Stars of Light, experiential therapies highlight conference
The Stars of Light Theatre Troupe performed Wednesday, June 27, 2012, as part of the 13th Annual Consumer Family Forum Conference. Rosecrance Experiential Therapies Supervisor Christine Nicholson also led two breakout sessions about drum circles and the importance of experiential therapies in mental health recovery.
This year’s conference, which was themed “Mental Wellness Recovery Journey Through the Healing Arts,” was held at Klehm Arboretum in Rockford, Illinois. About 100 people from Rockford and Chicago attended.
The Consumer Family Forum is planned by and designed for individuals with mental illness. The goals are to bring together people with a wide range of mental health experiences, to learn from one another and to share journeys of recovery. Social worker BethAnn Burazi was the keynote speaker for this year’s conference.
“It was great to get out in the community and help other healthcare professionals get inspired by non-traditional forms of therapy,” said Nicholson. “I think the event was a great success.”
The Stars of Light is a traveling theatre troupe composed of mental health clients who educate the public about mental illness and reduce the stigma that surrounds it while sharing their artistic talents and personal stories.
Rosecrance’s Experiential Therapies Department provides evidence-based therapeutic arts and recreation programs designed to promote personal growth and self-recognition through action-oriented experiences.
Rosecrance Health Network was a co-sponsor of this year’s conference, along with DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board, Mental Health Association of Rock River Valley, NAMI Northern Illinois, Sinnissippi Centers, Inc., and Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc.