Trauma, illness or loss can be a terrifying and life changing experience for anybody. A person who has suffered a traumatic event will go through a variety of changes: changes to their daily lives or routines, changes to their environment or even changes to their bodies and minds. These changes can be extremely overwhelming and difficult to navigate. After experiencing these changes people go through a process of renewed self-discovery and may need some help along the way. As a health care professional, it is useful to know the stages of self-discovery to be able to assist our clients through this process in the most efficient and healthy way.
The Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability is a practice model that offers specific guidelines on how to assist people to move through the stages of rediscovery when dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of trauma, loss or injury. It is a model with roots in existentialism and motivation theory. It offers the health care professional a variety of tools to ensure that therapy sessions are always pitched at the right level (emotionally and physically); ensuring that the person stays motivated to participate and succeeds during sessions. When a person is engaged and successful during therapy, they experience a sense of “I can” and a renewed sense of hope for the future. A person who is hopeful is more likely to become invested in the rehabilitation journey, which will lead to better outcomes.
This talk will highlight the theory and background of the model.