Elissa Berman will present a lecture, "Post-Traumatic Growth: Moving from Suffering to Resilience" at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in Orchestra Hall. This talk is generously supported by the Jake Nees Endowment.
Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) describes the positive psychological change that can emerge from the struggle with deeply challenging life experiences such as traumatic loss. Rather than minimizing pain, PTG recognizes that distress and growth can coexist. Research shows that individuals may develop a deeper appreciation for life, stronger relationships, increased personal strength, new possibilities and spiritual or existential insight following adversity.
The Lifebanc Bereavement Services Department creates opportunities for this kind of growth. This presentation explores how meaning-making, supportive relationships and reflective processing can foster transformation while honoring the reality of suffering and illuminating the human capacity for resilience and growth.
Berman is an expert in grief, trauma and bereavement with a strong academic background and extensive clinical experience supporting individuals and families through profound loss. She holds a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in clinical counseling and has dedicated her career to understanding the complex emotional, psychological and social impacts of death and non-death losses.
With more than 20 years of experience, Berman serves as Manager of Bereavement Services at Lifebanc in Cleveland. There she uses a compassionate and constructivist approach with diverse populations, providing counseling, support groups, one-time grief education seminars and creative experiences that address the unique challenges of bereavement and trauma. She also maintains a private practice in Beachwood.
Berman is committed to advancing the field through ongoing training and community education, working to foster resilience and healing in individuals and communities affected by loss.
