Dr. Robert Rhoton

ProfessionalBio

Dr. Robert Rhoton, CEO of Arizona TraumaInstitute and President at the Trauma Institute International, author of several books on trauma treatment, international lecture on Trauma and Salutogenic Asset-Focused clinical work, and possessor of a diverse history of experience in the mental health field.   Rhoton was a Professor at Ottawa University in the Behavioral Sciences and Counseling Department for 20 years.  Bob’s primary interests are training counselors to work with trauma genic family dynamics and child and family trauma from an asset-based approach. Dr. Rhoton is a Fellow of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and collaborates and consults with numerous organizations throughout the United States, Canada,South America, UK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and India increasing their understanding of trauma and the impact of developmental trauma on the individual’s personal and work life, in the home and with the family.

Publications

·      Rhoton, Aubrey & Gentry (2017) Transformative Care

·      Trauma Competency: An Active Ingredients Approach to Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Journal of Counseling and Development July2017  Gentry, J. E., Baranowsky, A. B.and Rhoton, R. (2017), Trauma Competency: An Active Ingredients Approach toTreating Post traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Counseling &Development, 95: 279–287.

·      Rhoton, Aubrey & Gentry (2019) Transformative Care 2^ndEdition

·      Rhoton & Logan (2020) Trauma-informed Organization: The journey to becoming an Ascending and leader

·      Rhoton & Gentry (2021) Trauma Competency in the 21^stCentury: A Salutogenic active ingredients approach

·      The Science of Trauma and Recovery: Integrating a Salutogenic Approach to Treatment (In Press 2022)

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For those unfamiliar with the Salutogenic Practice here is a brief overview:

A New Approach to Helping Others: The Salutogenic Asset-Based Approach

In the early 1970s, cognitive psychologist George Kelly developed the idea of expectancy, which posits that we tend to get more of what we focus on. This theory has important implications for those of us in the helping professions. All too often, we focus on the problems and weaknesses of those we are trying to help—but Kelly's theory suggests that this focus does not actually lead to transformation. If we want to help others grow and change, we need to adopt a new approach—one that focuses on human potential and assets rather than weaknesses. This approach is known as the salutogenic asset-based approach.

The salutogenic asset-based approach is founded on the idea that every person has unrealized potential, capacities, competencies, and assets that can be used to promote health and well-being. This approach asks not"What is wrong with you?" but rather "What do you need in order to thrive?" When we shift our focus from problems to assets, we open new possibilities for growth and change.

The asset-based approach is a way of thinking and acting that focuses on what individuals and communities have to build upon, rather than what they lack. When we take an asset-based approach with others, we recognize that everyone has untapped potential and abilities that can be mobilized to achieve desired goals. This doesn't mean that we ignore challenges or areas for improvement. It just means that we start from a place of strengthening what assets they already possess instead of weakness.

Here are six reasons why the salutogenic asset-based approach is so effective:

1.    It Leads to GreaterEngagement.   When we focus on problems, we inadvertently create feelings of shame, inadequacy, and hopelessness—none of which are conducive to engagement. On the other hand, when we focus on assets and competency, we create a sense of hope and possibility. People are much more likely to engage in the process of change when they feel hopeful and confident in their ability to make positive changes.

2.    It Facilitates IntrinsicMotivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within oneself—it is not externally imposed or controlled. The idea that a therapist or teacher can instruct motivation into a person is a fallacy. When we focus on problems, we foster a sense of helplessness in those we are trying to help; however, when we focus on assets, competencies and potentials, we empower people to take ownership of their own growth and change.Intrinsic motivation is key to sustainable change because it cannot be taken away or turned off—unlike extrinsic motivation, which often wanes over time.

3.     It Promotes Positive Emotions.  Focusing on problems creates negative emotions like sadness, anger, shame, despair and anxiety. On the other hand, focusing on strengths creates positive emotions like happiness, pride, and optimism. Not only do positive emotions feel good in the moment, but they also have lasting effects on our physical and mental health. Positive emotions bolster our immune systems, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.

4.    It builds relationships of trust and respect. When we focus on what's right with people instead of what's wrong, they feel seen and valued. This creates a foundation of trust that allows for open communication and collaboration.

5.    It generates creative solutions. When we're focused on finding problems, we usually only see more problems. But when we're focused on finding assets and strengths, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and solutions.

6.    It leads to lasting change. Focusing on deficits only leads to more deficit thinking. But when we focus on assets, individuals and whole communities can begin to think and act in new ways that lead to lasting positive change.

In Summary:

If you want to truly help others grow and change, ditch the traditional deficit-based approach in favor of the salutogenic asset-based approach. This strength-focused approach leads to greater engagement, facilitates intrinsic motivation, and promotes positive emotions—all of which are essential for sustainable change. Investing your time and energy in identifying and building upon strengths will pay off tenfold in terms of promoting health and well-being in those you serve.

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Brief description of 90-minute presentation.

Motivating Traumatized clients

When it comes to addressing trauma, goals and motivation can often complicate things. That's why it's important to have a professional who understands how to best help those who have experienced trauma. In the Motivating Traumatized Clients course, we focus on collaboration instead of simply having our clients rely on forward-oriented goals. This allows us to provide the best possible care for our patients and help them heal in a healthy way that fits their preference and considers their individual neurodiversity.

Dr. Rhoton is ardently proclaiming that a Salutogenic approach focuses on health and well-being factors that support resilience, connection, competency, and capacity when working with trauma clients.

LearningOutcomes

·      Discuss the benefits of tailoring treatment to the individual neurodiversity of the traumatized client.

·      Identify assets for resiliency

·      Increase manageability and meaningfulness in treatment

·      Reduce focus on deficits and increase focus on well-being

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