Post-Traumatic Growth

Finding Benefits Within Challenges

60-90 minutes

 

Post-traumatic growth is more than recovery; it is reconfiguration, becoming stronger than before the injury. In this presentation, counselling therapist, trauma specialist, and former advanced care paramedic and firefighter Daniel Sundahl draws on both his frontline experience and his clinical training. His internationally known DanSun artwork, built from real emergency calls, opens the door to the science of trauma and recovery. Attendees will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental stress injuries, review current methods for treating post-traumatic stress, and practise concrete techniques for building resiliency. Daniel also explores post-traumatic growth as a path to self-actualization, and how trauma affects your partner, showing how growth can strengthen that connection. Growth after trauma is trainable; this session shows how.

 

Objectives:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental stress injuries

• Learn techniques to build resiliency

• Understand the concept of post-traumatic growth and self-actualization.

• Review current methods in treating post-traumatic stress

• Learn how trauma affects your partner and how post-traumatic growth can improve your connection.

 

References:

Lamb, S. (2017, May 9). A shot against post-traumatic stress disorder.            

Scientific American. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-shot-against-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

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Southwick, S. M., & Charney, D. S. (2014). Resilience: The science of mastering life's greatest challenges. Cambridge University Press.

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Relationships. The Gottman Institute. (2024, June 28). https://www.gottman.com/

 

Presentation Testimonials:

 

"My reaction to seeing his art and hearing his story was visceral, not only tears but a strong feeling of being understood."

 

"Thank you for being part of our regimental banquet awards gala. Your powerful message was very moving, and your artwork is truly amazing."

 

"Your Presentation was powerful and extremely moving tonight. I am absolutely amazed by your artwork. Thank you for sharing it."

 

"He was amazing! His work is truly inspirational.”

 

" I've seen you speak several times now and learn something every time. You were an inspiration as an instructor for EMT and even more so now. You are always so humble when you speak, and your message is powerful. Keep up the great work, "humble messenger."

 

"I was there and went to your session. Awesome work."

 

"It was a pleasure meeting Daniel at our recent Ontario Communicators Conference hosted by us - Greater Sudbury Police. Daniel spoke eloquently and candidly about turning his personal struggles into his inspiration for his wonderful artwork. Thank you, Daniel, for participating in our conference and for your gracious donations.”

 

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