Against All Odds:
Top 5 Ways to Thrive Under Any Circumstances!
During the second-year of my Master’s degree studies at Barry University, I attended a conference, where I first heard of and became fascinated with research in the field of “Positive Psychology”. Known for its focus on “what is right (instead of clinical psychology’s focus on what is wrong) with people,” positive psychology emphasizes our assets – strengths, talents, and virtues – rather than our deficits. What captured my attention the most was the presentation about the concept of psychological resilience, defined as one’s ability to ‘bounce back’ or successfully adapt to dire circumstances without suffering significant negative consequences.
I asked myself, “What is it about those individuals who no matter what adversity they had to face – whether it is grave health issues, loss of a loved one, or post-war trauma -- are able to not only withstand but also adapt to the impact of their unfortunate situation and continue on, seemingly without the usual apparent signs of psychological or emotional struggle?
Dr. Irina Fredericks
Dr. Irina Fredericks is a Florida State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Board Qualified Supervisor of pre-licensed MHCs, and an adjunct Psychology Professor. She received her Doctoral Degree in Developmental Psychology from Florida International University, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Barry University, and a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Fredericks provides her counseling services in her Miami-based private practice, helping people to succeed in dealing with various psychological, interpersonal, and existential issues. With years of experience in psychological assessment and counseling, teaching, and research, Dr. Fredericks is a scientist-practitioner who strongly values using empirically supported treatment methods. Her goal in treatment is to help people build knowledge and confidence necessary to develop and practice the sense of mastery and positive thinking, so that they can face, conquer, and control difficult situations. Dr. Fredericks provides her services in person and online, and in both Russian and English languages.