Intentional Self-Regulation Skills for Managing Stress and Building Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the physical and mental health of many individuals.  Personally and professionally, individuals are experiencing toxic levels of stress due to the following: 

• High levels of physical and emotional threat for an extended period of time
• Needs exceeding existing coping resources
• Trauma exposure
• Isolation
• Loss and grief
• Burnout & moral injury

These experiences have a profound impact on job performance, our health and relationships. Additionally, even if the physical threat of the illness subsides, the emotional impact of the pandemic is likely to linger.  Most individuals are managing significant and unprecedented challenges without the benefit of formal training or the skills to manage effectively. However, individuals can benefit from developing advanced regulation skills and resiliency.  

Resilience refers to how well an individual, or system, can bounce back, or even grow, in response to challenges.  Resilient people tend to be more balanced, maintain a healthier outlook and cope with stress more effectively.  

Learning Objectives 

Participants will gain clarity by moving beyond vague advice on how to manage challenge to developing a clear, practical skill set.  This will increase the participant’s ability to navigate challenges more successfully.  Participants will grow and leave with a personal plan with emphasis in three areas of skill development:

1. Physical Regulation – A clear awareness of physical warning signs and master effective ways to promote a sense of emotional safety 
2. Emotional Regulation – Identification, healthy expression, and empowering ownership of emotions
3. Cognitive Regulation – Identify and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns, encourage optimism, and how to get psychological needs met in healthy ways

Program Format

The recommended setting for this program is in-person using a classroom setting or large conference space.  The program is a combination of teaching concepts, individual practice and small group work.  The breakout sessions allow participants to practice skills development in a small group setting.   

• Includes skills for recovery and resilience
• Full-day workshop allows for deeper understanding, skill development, and application
• Prepares the individual with skills to apply in their own situations and also to be a resources for their team