About the Program
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Comments and Testimonials
"I learned how to identify when I am breaking down, and I learned how to stop myself from digging into a deeper hole when my mental health is already bad."
"I'm important and I need to take care of me and the people around me."
"I learned how to deal/cope with emotions and feelings. Being an advocate for myself. Finding new ways to improve my well-being. I really enjoyed this program. I have learned a lot."
"No matter how hard times are, there are other people struggling. We all are responsible for ourselves, but we don't have to take that responsibility alone."
"I liked letting us as a class answer in different ways and making it a safe space to be open."
Details
The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a self-management and recovery system designed to help individuals cope with mental health issues, emotional challenges, and various life stressors. While WRAP is primarily focused on personal well-being and mental health recovery, its principles and practices can indirectly support the development of employability skills. Here's how WRAP can contribute to enhancing employability skills:
1. Self-Awareness and Personal Responsibility
Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses: WRAP encourages individuals to develop a deep understanding of their personal strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and coping mechanisms. This self-awareness can translate into better personal branding and presentation in professional settings.
Taking Responsibility: The emphasis on personal responsibility for one's wellness and recovery can foster a sense of ownership and accountability in the workplace, qualities highly valued by employers.
2. Stress Management and Resilience
Coping with Stress: WRAP plans include strategies for dealing with stress, which is an essential skill in any job. Learning to manage stress leads to better job performance and lower rates of burnout.
Building Resilience: The focus on identifying and using personal wellness tools helps individuals build resilience, enabling them to bounce back from professional setbacks more effectively.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
WRAP encourages individuals to identify early warning signs of emotional distress and develop action plans to address them, which parallels problem-solving in the workplace. Identifying problems early and having a plan to address them is a critical employability skill.
4. Communication Skills
Articulating Needs: WRAP participants are encouraged to articulate their needs clearly, whether it's in the context of personal support or in managing their wellness. This practice can improve their ability to communicate effectively in professional environments.
Effective Listening: The process of developing a WRAP involves listening to feedback from supporters and facilitators, honing active listening skills that are invaluable in teamwork and customer service roles.
5. Goal Setting and Achievement
WRAP includes setting personal goals and developing a plan to achieve them, mirroring the process of setting professional goals and working towards them. This skill is crucial for career development and progression.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration
While WRAP is a personal journey, it often involves collaboration with supporters, healthcare providers, and peer groups. This aspect of WRAP can enhance teamwork and collaboration skills, as participants learn to work with others to support their recovery and wellness goals.
7. Adaptability and Flexibility
Adapting the WRAP to meet changing personal circumstances teaches adaptability and flexibility, skills that are increasingly important in the rapidly changing job market.