Resilience for Life

About the Adult programme

Like the FRIENDS programmes, (Barrett, P.M 2004 & 2005) the Resilience for Life adult programme is a structured programme based on sound theoretical principles. Each of the skills and strategies taught has a strong research base.

The programme is fun, structured, purposeful, time limited and, at times, transformational, putting adults in touch with their existing skills and enabling the growth of further skills and new ways of thinking.

The programme focuses on teaching Participants the skills to recognise and manage their thoughts, feelings and actions so that their catchphrases becomes,

‘ We are looking for ways to better not blame ourselves’

‘ To be all we can be’.

The Resilience for Life programme is aimed at developing an individual’s ability to respond positively to challenging events in their life using a resilience ‘toolbox‘ - an array of strategies they can use to reduce stress and overcome challenges.

Adult life is full of developmental challenges, which all adults need to overcome. e.g. establishing financial independence, starting a career (and changing it), navigating relationships, raising children and saying goodbye to them, all make us the people we are. A person’s resilience to challenging situations, their ability to ‘bounce back’, ‘to handle setback’, ’to bend but not break under extreme stress’ is a dynamic, developmental construct which grows, changes and develops over time and across different situations. One aspect of growing and maintaining resilience in adulthood is the range of skills an adult brings to different situations. Specifically, if we wish to grow and develop positively and seek to resolve adult challenges, then resilience is essential with skill development and maintenance at its core.

What Strategies Does the Resilience for Life Programme Use to Build Resilience ?

In its programme development the Resilience for Life Programme draws on evidenced based strategies, strategies which have proven impact on the dynamic relationship between Thoughts-Feelings-Behaviour. In enabling participants to learn about and practise specific strategies in these areas, the programme enables adults to recognise their existing skills and learn new skills.

The course focuses on the specific skills of mindfulness, relaxation and attention training, thought challenging and thinking in positive ways, identifying role models, building support networks, problem-solving strategies and conflict resolutions, all underpinned by keeping healthy in mind and body.

This learning is captured by the LIFE Acronym

L- Learn to be mindful

I - Inner helpful thoughts

F- Feeling (and acting) like a resilient person

E -Exercise and eat healthy

Who is the Resilience for Life programme for ?

The Resilience for Life programme is a preventative, protective programme aimed at wide ranges of adults such as, parents of children going through the FRIENDS programme, parents worried about themselves or their children; staff facing new challenges, new jobs, a new boss, new family arrangements; adults facing transitions into student life, starting work, parenthood, middle age or retirement.

What are the Programme Materials ? (for ordering go to 'Ordering Information')

If not trained in this programme please contact Interactive Connections Ltd before placing an order.

Training to become a Facilitator in The Resilience for Life programme is available from Pathways Licensed Training Partners. Once trained Facilitators can run the programme with groups of adults in settings of their choice. To maintain programme integrity every adult delivering the programme needs a Resilience for Life Facilitator’s Manual with each participant having a personal copy of the Resilience for Life Participant’s Book. The materials provide a mix of theory and practical activities; a framework, which though structured, can be creatively delivered to meet group needs.

References

Barrett, P.M. (2004) FRIENDS for Life for children. Participant Workbook and leaders Manual. Brisbane: Australian Academic Press.

Barrett, P.M. (2005) FRIENDS for Life for youth. Participant Workbook and leaders Manual. Brisbane: Australian Academic Press.

copyright © 2012 by Caroline.R.Smith