Minister counsels people in crisis following a disaster.(Neighbor)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), September, 2002

Byline: Janet Souter "Counselors have been employed to assist families of the victims." We hear that sentence, or something similar, whenever a major disaster occurs. Yet those who counsel distressed families need to watch for signs of compassion fatigue or burn out within themselves, says the Rev.

John Wilson, coordinator of the trauma services and critical care spiritual care team at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. "We as caregivers must carry one agenda: To be alert and aware of other persons," he says, "and to be in a mind to listen to what that person says and respond to what others are saying." Wilson is no stranger to counseling and disaster relief. In addition to his duties at Lutheran General, he also serves as the Disaster...