Demystifying Resilience

Jeff Gorter
November 20, 2017

Resilience is a popular concept today, especially in the face of turbulent times and a seemingly endless series of mass tragedy events. Everyone is “pro” resilience, but what does that really mean – what does it look like? Is resilience a trait, something you’re born with and either have or don’t? Or is it a static list of proscribed skills, a “one size fits all” strategy that we all must learn? This presentation will explore resilience in action, looking at the ways in which hope and hardiness combine to sustain individuals and organizations when confronted with tragedy. We will consider functional markers of resilience, and what that looks like in a workplace setting. By reviewing the latest research and drawing on the lessons of some of the most challenging events of the last decade, viewers will gain a better understanding of both personal and corporate resilience, and how to bounce back when it matters most.

Jeff Gorter, MSW

VP, Crisis Response Clinical Services

Jeff Gorter, MSW, is VP, Crisis Response Clinical Services for R3 Continuum. Mr. Gorter brings over 29 years of clinical experience including consultation and extensive on-site critical incident response to businesses and communities. He has responded directly to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, the Virginia Tech shootings, the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill, the earthquake/tsunami in Japan, and the Newtown Tragedy,Orlando Tragedy, and Las Vegas Tragedy. He has conducted trainings and presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference, the World Conference on Disaster Management, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Meeting, Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) Annual World Conference and at other state and national venues on a variety of topics. Mr. Gorter also currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University in the MSW Graduate Program.