Founder and President Linking Human Systems Edwards, Colorado
Session Description: The phase of youth represents a unique intersection of competing life forces, unavoidably colliding at a crucial stage of development. Not since baby boomers has a generation had such impact. We need to address how we develop and foster resilience within this population as it navigates trauma, mental health, and/or addiction during this crucial developmental phase. Due to changing expectations and rules for this generation, the current population of youth has been saddled with particularly challenging circumstances leading to be broadly (and unfairly) labeled as the ‘Failure to Launch’ generation. Therefore, we must utilize effective clinical interventions to instill the type of resilience necessary to foster a thriving and productive society. Research shows that connectedness or attachment to family and culture of origin correlate with reduced risk-taking behaviors and reduction in violence and post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, sexual risk-taking and similar process addictions (food, shopping, etc.), and other chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses. Facilitating these family, cultural and community ties and enhancing access to family and community resources can therefore be protective against addiction, mental illness, stress, and destructive behaviors. This intergenerational connectedness fosters resilience and reduces the short and long-term effects of these stressors on families and communities
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Understand the role of the family in youth and family development, prevention, treatment, and continuing care.
Learn how connection to family and culture of origin correlate with reduced risk-taking behaviors and relapse of chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses.
Practice practical methods of mapping, assessment, and intervention; paying attention to health, spirituality, culture, and life cycle stage.
