In this session hosted by the Mental Health Collaboration, Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, the developer of the Community Resiliency Model, will moderate a discussion with Drs. Freeman and Archeiga and Mr. Sam Habimana. The Community Resiliency Model is biologically based, educating about the autonomic nervous system, how the body responds to stress, and how it can be restored to balance. CRM has been used during and after human-made and natural disasters and is used for self-care for children, teens, and adults, resulting in more adaptive thinking when facing emotional and physical distress. CRM can be delivered in small doses through community workshops or individually by the natural leaders of communities (ministers, teachers, first responders, and more), mental health therapists, and medical Practitioners.

Natural leaders may or may not have formal education in mental health or designated leadership roles but are looked to for guidance because of their embodied personal qualities of treating others with respect, compassion, and empathy.

CRM has been brought to more than 75 countries and integrated into various social service and governmental agencies, including the Washington State Police Commission, the SEE Learning Program, the Juvenile Justice system in Georgia, hospitals, primary care clinics, social service agencies, and school systems.

Drs. Freeman and Archeiga (who have conducted research in Sierra Leone) and Mr. Sam Habimana (who has conducted research in Rwanda) will share their research findings which have been published in peer reviewed journals demonstrating the efficacy of the model.