Emotional CPR (ecpr) Goal: to train people to assist others through an emotional crisis and to make this practice accessible to people around the world Trauma Informed Symposium - Wisconsin April 11, 2017, Oshkosh, WI Presenters: Lynn McLaughlin and Sandra Ahrens Grassroots Empowerment Project 1
What is ecpr? A community education program that prepares members of the public to assist a person who is experiencing an emotional crisis 2
Why ecpr? Just as a person s physical heart needs attention in a cardiac crisis, a person s emotional heart needs attention in an emotional crisis. ecpr is a form of heart-to-heart connection for emotional resuscitation. 3
The Three Phases of ecpr C = Connect with Compassion and Concern to open up Communication P = empower to experience Passion, Purpose, and Power R = Revitalize one s life in community through reestablishing equilibrium and connecting or reconnecting to Relationships, Routines, and Roles 4
Foundations of ecpr The lived experience of people with emotional crisis: what is happening when support in crisis is effective Trauma-informed approaches: understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma, avoiding retraumatization, and supporting healing and resilience Ten components of recovery: from the National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery developed in 2004 by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Slide # 5
Foundations of ecpr (continued) Crisis counseling after disasters: research and training developed from disaster relief and combat experiences Suicide prevention based on restoring hope: Collaboration rather than coercion; empowerment rather than rescue, seeing people as fundamentally whole Cultural empathy and humility: avoiding assumptions, being willing to learn what is respectful Features of dialogue: Authentic and respectful, listening together with open minds, equality and freedom of choice Slide # 6
Ways Emotional CPR Heals Trauma Dimensions Relatedness Power Emotional State Impact of Trauma Alienated Voiceless Numb and dissociated Outcomes of Emotional CPR Emotionally Connected Emotionally Powerful Emotionally Revitalized 7
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ecpr is learned through practice Practicing is an essential process of learning ecpr Practice sessions allow people to apply the ecpr approach, see how it complements or contrasts with other approaches, and practice their understanding of ecpr While two people practice, other people are assigned to observe and reflect on what they see and feel. The people practicing support can ask for feedback at anytime, and let the group know if they are open to pausing mid-practice. 9
Cultivate a hopeful and positive attitude, especially regarding the future Know when to offer the gift of silence Communicate that you care Create an emotionally safe relationship Listen deeply and staying present Elements of Connecting 10
Practice curiosity and remain open-minded Stay centered within yourself while attending to the other person s feelings Step out of your comfort zone to be with another person Engage with barriers and opportunities while connecting Meet people where they are Elements of Connecting (cont d) 11
Elements of EmPowering Enter into a collaborative power with as opposed to power over relationship Facilitate the other person s access to inner wisdom Facilitate the transformation of anger and/or fear to passion and strength Support the person to tap into their inspiration and motivation for change 12
Help people identify what brings meaning and purpose to their lives. Encourage people to take small steps in the direction of their dreams. Facilitate connections to roles, relationships, and routines in the community. Encourage signs of a returning sense of aliveness and vitality Facilitate creativity Elements of Revitalizing 13
Emotional CPR Intentions 1. I will use my whole being - eyes, ears, heart, mind and body - to feel your presence (Connecting) 2. I will share my feelings and stay with you (Connecting) 3. I will not fix or judge you but be with you (empowering) 4. I am not sure what is best for you but together we will uncover your power (empowering) 5. We are each fundamentally whole, and the power to heal is within each of us (empowering) 6. We are creating the present moment together (Revitalizing) 14
The area where we are the greatest is the area in which we inspire, encourage, and connect with another human being." Maya Angelou 15
If you would like to arrange an ecpr presentation or training, please contact Grassroots Empowerment Project. PH: (800) 770-0588 www.grassrootspower.org www.emotional-cpr.org 16