Resilience has surprising scientific powers.

As a former news reporter, we were always taught "if it bleeds, it leads". Click or swipe anywhere online and you'll see that adage still holds true. But I think there is a growing population that loves a good comeback story even more. The down and out family recovers from losing everything to gaining fame and fortune. The high school athlete suffers a catastrophic injury only to heal, persevere through therapy and win the gold. The stories and movies are endless.

The best comeback stories are when people show their true grit and resilience to overcome their obstacle, pain or trauma. There's actually scientific proof to show why resilience is a key to recovering from trauma. Having and demonstrating resilience is so powerful and could become a key treatment to recovering from all kinds of trauma and stress.

Understanding the Science of Resilience

Resilience, in psychological terms, refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt positively to life's challenges. Studies have shown that being exposed to these types of stories can enhance your well-being. This includes being able to increase self awareness, self control, openness with others, and better decision-making while also being associated with decreasing anxiety.

Dr. Steven Southwick, a professor of psychiatry at Yale University, explains in his book "Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges", that resilience is not a fixed trait but rather a dynamic process. The brain, he says, possesses neuroplasticity—the ability to reorganize itself in response to trauma. Therefore, it acts as a buffer against the negative effects of stress and trauma, aiding in the rewiring of neural pathways for a healthier mental state.

Other neurobiologists have found that certain neural pathways associated with resilience can be strengthened through various practices, such as mindfulness, social support, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); which is why these three specialities are offered here at The Life Change Group.

Why Resilience is so Important

Psychologist Angela Duckworth, known for her research on grit and perseverance, offers another powerful perspective. She notes that success is often not just about talent but about sustained effort over time. Duckworth's insights underscore the importance of tenacity and resilience in the face of obstacles, reminding us that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities for growth and healing.

In the words of Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Let these words resonate in your heart as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

Embrace resilience as your companion on the journey to recovery, and remember, you have the power to write your own headline.

For More Information

To find out more about how to deal with trauma or anxiety, please check out our Specialties page.

How can we be a better ally?

Empowering our LGBTQ friends is a key first step to becoming a better ally. As a leading psychologist committed to promoting mental health and well-being, I am often asked about the best ways to reach out and support the LGBTQ community. In this blog post we’ll explore practical and psychological approaches to foster inclusivity and establish a safe space.

How can we be more inclusive?

Creating a more inclusive environment involves a conscious effort to embrace diversity and promote understanding. This requires having an open instead of a closed mindset, and one key step is educating oneself about LGBTQ issues, terminology, and experiences. Acknowledging and respecting individuals’ preferred pronouns is also a fundamental aspect of inclusivity. This is a foundational to empower our LGBTQ friends and a simple way to recognizing and affirm identities.

At an even higher level, practicing active listening and open communication are essential tools for building bridges. In a recent Forbes article (subscription may be required) focusing on allyship, the author noted, ““the onus [for listening] should not be on the affected community to tell me what to do to help, but for me as an ally to discover by listening, understanding and, most importantly, empathizing, how I can help.” It’s crucial to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment. By actively seeking to understand the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, we can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive environment.

Promoting inclusivity also involves advocating for equal rights and challenging discriminatory practices. Being an ally involves not only supporting LGBTQ individuals personally but also using one’s voice to address systemic issues and push for positive change.

How can we raise awareness for the LGBTQ community?

Raising awareness for the LGBTQ community is a multifaceted endeavor that involves education, visibility, and fostering empathy. We all play a crucial role in learning, sharing and disseminating accurate information about sexual orientation, gender identity, and the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Educational initiatives can take various forms, such as workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns. By engaging with diverse communities, we can all dispel myths and misconceptions, promoting a more informed and understanding society.

Media representation is a powerful tool for raising awareness and ensuring accurate and positive portrayals of LGBTQ individuals that contribute to the normalization of diverse identities. By highlighting the richness and diversity within the LGBTQ community, we can challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive narrative.

How do we make LGBTQ individuals feel welcome?

Creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ individuals involves intentional actions and a commitment to inclusivity. Allies can contribute by displaying inclusive signage, such as pride flags or LGBTQ affirming materials, in their offices. This signals to clients that their identities are recognized and respected.

Using inclusive language is another crucial aspect of creating a welcoming space. We can all adapt our communication styles to be affirming and supportive, avoiding assumptions about clients’ gender identities or sexual orientations. Training staff to be aware of and sensitive to LGBTQ issues is essential for fostering a culture of acceptance.

Additionally, all allies can cultivate a welcoming atmosphere by actively seeking feedback from LGBTQ clients. This can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the practice is responsive to the unique needs of diverse individuals.

How do we create a safe environment for LGBTQ individuals?

Establishing a safe environment for LGBTQ individuals requires a commitment to creating spaces free from discrimination, judgment, and bias. Allies can start by implementing nondiscrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity. This sets a clear standard for inclusivity within the practice.
It’s also important to remember that confidentiality is paramount in creating a safe therapeutic space. As a psychologist, I assure all of my clients that their identities and experiences will be treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality. This is especially crucial for LGBTQ individuals, who may face additional challenges related to stigma and discrimination.

Ongoing education and training are vital for maintaining a safe environment. Staying informed about the latest research on LGBTQ mental health, cultural competence, and affirming therapeutic practices ensures that professionals are equipped to provide the highest quality care.

Our Role as Allies in Empowering our LGBTQ friends

Ultimately, we all have our part to play in empowering our LGBTQ friends by fostering inclusivity, raising awareness, creating welcoming environments, and establishing safe spaces. By integrating these principles into both professional practices and personal interactions, we can contribute to a more equitable and supportive society for everyone.