Resilient Minds, Stronger Support: Cultivating Self-Care and Psychological Preparedness for Behavioral Health Professionals in Disaster Response
Information
Date & Time
-
-
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
-
Identify the key components of psychological preparedness for disaster response among mental health professionals.
-
Explain the principles of polyvagal theory and its relevance to managing stress and trauma in themselves and their clients.
-
Identify techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that can be used to promote self-care and resilience.
-
Develop a personalized self-care plan that incorporates strategies for avoiding vicarious trauma.
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of self-care practices through practical worksheets and quizzes.
Educational Goal
The educational goal of this workshop is to provide knowledge and application of self-care tools for providers working with clients who may see them during or after working in a natural disaster response setting.
Description
This workshop aims to equip behavioral health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster self-care and psychological preparedness when responding to natural disasters. Emphasizing the importance of vicarious resilience and post-traumatic growth, participants will learn how to manage their own mental health while supporting frontline workers. The integration of polyvagal theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy will provide a framework for understanding the physiological and psychological impacts of trauma. By the end of the session, attendees will be better prepared to implement self-care strategies that enhance their resilience in high-stress environments.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Christina Diesen (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist, and Certified Brainspotting Consultant. In her private practice, she supports clients with stress related concerns. Her focus is on helping professionals with stress related concerns that range from dissatisfaction to trauma reactions, both single incident and complex experiences, so that they can fully connect and experience vitality and once again enjoy their life and work. As a public educator, Chris has presented locally and regionally in her community as well as to mental health and medical providers regarding various topics on self care and psychological well-being. She hosts workshops personalized for “professional personal self care” to enhance quality of life both at and away from work. Chris is licensed for clinical services in Illinois and Missouri and provides education and consultation beyond this area.