Dr. Michael Ungar: Unpacking Resilience and Finding Strength in Community
I'm really gifted out here where I live, in the maritimes on The East Coast, and I like to joke that in the community where I am, we're casserole people, and by that I mean you know, if people are in a crisis, god forbid that. That is actually what improves our ability to be resilient.
What if resilience wasn't just about bouncing back, but about thriving through adversity? In this episode of 'Ruthless Compassion', Dr. Marcia Sirota welcomes Dr. Michael Ungar, a renowned family therapist and professor of social work at Dalhousie University. Dr. Ungar, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family, and Community Resilience, shares his wealth of knowledge on how we can build resilience in our lives. Drawing from his extensive research and clinical experience, Dr.
Ungar discusses the critical role of our environment in shaping our resilience. He introduces the concept of social prescribing, a refreshing alternative to medication that emphasizes the importance of social support systems. Through engaging stories and practical advice, Dr. Ungar highlights how finding identity and purpose can be pivotal in overcoming life's hurdles. He also touches on mindfulness and self-regulation as key components in fostering resilience.
By examining post-traumatic growth, he offers a hopeful perspective on turning challenging experiences into opportunities for personal development. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to strengthen their resilience and find support within their community.