Wednesday, August 26th, 2020
Keynote
August 26, 2020
8:00 am
Thursday, August 27th, 2020
Keynote
August 27, 2020
8:00 am
Best Self: a new model for trauma, addiction or both
Presented by: Lisa M. Najavits, PhDThis presentation will introduce Best Self, a new recovery model for trauma and/or addiction. Best Self can be used as self-help, by family members, peers, as well as by counselors in group or individual format. It offers 36 short chapters, each addressing a specific facet of trauma and/or addiction. Examples include: How do people change?; The world is your school; Listen to your behavior; Wish versus reality; Possible selves; The language of trauma and addiction; Social pain; Why trauma and addiction go together; Forgiving yourself; Body and biology; The culture of silence; How to survive a relapse; The decision to grow; Dark feelings (rage, hatred, revenge, bitterness); Imagination; Create a healing image. Chapters can be done in any order and in as few or many sessions as time allows. It is a flexible model for any client, in any setting. Much like the well-known model Seeking Safety, this one too strives to increase hope through emphasis on ideals; offers exercises, emotionally-evocative language, and quotations to engage patients; and provides concrete strategies to build recovery skills.
