Post-Traumatic Growth: From Heartache to Hope
June 11, 2013
Hosted by Lisa Ferentz
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Episode Description
In this hour I will talk about the exciting and optimistic concept of Post-Traumatic Growth. This theory states that traumatic life events including medical diagnoses, transportation accidents, childhood abuse and neglect, acts of terrorism, divorce, and loss can all be transformed into experiences that yield a higher level of self-actualization. We will explore how actually struggling with these experiences can help us reach this higher plane. We will process the arenas that become strengthened as a byproduct of trauma including: how we relate to others; rediscovering our inner strengths; a deepening sense of spirituality; a belief in new possibilities and opportunities; and a deeper appreciation for life. We will look at the personality traits that make post-traumatic growth more likely to occur, and how we can encourage others to see these glimmers of growth even as they struggle to process and heal from their pain. Join us for an hour that will be inspiring and uplifting!
Inspired Journeys: Overcoming Adversity and Thriving
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Our program will educate and inspire. Lisa will interview authors, clinicians, and everyday people who have experienced or witnessed adversity and all of its life changing consequences. We will explore the impact that sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, physical disabilities, panic, depression, self-destructive behaviors and addictions have on individuals, families and our society. At the same time, we will focus on how to overcome and transcend trauma through empathy, self-love, forgiveness, self-awareness and acts of kindness. Lisa will talk with guests who demonstrate the resiliency of the human spirit and have helped others achieve true healing. We will discuss the power of attachment, learning how to be in the moment, how to reclaim a sense of spirituality, hope and optimism. You will learn how to find meaning even in the most difficult traumatic experiences and will come to understand that survivors can thrive, pay it forward, and help others to heal as well.
Lisa Ferentz
Lisa is a Clinical Social Worker, educator, author, actress, wife and mother. She has been in private practice for 30 years, using a wide variety of expressive therapies to treat adolescent and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect. In 2009 Lisa was given the Social Worker of the Year Award by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work. She is the founder and President of the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, providing continuing education workshops and Certificates in Trauma Treatment to mental health professionals. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several Maryland Universities. Lisa published articles on self-mutilation and eating disorders and is the author of the book Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors, A Clinician’s Guide. She recently completed another book entitled, Letting Go of Self Destructive Behaviors, A Workbook of Hope and Healing. A recognized expert in the trauma field, she is a national and international presenter and keynote speaker. She provides ongoing consultation to practitioners and mental health agencies. In her free time, Lisa acts, directs, and choreographs in community theatre productions. Her compassionate approach to therapy, along with her belief that trauma can be transcended and survivors can truly thrive, makes her the perfect candidate to host Inspired Journeys, a program that educates and inspires, while celebrating the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.
