their families throughout Illinois and Missouri. In addition to clinical practice, Ky is the Director of Community Impact at Light Source (a group practice in Southern Illinois) and founder of ALIGN, an education, training and consultation program that enhances providers’ competencies in serving LGBTQ+ clients. Ky also partners with the St. Clair County Mental Health Board on mental health care and suicide prevention initiatives.
“Your Legal Toolbox: Planning for Those Suffering from Mental Illness or Disability”
Presenter: Caitlin Embrich
Learn how legal planning now can assist for years to come. We will discuss guardianships, powers of attorney, trusts and institutional commitments for those you love. Get valuable information and resources to plan for the unknown and give you and your family peace of mind.
Caitlin Embrich is a Founding Partner licensed to practice law in Illinois. Following her admission to the Illinois bar, she worked as an associate attorney for The Law Offices of Susan Parnell Wilson in Belleville, concentrating her practice on family law and estate work. She joined Sherer Law Offices in 2016 and became partner in 2018. Caitlin and Brittany Elliott founded Embrich & Elliott Law, LLC in May 2023. Caitlin represents clients in Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Macoupin, Jersey, Randolph and Clinton counties. She practices in the area of family law, adoption, probate, estate planning and evictions. She is also a licensed Mediator and Guardian ad Litem in the State of Illinois.
“A Call for Help during a Mental Health Crisis: Police Response to Behavior”
Presenter: Lt. Patrick Feldhake
Calling police for help can be overwhelming and scary, especially when a loved one is having a mental health crisis. The safety of you and your family should be priority and calling 911 may be the best thing to do in some situations. Today, many communities have specially trained CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) police officers who are equipped to effectively respond to individuals in crisis. We will discuss when to call, what you can expect when police arrive and things you can do to help them.
Lt. Patrick Feldhake has been with the O’Fallon, IL Police Department for 21 years. He is currently assigned as the Investigations Commander. He is also the Departmental CIT Coordinator. His other responsibilities include Officer Peer Support Coordinator, Deputy Commander with the Major Case Squad and District #3 Assistant Commander of the Child Death Investigations Task Force.
“Breaking Through the Clouds: How to Connect with Someone Experiencing Mental Illness”
Presenter: Jennifer Gerlach
When someone is experiencing a significant mental health challenge like psychosis, depression or bipolar disorder it can feel as if a wall has been placed between them and everyone else. This is incredibly painful both for the person living with the mental health condition and for those who love them. This workshop will explore strategies for loved ones and community members to use to break through those clouds while also exploring the lived experience of mental illness.
Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW is a therapist and mental health advocate. She is the author of “The Psychosis and Mental Health Recovery Workbook: Activities for Young Adults from ACT, DBT, and Recovery-Oriented CBT.” She brings a hope-filled perspective on mental health that is influenced by her lived experience as a person in mental health recovery.