A lecture presented in the international conference of Trauma, Resilience and Growth, Nottingham University.
Nurturing a sense of connectedness, hopefulness and meaning are key factors in promoting post-traumatic growth
Using stress as an engine to growth (Joseph, 2008), instead of trying to "get rid" of the stress, can expand resources for maintaining emotional regulation, hopefulness, and a sense of meaningfulness.
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“Space for individuals to express themselves in a way that strengthens them” “Opportunities to identify and tap into their coping skill…”
•V - Validation“Being touched by unique, authentic, and personal reactions of others Having one's vulnerability acknowledged as well as strengths.Experiencing others' presence and genuine interest in life left behind..”
“Some of these obstacles stay “a permanent part of the psyche, just as the stones surrounded by tree roots become part of the tree ..and actually support and strengthen the root structure of the tree while new roots grow and move far past the stones into new territory “
Scarcity can promote extensive root development; The human struggle with adversity and the absence of answers to our existential questions, can precipitate a search for meaning.
“Uprooted plants first invest their energy in developing roots.During this stage they do not grow leaves or produce flowers or fruit, as that would be a waste of energy”Zvia Shapiro, Botanist
Posttraumatic growth is not only the manifest growth – the leaves or flowers, but also the reconfiguration of the root system.
Developing practices that may facilitate building bridges between past, present and future, restoring a sense of continuity through the “re-establishment of a strong root system:
Inviting survivors to tell stories from where they come from. Keeping roots alive and connecting tonourishing memories – “Such memories can comfort us, lift our spirits, and connect us to what is most important to us”
Re-”membering” Conversations- Narrative practices-Bridging continuity & integrating past and new roots:
Denborough, D. (2009) Collective narrative practice: Responding to individuals, groups and communities who have experienced trauma. Adelaide: Dulwich PublicationsFosha, D. (2002). Trauma Reveals the Roots of Resilience. Constructivism in Human Sciences, 6(1&2), p. 7-15.Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions, overcome negativity, and thrive. New YorkJoseph, S., & Linley, P. A. (2006). Growth following adversity: Theoretical perspectives and implications for clinical practice. Clinical Psychology Review, 26, 1041-1053.Joseph, S., & Linley, P. A. (2008). Trauma, recovery, and growth: Positive psychological perspectives on posttraumatic stress. Wiley: HobokenPardess, (2004). Moving Encounters- A Multimodal Model of Facilitating Post-traumatic Growth. Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, Toronto, CanadaPardess Eleanor (2005), Training and Mobilizing Volunteers. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma. (10) no 1 Pennebaker, J. (1990). Opening up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions. N.Y,. Guilford.Shalif, Y. (2005). Creating care-full listening and conversations between members of conflicting groups in Israel: Narrative means to transformative listening. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 24(1), 35-52Shalif, Y. & Leibler, M. (2002). Working with people experiencing terrorist attacks in Israel: A narrative perspective. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 21(3), 60-70 White,M.(2007). Maps of Narrative Practice. New York, W.W. Norton