redwood-family-therapy

Resiliency

Tue, 16 May 2023 11:42:10 GMT

Harness the Healing Power of Resiliency

We all are affected by the uncertainties of the times in which we live. Experiences such as COVID, the War in Ukraine, struggling adolescents and teens, along with the complexities of everyday life impact all of us. Our daily lives are crowded with time schedules that are unbelievably tight, separate our families while we eat on the run, interfere with friendships, and create fatigue. For some, the silence of loneliness or sorrow has shattered hope.

At Redwood, we hear your stories daily as we work to bring new insights, healing, and strategies so that every day can be a Life Worth Living. Often, we hear of anxiety and depression within the same family, children who are negatively impacted by the environment in their classrooms, along with individuals living with chronic health diagnoses. Their stories reflect the experiences of many others who struggle.

You are not alone. Millions each year struggle emotionally and physically.

We asked ourselves, "How can we be more impactful with clients in our work treating mental health challenges?"

In response to this call to action, we began to research methods to include in our work. What we discovered is the often unspoken, unrecognized component on which mental and physical health pivots. It rarely is mentioned in a doctor's office; nor, is it generally a treatment method in a therapist's office. Yet, research studies have identified a positive impact on one's physical and mental health and their level of RESILIENCE.

One of our clients shares their experience of discovering resiliency. I learned I'm not very resilient and I didn't know that. Now, I am strengthening it. Just having a plan makes me feel better. (C.E.)

Everyone faces physical and mental health challenges over the course of a lifetime both personally and with family and friends. How we navigate the challenges impacts our overall well-being and outlook on life. Some look the challenges in the face, and garner the strength and mental fortitude to overcome life changes, unable to successfully adapt. How is it that some people are able to adapt, look on the bright side, take steps to overcome the stress and hardship they face, and others succumb to the situations?

The more resilient we are - the healthier we are. Those with lower levels of resilience have a 3- fold higher prevalence of experiencing anxiety. They have a 4-fold higher prevalence of depression. Physically ill patients with low resilience levels are at greater risk of slow recoveries, less positive rehabilitation outcomes, and increased depression and anxiety.

One of our clients said this about using The Resiliency Wheel as a significant part of his therapy work. I never thought about my resilience until I started working with you. Since, then and with what I know now, I have a plan to increase my resilience. My self-confidence is higher now, and I am not as depressed. (E.A.)

Resilience is an individual's ability to bounce back. It is buoyancy, optimism, and HOPE! The American Psychological Association (APA) defines resilience as "the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress - such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors."

We began to use the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale in our practice. When we and the client know their resilience level, it opens up an important door to treatment. Basically, it provides information about the client's ability to adapt, bounce back, see a bright horizon, and engage in a meaningful life. As a result, we are able to bring more insight and possibilities to our work.

So, what does resilience look like? How do you describe it? Can it even be measured? All of these questions and others come into play when considering resilience as an asset to one's mental and physical health. To measure your resilience level, use The Ohio State University Brief Resilience Scale.

Research confirms that between 33% - 52% of individuals inherit resilience. Our ancestor's experiences and the hardships they endured may have fortified their descendants (that's us) to manage challenges and stressful situations successfully. Essentially, their children and grandchildren have higher levels of resilience.

However, what if you didn't inherit resilience? Somewhere between 48% - 67% of individuals have lower levels of resilience. Can resilience be developed? Yes! We all have within us the ability to develop resilience.

Redwood developed The Resiliency Wheel as a guide for the development and sustainability of resilience.

The Resiliency Wheel is a tool to visualize and identify how to begin to develop resilience. Resilience is our way of being in the world. It is seen in our personality, our interactions with others, our outlook on life, and knowing our purpose in life.

If you feel stuck, have panic attacks, avoid engaging in life, and are depressed, or struggling with a chronic illness, developing a higher level of resilience will improve your life. There are too many who experience pain, stress, depression, loneliness, and unhappiness for us to not act. Make this year the year of Resilience for you! Select a spot on the Wheel and see where it takes you.

Resilience is the component that builds buoyancy, the ability to adapt to life situations, and to successfully manage illnesses. Let's create a life that springs you towards fulfillment and joy. Imagine how you can be when you are living a life worth living.

Empathetic Communication

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 12:24:07 GMT

From Kindergarten to College, Students Navigate Their Social World

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:43:25 GMT

Transitions are Hard

The massive migration back to school is beginning. The IES National Center for Educational Statistics estimates that 68 million children and adolescents will be attending private and public elementary and secondary schools in the fall of 2022. The 68 million students will be taught by 5 million teachers – 20 students per teacher. Fall marks an annual ritual when students resume their educational journey for the year. It holds the promise of learning, meeting friends, school activities, and favorite teachers, discovering new interests, and sparking life-long passions.

Many positive experiences created by public and private schools happen every day because of excellent teachers, coaches, and staff. Let’s not forget, though, that our students also navigate a social system within the school and some over stressed teachers.

I asked several of my child and adolescent therapy clients, “What don’t parents know about school?” You may be surprised by some of their remarks.

“It’s stressful. Parents don’t know that school is as stressful as their jobs.” (8th Grader)

“The teacher moves so fast sometimes I don’t understand something but then the subject changes.” (6th Grader)

“My classroom is so loud, it’s hard to listen.” (4th Grader)

Their quotes describe aspects of the social environment our children and adolescents experience often leading to anxiety, loneliness, a lack of belonging, worry, fatigue, and withdrawal. Whether your child is in public, private, or online schooling, they live an experience in the school systems that are mostly unseen by parents.

The comments from children and adolescents teach us fundamental characteristics of life that adults

sometimes forget as a result of over-scheduled and demanding lives. We all need exactly what our

kids need.

1. Knowing that you belong unconditionally , that you are accepted for who you are , and that you

matter in this world.

2. Being affirmed, loved , and knowing that others care about your joys and pain .

3. Having time alone to gather thoughts, center yourself, and restore inner balance .

4. Having one best friend …. just one who understands who you are, and you understand who they are.

5. Understanding that ALL new beginnings are hard , and beginnings are emotional times.

6. Listening and observing are essential keys to knowing and understanding your child. To watch,

listen, and learn what your child is telling you through behaviors, language, and actions is a roadmap to deciphering what they are feeling and experiencing. Ignoring or labeling your child’s behavior as “just moodiness” may be inaccurate. Learning how to talk with your child about their way of seeing something, their feelings, and their needs is actually available to you. If you learn how to communicate empathically, they may too.

Education is a cornerstone of our society influencing millions of children and adolescents each year. Whether your child is in public, private, or on-line schooling, they live an experience that is mostly unseen by adults in the school systems. During the years of pre-school through their senior year in high school, our kids are learning about relationships, trust, betrayal, and loyalty, and barricading doors all side-by-side

the school curricula. They are navigating a social atmosphere that we often do not see or know. Some kids are navigating it alone, silently, and fearfully. Others are creating the hierarchy and exclusion that exist within the system. Whether your kid is a navigator or creator, whether or not teachers are seasoned experts or new entrants to the profession, our children and adolescents face tough challenges as part of their

academic life.

For more ideas on helping your children through transitions, download the handout below!