Post-Traumatic Growth Secrets with Dr. Rich Tedeschi

The Mission After

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Today’s guest is Dr. Richard Tedeschi, the Executive Director of the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth in Virginia and Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he served for 42 years. Dr. Tedeschi has developed programs based on Post-traumatic Growth to support combat veterans and first responders. He has published ten books and numerous articles, earning recognition as a top-cited researcher by Stanford University. Today, he will share insights on the concept of post-traumatic growth and its importance in mental health and well-being. Before we dive in, we have a new cohort of veterans starting The Mission After mentorship program. Head over to themissionafter.org to join the waitlist and join us this July for a 90 day program that will help you establish a solid foundation for your identity, relationships, and of course discover your next mission and execute.

Summary

Dr. Rich Tedeschi discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth, which is the ability to turn traumatic experiences into something positive and transformative. He explains that post-traumatic growth has been written about and experienced throughout history, but it is not widely recognized in the field of mental health. The conversation also touches on the limitations of diagnostic labels and the importance of focusing on wellness and prevention in mental health. Dr. Tedeschi describes the work of Boulder Crest Foundation, which provides programs for veterans and first responders to promote post-traumatic growth. The conversation explores the challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life and the importance of post-traumatic growth. It emphasizes the need for connection, purpose, and belonging, and the difficulty of navigating a new way of being after leaving the military. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding one's personal narrative and using it to define a new mission. The use of peer support and group work is discussed as a powerful tool for healing and growth. The scalability of mental health services and the role of psychiatric medications are also touched upon.

Takeaways

• Post-traumatic growth is the ability to turn traumatic experiences into something positive and transformative.
• The concept of post-traumatic growth has been written about and experienced throughout history, but it is not widely recognized in the field of mental health.
• Diagnostic labels in mental health focus on problems and disorders, but there is more to people's lives than just these labels.
• There is a shift towards focusing on wellness and prevention in mental health.
• Boulder Crest Foundation provides programs for veterans and first responders to promote post-traumatic growth. Transitioning back to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, as they have to navigate a new way of being and confront old issues that may not have been resolved before entering the military.
• Connection, purpose, and belonging are essential for veterans to feel fulfilled and satisfied in their post-military lives.
• Understanding one's personal narrative and using it to define a new mission is crucial for post-traumatic growth.
• Peer support and group work can be powerful tools for healing and growth, as they provide a sense of universality and momentum.
• Scalability is a significant challenge in mental health services, and a peer-centered approach can help meet the tremendous mental health needs in the country.
• Psychiatric medications can be helpful for some individuals, but overprescription may occur due to the lack of resources and the avoidance of addressing underlying issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Post-Traumatic Growth
01:36 The Limitations of Diagnostic Labels
03:26 Dr. Tedeschi's Journey into Studying Post-Traumatic Growth
06:25 Defining Wisdom in Psychology
09:39 Working with Veterans
11:06 Challenges Faced by Veterans
14:09 The Impact of Troubled Homes on Veterans
15:08 The Difficulty of Leaving the Military
18:07 Introduction to Post-Traumatic Growth
20:29 Shifting Mental Health Focus
26:35 The Importance of Understanding Psychological Systems
29:19 Exploring Personal Narratives and Trauma
33:38 The Power of Disclosure and Emotional Work
50:37 Peer Support and Mental Health
01:01:12 Psychiatric Medications and Mental Health Treatment

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Website: https://bouldercrest.org/