Traumatic and severely stressful, upsetting events can trigger anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and unhelpful ways of coping with the overwhelming effects of such major life crises. Posttraumatic growth involves an intentional attempt to understand and assign meaning to traumatic events, transforming negative effects into positive meanings and change.
Members re-examine events through different cognitive perspectives to reconstruct core beliefs about one’s self, the world, and the future, which are frequently disrupted in the aftermath of trauma. Exploring and eliciting posttraumatic growth can serve as a springboard for survivors to find positive aspects of having endured adversity and to take positive steps in their lives.
The group focus is to enhance positive change in life to rise to a higher level of functioning, including:
- Appreciation of life
- Positive relationships with others
- New possibilities in life
- Personal strength
- Spiritual change
- Lifestyle changes
- Increased compassion for self and others
Facilitated by: Christine Valdez, PhD
