Networking and research took center stage at the CREATE Conference on Sept. 9. The conference provided an opportunity for counseling students to showcase their research and for local counseling centers to connect with graduate students seeking jobs.
The keynote speaker was Kristy Pruitt, director of Milligan’s counseling center. Her research focused on absorption vulnerability, a potential precursor to burnout and compassion fatigue among counselors.
Absorption vulnerability can be described as a counselor’s reduced ability to carry the emotional weight of clients’ concerns. These difficulties can result in physical symptoms and a reduced capacity for counselors to show compassion toward future clients.
Pruitt said the conference reflects the importance of counseling and the people it serves.
“The heart behind the conference is simple: counseling exists because people matter. The field is built on the belief that every person deserves a safe place to be heard, understood and supported. Counseling helps individuals navigate trauma, crisis, identity, relationships and the complexities of being human. It strengthens families, workplaces and communities by promoting resilience, emotional health and meaningful connection,” Pruitt said.
Milligan’s counseling program plans to host its fifth CREATE Conference in 2027.
By: Griffin McAlister
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