by Tom Allen, ’13 MA, ’18 PhD

The excessive propagation of cherry tomatoes is the only consistent when it comes to my gardening abilities. Without fail, by mid to late August, the cherry tomato vines are plump full of bite-sized tomatoes. CEHD alum Dr. Jian-Ming Hou shared the metaphor of a vine while discussing the central finding of connectedness for fostering professional resilience for helping professionals. (See Characteristics of Highly Resilient Therapists, Hou & Skovholt, 2020). As I looked over the proliferation of cherry tomatoes, I was reminded of Dr. Hou’s metaphor.

Let’s face it, resilience has taken a collective hit during these pandemic times. External sources that aided in the positive adaptation of adversity such as a nice office layout, face-to-face interactions, a commute to decompress, team building, etc. seemed to fade beginning March 2021. As we approach a new academic year, these external sources are more present, but still feel a bit shaky at best. Professional helpers (e.g., therapists, educators, faculty, staff) have been forced to flex the muscle of internal sources of resilience instead of becoming reliant on external organizational sources. The good news is that we can assume that while that muscle development may have caused some soreness at first, it is now becoming toned. My third grade physical education would pause and have you “give yourself pat yourself on your back.”

Back to the cherry tomatoes. They’ve benefited from external sources that have promoted growth. For example, the four-foot-high deer fence, raised garden beds, black soil, ample sunshine, and due to draught conditions, regular watering with Mankato City water.  At the same time, internal sources have been active this growing seasons. These internal sources are likely transported through the green vines result in the six to eight bright red cherry tomatoes. While I’m unable to comment on the internal sources at play in the tomato vines, I can share the lessons identified for promoting helping professional resilience from Hou and Skovholt (2020).

As you look through the categories below, please be extra kind to yourself. While the following have been identified as internal sources of resilience, the perfectionists in us may want to fill every category to the brim. Instead of seeking more, congratulate yourself (remember? pause and pat yourself on the back) on the sources of resilience that come naturally to you. Just like depletion and burnout, resilience can be fluid. Facilitating awareness of the ebb and flow may help us recognize what works best for us individually.

Possess a core values and beliefs framework

• Have a personal values/beliefs base
• Trust/faith/patience. Acceptance of ambiguity
• Hopefulness / positivity optimism
• Gratitude/appreciation/honor

Drawn to strong interpersonal relationships

• Strongly connected to personal relationships
• Stay connected to valuable professional relationships
• Have compassion for others
• Feel loved and supported
• Humility/openness/vulnerability to feedback
• Love/kindness/compassion

Desire to Learn and Grow

• Desire for ongoing intellectual development
• Committed to ongoing personal growth
• Curiosity
• Commitment/persistence/determination/dedication
• Intentional self-reflection/self-awareness

Actively Engage with Self

• Have self-knowledge
• Have compassion for self
• Have a vocational conviction
• Have a self-conservation mode
• Self-acceptance/contentment
• Authenticity/equality between people
• Courage
• Boundaried generosity
• Being assertive in creating balanced and fulfilling personal life
• Humor
• Playfulness/lightheardnessness/creativity

Finally, Hou & Skovholt’s (2020) major finding is maintaining a strong web of vibrant connectedness. The vine that supports the growth of those prolific individual cherry tomatoes.  If you are feeling disconnected, put some energy toward connecting with fellow professional helpers, each other, the environment, and with yourself.

Interested in participating in a study involving the topics of resilience and self-care for helping professionals? Learn more.