Counseling has historically focused on reducing emotional distress and limiting risk factors for optimal mental health. Resilience psychology is an example of a component of psychotherapy that promotes personal growth in response to adversity and trauma. With regard to the current viral pandemic, promoting resilience and nurturing resilience can be an effective way to help promote endurance to these challenging times.
Tips on Nurturing Resilience
1. Foster a positive attitude: Optimism and resilience are strongly related. Although optimism may be an individual’s subjective disposition it can also be learned. It is important to promote realistic optimism, however, as fantastical positive thinking can be a form of denial.
2. Let go of rigid thinking patterns: Moving away from seeing things as all good or all bad can promote better acceptance and recovery from distressing events.
3. Face fears: Avoidance and escape strategies in reaction to fear increase anxiety; facing fears build self-esteem. Thus nurturing resilience.
4. Nurture active coping skills: Instead of being passive in the face of challenging times, actively facilitate behaviors that will help you cope (call friends, develop healthy habits, promote positive self-talk).
5. Establish a supportive social group: Even if it were possible to manage things on your own, why would you want to? A great deal of emotional strength and resilience can be attained from close relationships with people and organizations.
6. Recognize and apply your unique strengths: Every person has the capability to nurture resilience. By acknowledging your character strengths and using them effectively, you can endure any challenging situations life throws at you.
Reducing vulnerability to overwhelming emotions and nurturing emotional resilience are topics incorporated in the DBT services provided at Specialized Therapy Associates. Should you have any interest in DBT, please call 201-488-6678 for details.
