Therapeutic Coping Strategies After A Crisis: Key Areas Outlined By Expert

Feb. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- In the aftermath of recent acts of senseless violence, we all seek to find connection, solace, reassurance and hope.  Exploring ways to manage our responses, to crisis as well as day-to-day struggles, requires us to address the difficult issues of loss, trauma, anxiety and fear.

Rachel Prendergast, therapist with Center For Artful Intention explains, “While there are many things that are out of our control, identifying those things that are within our control and strategizing ways to best implement them can be helpful.”  Following are the key areas that Rachel Prendergast counsels families to look at that can have a profound effect on how we and our children process the world:

Fostering interpersonal connection:  To be more connected makes us more resilient. When we have a support structure in place, we have a space to express ourselves and we have others around us to witness and share our struggle. This is important for every aspect of life and especially important for managing traumatic life events. Creating ways to connect should be an ongoing priority.  

Maintaining family connection. Expecting that a teenager honor family gatherings and relationships is not expecting too much! We don’t need to be helicopter parents (http://newsinfo.iu.edu/web/page/normal/6073.html) but your child IS your business. Talk to them, engage them in working through family issues, and make family time something valuable. This is a great arena for developing relational skills, learning how to interact in a multi-generational setting, and understanding the value of commitment.

Authentic Emotion:  Be mindful, re-examine and be thoughtful about your past and current patterns of responding to emotional events. Set a positive example. Examine and work on your own conflict resolution skills, vulnerability, etc. With children, explore new ways to let them experience their emotions rather than projecting the responses you think they should be having. Respond to them honestly and openly. Kids recognize when things aren't authentic and benefit when adults are truthful about what they, themselves, are experiencing.

Self-care:  Tend to yourself.  Being strong and healthy physically, mentally and emotionally is vital. As flight attendants like to remind us, put the oxygen on yourself first and then help the person next to you. You aren't going to be able to help at all if you aren't on solid ground first.  It's important for others (especially your kids) to witness you attending to your health and well being because it gives permission to those around you to do the same.

About Center For Artful Intention (www.centerforartfulintention.com)

As part of the Center for Artful Intention, we are united in our mission to provide compassionate and holistic services to individuals and families who are seeking more satisfying relationships with themselves and others.