Description:
This presentation will provide an overview of positive psychology and the PERMA model, focusing on how these concepts support a strengths-based approach in working with individuals with I/DD and behavioral health challenges. We’ll explore how recreational activities can promote resilience, overall well-being, and meaningful engagement and participants will learn practical ways to use recreation to promote PERMA.
Learning Objectives:
By end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Identify at least two of the core principles of positive psychology and the PERMA model, and their relevance to individuals with I/DD and behavioral health challenges.
- Explore how recreational activities can be used to support PERMA and promote strengths, resilience, and meaningful engagement.
- Identify at least two practical, evidence-based strategies for applying strengths-based approaches to enhance quality of life.
Trainers:
Mallory Willis, LRT, CTRS is a Licensed and Certified Recreation Therapist and the Director for the NC START Central Resource Center, out of Easterseals Port Health. She has over ten years of passion and experience working with children, adolescence, and adults with mental health and developmental disabilities in a variety of settings. Currently, Mallory supervises 15 staff in providing short-term, home and community-based, therapeutic crisis prevention and intervention strategies to increase safety and stability, and to reduce hospital stays and police intervention within the population.
Alexandra Smith, BA is a Therapeutic Coach at NC START Central. Alexandra has been a part of the NC START team for three years, where she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health and developmental vulnerabilities. As a Therapeutic Coach, Alexandra supports START enrollees and their systems on crisis prevention and intervention strategies to increase stability, promote positive emotions, and provide psychoeducation. Her background in design and strategic communication is an asset to the team in creating visuals that support a range of communication and processing styles. Alexandra loves using her strengths of creativity and love of learning to create individualized, trauma-informed strategies and supports to the systems that she works with.
References:
- Seligman, M. E. P. (2012). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well‑being. Atria Books.
- Tomasulo, D. J. (n.d.). Introduction to positive psychology [Presentation]. START Training Review Guide, National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire.
- Carruthers, C. P., & Hood, C. D. (2007). Building a life of meaning through therapeutic recreation: The Leisure and Well-Being Model, Part I. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 41(4), 276–297.