Cheryl Gagne, Sc.D. Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Boston University

Cheryl Gagne, Sc.D. Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Boston University

Presentation Overview A few more words about recovery The nature of hope The skill and magic of inspiring Our role and responsibilities to the recovery vision Supporting our hopefulness and fueling our recovery

Recovery Vision Proposed as a unifying vision for mental health services over 20 years ago Grappling with the meaning of recovery for individuals, programs, and systems Continued discussion about the definition of recovery Much struggle and learning about ourselves, our programs, and our systems as a result of the recovery vision - Self-discovery in recovery

Recovery & Hope Hope is one of the 10 fundamental components of recovery (SAMHSA National Consensus Statement, 2004) The 3 cornerstones to recovery are hope, willingness and responsible action or the urge, the wrestle and the resurrection (Deegan, 1988)

Definition of Hope "Hope is not blind optimism. Its not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. Its not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it.

Hope in Mental Health Programs I could smell the despair

Hope Inspiring Programs: Program Mission Hope inspiring programs have a mission that focuses on goals and outcomes for program participants

Hope Inspiring Programs: Program Values Hope inspiring values: Person-centered, Involvement & partnership Choice and options Growth potential, and Outcome orientation

Inspiring Hope: The Physical Setting Life Color Warmth Comfort Gentle lighting Private spaces

Inspiring Hope: The Process Present/Future orientation Attention to hopes and dreams Emphasis on goal setting Emphasis on goal achievement Reframing experiences Celebrating success

Inspiring Hope: Provider Practices Inquiring about hopes and dreams Reframing experiences Praising accomplishments Setting goals Supporting change Inspiring hope

Inspiring Hope Inspiring hope means arousing a sense of positive purpose in life. How to inspire: 1. Acknowledge the negative realities 2. Share a balanced perspective 3. Identify personal truths about the positive meaning of life

Inspire Hope Acknowledge the reality Consider the person s unique life situation Focus on accomplishments, strengths and goals Share your genuine self

Inspiring Hope in Ourselves Hope is an essential ingredient in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Hope requires energy People require excellent selfcare to increase hopefulness Hope is strengthened by your connection with others who inspire you Hope is supported by your belief in recovery, tolerance for uncertainty, persistence, and your knowledge and use of rehabilitation techniques

Hope-Inspiring Self-Care Empathetic connections to people around you Recognize your own need for recovery Enjoy the self-discovery in recovery Nurture self and others And remember: You can only give what you get

Hope and Empathy Empathy is the capacity to think and feel oneself into the inner life of another person Heinz Kohut Experiences of empathy both the giving and receiving are key to supporting hopefulness in ourselves Isolation and lack of empathetic connection leads quickly to despair Research strongly suggests the critical role empathy plays in the health and develop of humans

Recovery, Hope and Empathy The Recovery vision reminds us of our interconnection and interdependence We all need to have a place at the table and a role in the solution Empathetic connections help us work together and reduce an us versus them reaction Empathetic connections remind us that we all have a responsibility to each other no matter what our role in the mental health system

Hope-Inspiring Activities Connection with self, others, higher purpose Connecting with your personal mission or goals Mindfulness practice or prayer Reading hope-inspiring literature Mindful physical activities Laughter

Planning to Become Inspirational Gently, lovingly accept where you are Recognize your own need for recovery Make time to inspire yourself Fuel your own hopefulness for recovery

Becoming an Inspirational Person Connect with others who inspire you Learn how to set goals with yourself and with others Learn the skill of Inspiring Practice extreme self-care Engage in your own recovery practices Create a community of recovery

Supports for a Hope-Inspiring People People Places Things Activities Co-workers Supervisors Therapist Family Friends Animal companions Teachers Spiritual directors Office Car Nature trail Beach Coffee shop Chapel Library Cell phone Computer Yoga mat Cup of tea Pictures Comfy clothes Stress ball Deep breathing Prayer Laughter Walks Breaks Lunch

Barak Obama "Hope is not blind optimism. Its not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. Its not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it.