Resilience Through Connection ECHO®
Target Audience:
Health and Human Service Professionals (i.e. case managers, DSPs, QSPs, agency leadership, etc.), Social Workers
Every Wednesday:
February 26, 2025 – April 30, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
View Recorded Sessions
ECHO Resources
View Participant Guide
Case Presentation
For more information, contact Krista Opstedal
krista.opstedal@minotstateu.edu
Research shows that our relationships and interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are critical yet underappreciated contributors to our health. However, many Americans report feeling lonely and socially isolated, which contributes to poor health and other negative outcomes. Studies indicate that a lack of social connection can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, Robles, & Sbarra, 2017). Loneliness and social isolation disproportionately affect people with disabilities. In 2021, research by the disability charity Sense revealed that nearly two-thirds (61%) of disabled people were chronically lonely, with loneliness significantly impacting their mental health and wellbeing.
The Resilience Through Connection ECHO® aims to provide a deep exploration of the various factors that impact social connection and the predictors of loneliness. Sessions will be tailored with strategies to increase life skills, resilience, and foster a sense of connectedness for people with disabilities and individuals with poor mental health. This includes enhancing knowledge of protective factors against suicide, emphasizing the importance of social connectedness, and raising awareness of ND resources and activities that promote a sense of belonging.
The Resilience Through Connection ECHO® aims to:
- Highlight the health impacts associated with loneliness among people with disabilities and individuals with poor mental health, while acknowledging the additional risk factors inherent in the intersectionality of this target population.
- Provide evidence-based strategies to increase protective factors against social isolation.
- Equip the target population with coping techniques and problem-solving skills based on best practices.
- Connect participants with North Dakota resources to enhance connections to friends, family, and community support
This effort is associated with North Dakota’s State Suicide Prevention Program, funded by the ND Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Behavioral Health Division (BHD).
Resilience Through Connection ECHO®
Target Audience: Health and Human Service Professionals (i.e. case managers, DSPs, QSPs, agency leadership, etc.), Social Workers
Every Wednesday: February 26, 2025 – April 30, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
| Session Title | Date | Archived Recordings |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1: Belonging from the Inside Out Who doesn’t want to feel like they truly belong? The desire to be loved, accepted, and connected to others is a natural part of being human. It’s something that has helped us survive and thrive throughout history. However, while wanting to belong is healthy, many of the ways we try to meet this need can lead to stress, frustration, and disconnection (Hayes, A Liberated Mind, 2019). In today’s world, where many of us feel isolated or disconnected, we often try to gain acceptance by presenting an ideal version of ourselves—whether it’s by being “special,” overly successful, or needing constant care. These efforts can lead to unhealthy patterns, like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or always striving for more, which ultimately leave us feeling empty and disconnected from both ourselves and others. For those who work with individuals with disabilities, understanding and supporting the need for belonging is especially important. Many individuals with disabilities face unique challenges in connecting with others, often feeling isolated or misunderstood. As caregivers, educators, and service providers, it can be easy to fall into patterns of trying to “fix” or “improve” someone’s situation through achievement or social performance, rather than focusing on true, authentic connection. In this workshop, we’ll explore ways to reconnect with a deeper sense of belonging—not through external achievements, appearances or abilities but by being more authentic and present in the moment. We’ll use hands-on activities like expressive writing and group discussions to help you let go of old self-stories and rediscover a sense of true connection, both with yourself and with others. We’ll explore ways to take what you learn to foster environments where people feel accepted for who they truly are, not just for what they can do. Learning Goals: 1. Understand the deep human need for belonging and how it affects individuals with disabilities. 2. Recognize the ways the desire for belonging can be misdirected, especially in the context of disability. 3. Learn practical tools and experiential exercises to foster true belonging and self-acceptance for individuals with disabilities. Speaker:Dr. Meg McKelvie Dr. Meg McKelvie is a therapist, consultant and trainer specializing in acceptance and commitment therapy, and a co-founder of Impact Psychology Colorado. She earned her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Prior to her work in private practice, she was a psychologist in the family program at the Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center, and she served as a nationally recognized trainer and consultant in cognitive processing therapy for trauma in the VA healthcare system. She’s committed to decreasing suffering through a lens of act and understanding our yearning to belong. And she leads writing groups called Belonging from the Inside Out. | February 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 2: Autism & Relationships: An Auntie's Guide to Neurotypical Social Skills This session provides insights into how neurodivergent people, particularly those with Autism, experience and approach relationships. Neurodivergent social skills are often viewed as deficits rather than recognized as differences in how they interact with the world. Participants will explore these distinctions and gain practical strategies to bridge the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical communication styles, promoting a greater understanding and empathy. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Understand the key differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical social skills and communication styles. - Explore how these differences influence relationships and social interactions. - Discuss strategies to support neurodivergent individuals in developing social connections and improving communication with neurotypical peers. Speaker: Sydney Zarlengo | March 5, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 3: Autism & Relationships: Identifying and Handling Abusive Relationships This session will explore the unique challenges that individuals with autism may face in relationships, particularly in identifying and handling abusive dynamics. People with autism may have difficulty recognizing manipulative or harmful behaviors due to differences in social communication and understanding of social cues. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to abuse or unhealthy relationships. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of abusive relationships, understand how these dynamics can uniquely affect individuals with autism, and gain practical strategies for supporting individuals in navigating and responding to such situations. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: • Identify the signs of abusive relationships, including emotional, physical, and psychological abuse, and how they may manifest differently for individuals with autism. • Explore strategies to support individuals with autism in recognizing unhealthy relationships, building the skills to communicate their needs, setting boundaries, and advocating for themselves in relationships. Speaker: Sydney Zarlengo | March 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 4: Emotional Literacy: Building Connections to Combat Loneliness Emotional Literacy is the ability to recognize, understand, and respond to emotions in oneself and others in a healthy manner. Emotional literacy helps us navigate relationships and create deeper connections, which can reduce feelings of loneliness. Participants will learn practical strategies for teaching emotional literacy in accessible and supportive ways, enabling their clients to better understand and express their emotions, manage social interactions, and foster stronger relationships. As a result of attending, participants will: • Define emotional literacy and its key components: recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions. • Recognize how emotional literacy can help reduce loneliness and improve communication and relationship-building for clients with disabilities. • Explore strategies for teaching emotional literacy that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Speaker: TBA | March 19, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 5: Building Grief Literacy: Skills for Supporting Loss with Compassion Grief is a universal human experience, yet it is often misunderstood or overlooked in our communities and workplaces. ‘Grief literacy’ equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to respond thoughtfully and compassionately to the complex and varied expressions of loss experienced by those they support. This interactive workshop will offer practical tools to normalize conversations about grief and provide meaningful support to those experiencing its many forms and sources. Participants will explore the importance of facilitating person-centered, empathy-driven care that fosters connection and affirms the unique experience of each individual. Additionally, the workshop will address the necessity of self-stewardship, offering strategies to maintain resilience and well-being while caring for others. Workshop Objectives: 1. Define grief literacy and its role in fostering compassionate care within communities and organizations 2. Recognize the various types of grief and develop skills to normalize conversations about grief and loss, reducing stigma and isolation 3. Practice empathy-bridging tools that encourage connection and understanding 4. Identify ways to prioritize self stewardship when supporting others in grief to maintain personal resilience and well-being Speaker: Elizabeth Johnson Elizabeth Johnson is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Peaceful Presence Project, a community-based organization in Oregon dedicated to fostering compassionate end-of-life care. Holding a Master’s degree in Community and Urban Planning, Elizabeth has traveled extensively as an educator and facilitator, cultivating a deep interest in the cultural and social frameworks that shape human experiences of illness, grief, and death. She serves on the leadership council of Public Health Palliative Care International and is a board member of the Central Oregon Council on Aging. Additionally, Elizabeth is a graduate and current faculty member of the Anamcara Project, where her work focuses on grief, loss, and resilience. Elizabeth is deeply committed to advancing death and grief literacy within local communities, promoting honest and transformative dialogue around the complexities of dying and bereavement. | March 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 6: The Science of Awe Awe is a profound emotional experience that arises when you encounter something magnificent, leaving you feeling awestruck and deeply connected. It might be triggered by a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, a stirring symphony, or a powerful work of art. The experience of awe not only inspires a sense of wonder but has also been shown to have a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing. Research suggests that experiencing awe can reduce the risk of conditions such as depression, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, awe has been linked to increased prosocial behaviors, encouraging a greater sense of connection and empathy towards others. This session will explore how cultivating awe can improve emotional and physical health and how professionals can incorporate practices that evoke awe to promote wellbeing. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Define awe and recognize the various triggers that can lead to an awe-inspiring experience. - Understand the health benefits associated with experiencing awe, including its impact on mental and physical wellbeing. - Explore the link between awe and prosocial behavior, and how awe can foster empathy and connectedness in individuals. - Learn strategies for cultivating awe in everyday life to enhance overall health, reduce stress, and promote positive relationships. Speaker: Krista Opstedal | April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 7: The Impacts of Ableism on Loneliness This session will explore the powerful and often overlooked connection between ableism and loneliness. Ableism is the discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and social exclusion. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how ableism manifests in both overt and subtle ways and how it impacts people with disabilities sense of belonging. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Define ableism and understand its various forms, including overt and subtle expressions of prejudice and discrimination. - Explore how ableism contributes to loneliness and social isolation for individuals with disabilities. - Identify societal, systemic, and interpersonal factors that perpetuate ableism and exacerbate feelings of exclusion. - Learn practical strategies for addressing ableism in personal, professional, and community settings to reduce loneliness and enhance social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Speaker:Krista Opstedal | April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 8: Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Combating Othering This session will explore the concept of belonging and how we can actively foster it both individually and structurally. A sense of belonging is essential to our emotional well-being, yet many individuals experience othering, where they feel excluded, marginalized, or treated as different from the group. Whether in personal relationships, group dynamics, or broader organizational or societal structures, othering can significantly impact ones sense of self-worth and connection. Participants will learn how to recognize and address the subtle and overt ways othering manifests, and how to create inclusive spaces that promote belonging. Through both personal reflection and structural interventions, this session will provide strategies to combat othering and build environments where all individuals feel valued and included. Learning Objectives: - Define "othering" and recognize how it manifests in personal relationships, group interactions, and organizational structures. - Understand the psychological and social impact of othering on individuals sense of belonging and well-being. - Explore strategies to combat othering and promote inclusivity in personal, professional, and community settings. - Learn practical techniques for fostering belonging both individually (through personal behavior and attitudes) and structurally (through policies, practices, and environmental changes). Speaker:TBA | April 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 9: Social Polarization and Loneliness This critical thinking session explores the relationship between social polarization and loneliness, with a focus on how media rhetoric and communication frames contribute to divisiveness. Participants will learn to analyze the rhetoric used in media to identify communication frames that perpetuate polarization and understand how personal biases share their perceptions. As a result of attending, participants will be able to: - Understand the role of social polarization in fostering loneliness and divisiveness. - Analyze the role of media rhetoric and communication frames. - Discuss strategies for bridging social capital across ideological divides to promote tolerance. Speaker:TBA | April 23, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |
| Session 10: Panel Discussion on Building Social Capital Join us for a panel discussion to gain insight into peoples lived experiences and real-life strategies for building social capital. Speakers:TBA | April 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00 pm CST | Recording will be available approximately one week after the session |