I recently undertook an adult resilience measure at a training event, and the results surprised me. Often, I’ve felt that I’m not the best at handling life’s numerous challenges, but this measure presented a contrasting view. If you’re curious about your resilience quotient, you can take the Resilience Survey.
The Importance of Resilience
Today’s discussion is centred on resilience, which has become vital, especially given the challenges we face in Camden and the Southern Highlands. Bonanno (2004) defines resilience as “the ability of individuals to maintain relatively stable, healthy levels of psychological and physical functioning after disruptive events. It’s the capacity to uphold healthy functioning or to resume it post-disruption.”
Resilience in Therapy
This isn’t a literature review but rather an insight into resilience, a topic frequently arising in my individual therapy sessions and role as a school counsellor. Recent adversities like bushfires and lockdowns have shifted our collective attention to our coping mechanisms and overall well-being.
Emerging seedling sprouting from the center of a seemingly dead tree stump, representing hope, resilience, and rebirth amid adversity.
Psychological Flexibility and Resilience
In a therapy session in Camden, I realized how resilience mirrors psychological flexibility—a core concept in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Psychological flexibility can be broken down into six processes:
- Cognitive Defusion
- Acceptance
- Present Moment Awareness
- Self-as-Context
- Values Clarification
- Committed Action
Hayes et al. (2006) have explored this concept in depth. The end goal of ACT is to cultivate psychological flexibility, enhancing the client’s well-being and quality of life by targeting these six core processes.
Enhancing Your Resilience
I provide counselling support in Camden and the Southern Highlands if you need to bolster your resilience or work on your psychological flexibility. Don’t hesitate to reach out for an appointment.
References
- Bonanno G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? The American Psychologist, 59(1), 20–28. DOI
- Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25. DOI
Understanding and developing resilience is crucial in navigating life’s challenges. By integrating these insights into therapy, we can better support individuals in maintaining their mental health and well-being.
