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Description:

During the past four decades the fields of psychology and mental health have witnessed a shift from a “deficit” to a “strength-based approach” that included the highlighting of such concepts as positive emotions, gratitude, connectedness, hope, and resilience.  This shift gained momentum with the emergence of the field of “positive psychology.”  Research efforts began to focus on identifying factors that helped children (and adults) who had faced significant adversity to become increasingly resilient.  One noteworthy finding was that the nurturance of resilience in children required the presence of supportive and caring individuals. The late psychologist Julius Segal labeled such individuals as “charismatic adults,” defined as adults from whom “children gather strength.”  We have come to understand that such adults are necessary throughout our lives if we are to become and remain optimistic and resilient. 

Charismatic adults are evident in many relationships, such as parent-child, teacher-child, therapist-client, school consultant-school personnel, and supervisor-supervisee.  Psychologists and other mental health and health-care professionals are in a prime position to assume that role.   To do so effectively, graduate and training programs in psychology must include curricula rooted in positive psychology principles so that these principles can be implemented in clinical practice.  

In this presentation, Dr. Brooks will describe the mindset and practices of psychologists who are skilled at promoting hope and resilience in their clients, students, consultees, and colleagues.  Key concepts such as empathy, empathic communication, micromoments, positive emotions, strengths or “islands of competence,” “contributory” activities, and gratitude will be highlighted.  Many illustrations of these concepts will be offered.

Learning Objectives:  Participants will be able to:

Identify the major components involved in a strength-based approach in our professional activities.

Apply the components of a strength-based approach, including empathy, empathic communication, “islands of competence,” “microaffirmations,” and dealing with setbacks in our clinical, consultation, and teaching activities.

Presented by Dr. Robert Brooks. Dr. Robert Brooks is a clinical psychologist on the faculty (part-time) of Harvard Medical School and former Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital. His first position at McLean, which is a private psychiatric hospital in the Boston area, was as principal of the school in the locked door unit of the child and adolescent program..  He has lectured nationally and internationally and written extensively about such themes as psychotherapy, motivation, resilience across the lifespan, parenting and family relationships, children and adolescents with special needs, and creating a positive school and work environment.  He is the author or co-author of 21 books, including Raising Resilient Children; Tenacity in Children: Nurturing the Seven Instincts for Lifetime Success; and The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life.  Dr. Brooks has received many awards for his work, including The Mental Health Humanitarian Award from William James College for his contributions as a clinician, educator, and author, and most recently, the 2023 Trailblazer Award from Worldmaker International in recognition of his contributions “to the field of human resilience, and his innovation in creating new pathways for many.”  Dr. Brooks has also served as a consultant to Sesame Street Parents Magazine. For additional information visit Dr. Brooks’ website www.drrobertbrooks.com  

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