The adversities and traumatic events we encounter at any point in our lives can shake us, challenge us, wound us, and cause deep pain. The many negative consequences of trauma are largely known: it affects us physically and emotionally. However, over the last 30 years, a growing body of research has explored the possibility of meaningful positive change emerging from traumatic experiences that pushed us to our limits. “Post-traumatic growth” is a concept coined in the mid-1990s by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun to describe this phenomenon, and it is now well-supported by research across many fields.

In this introductory workshop, we will explore what post-traumatic growth actually is (and what it isn’t). We will review its key characteristics, the factors that can facilitate or hinder it, and the common myths associated with it. No prior knowledge is needed, and all are welcome.

Presented by: Vicky Gonzalez Ubilla, LPC-IT