Susan David PhD, a psychologist with Harvard Medical School, authored Emotional Agility; Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life, where she addresses distress as an emotional state that we stigmatize because we view it as weakness. To support ours and others’ wellbeing, she suggests mindfully sending messages that normalize distress. Distress is… Continue reading Humanizing Distress in Young People
Many schools and communities have been challenged with re-engaging students who are struggling with going to school, staying in school or arriving to school on time. Self-imposed absences impact the overall success and well being of these young people. Solution-focused conversations are extremely effective in re-engaging students. This past week, I had the pleasure of… Continue reading Supporting Students who Present with School refusal, with Solution Focused Conversations
One of the books on my reading list this summer was the very refreshing Art of Possibility; Transforming Professional & Personal Life, by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. Among many inspiring stories, they tell of a lovely parable demonstrating our limited understanding of the nature of the gifts the universe holds for us. “Four… Continue reading A New School Year – How Much Greatness are we willing to Grant?
Schools are active spaces for connection, where students and staff are immersed in much more than the academic curriculum. In schools, stakeholders make daily interactive choices and develop effective relationships. In a day, staff can have up to 100 conversations with students, colleagues, administration, families and community. How can they engage in and model conversations… Continue reading School Staff & Prioritizing Effective Communication
In a ground-breaking research study of its time, Dr. Martin Seligman (founder of the field of positive psychology) identified five key pillars of happiness in his model of well-being; positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment – with relationships scoring as the most significant factor for determining personal happiness. Prior to this incredible research, he… Continue reading Improving Relationships; Creating Better Spaces; In Celebration of the International Day of Happiness
Engaging groups, classes, or teams in learning requires a thoughtful approach to prioritizing relationships while understanding and respecting participants’ needs and wants. Here are some effective solution-focused strategies to engage participants and to make the learning experience more impactful: 1. Start with Where Your Participants Are: Before diving into the content of your program, take… Continue reading Coaching & Teaching; A Relationship-Based & Solution-Focused Approach to Engaging your Groups/Class/Teams
Social Pressures on Children and Youth; Encouraging Critical Thinking in Decision-Making Recently, parents were worried about their 12-year-old child who was easily persuaded by others to make poor choices. This resulted in their child crashing a party that didn’t have parental supervision. As well, the child agreed to go with their friend to a mall… Continue reading Social Pressures on Children and Youth; Encouraging Critical Thinking in Decision-Making
What happens when you prioritize solution-focused communication in the relationship with your child/family/friend/colleague? You develop a relationspace based on knowledge, caring and understanding for each other. Your relationspace is respectful and inclusive, and promotes the development of a healthy self-concept. You move from conversations centered on practicality, expectation, planning etc., to ones that involve an… Continue reading Developing Relationspaces
As I reflect on the current state of the world and the many social and political crises that have overtaken our lives, I feel a wave of shame for humanity as I see that we are living in a time where we tolerate hateful behavior. Even with education and an abundance of information, we still… Continue reading Gaia; A Transgender Woman and a Beacon of Light & Hope
In November, Tara Gretton and I had the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn Albanese on our podcast – A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and Beyond. Carolyn is an experienced educator, guidance counsellor and school administrator. She is a passionate mental health and wellbeing advocate, supporting individuals who have experienced mental… Continue reading Unveiling the Vital Link between Communication, Mental Health and Relationships; An interview with Carolyn Albanese
