Emotional Health Planning

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In 2022, Chesterfield Mental Health Support Services partnered with Robin’s Hope for the development and implementation of a personalized Emotional Health Plan (EHP) program to help adults with Developmental Disabilities who have experienced a trauma in their life. The Emotional Health Plan is a tangible tool utilized to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers to understand the emotional response of trauma, and how to support individuals through a trauma response to prevent a crisis. Identified individuals with a Developmental Disability participated in four psychosocial educational sessions meant to help with developing skills to communicate feelings, build coping skills, understand trauma, and develop the Emotional Health Plan. The program was tailored for individuals with Developmental Disabilities by providing 1:1 support and resources to ensure the comprehension and retainment of strategies. Everyone was invited to share their personal experiences of trauma and received support from their peers. The program provided a safe space to communicate needs at times of emotional distress. Connection with peers developed organically and some continue to maintain relationships outside of the program. Through evaluation of program outcomes, there were findings of individuals appearing calmer and more relaxed. Participants were able to verbalize and demonstrate strategies that were taught in the sessions.