Resilience is a key concept within counselling and allied health fields, however its integration into formal training and practice is rarely explored. A new study published in the Counselling Education and Supervision journal by Raissa Miller, Rebecca Dickinson, and Eric T. Beeson investigates how resilience can be effectively taught and applied by counsellors. Using the Predictive 6 Factor (PR6) resilience model and the Certified Resilience Coach (CReC) program, this research explores the experiences of nine novice counsellors who were trained in neuroscience principles and resilience practices, then applied these in real-world counselling settings.
The findings provide insight into the effectiveness of resilience training based on neuroscience principles, highlighting the potential for such training to enhance both counsellor wellbeing and client outcomes. Below is an overview of the key findings, value, and implications of this study for counsellor education and practice.
How to cite this article: Miller, R., Dickinson, R., & Beeson, E. T. (2024). Exploring counselor experiences of training in the PR6 resilience model. Counselor Education and Supervision, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/ceas.12330
Key Findings
The study produced several important insights regarding the value of resilience training, both for counsellors and their clients. These findings highlight how neuroscience principles, practical applications, and technology can play a significant role in effective counselling training and practice.
1. Value of Neuroscience in Resilience Training – The study found that the neuroscience-informed PR6 model provided participants with a new perspective for understanding resilience. Counsellors found this model gave them an effective framework for building resilience in themselves and their clients. By understanding concepts like neuroplasticity, participants felt empowered to convey to their clients that resilience is a skill that can be cultivated, rather than an inherent trait. This, in turn, fostered hope and a greater sense of agency in both clients and counsellors.
Specific neuroscience concepts, such as the simplified differentiation between the “smart brain” (prefrontal cortex) and “impulsive brain” (limbic system), were particularly impactful. Counsellors used these concepts to explain emotional regulation in straightforward terms, which helped clients feel more capable of managing stress and emotional challenges.
2. Personal and Professional Growth of Trainees – The PR6 model and CReC training proved not only beneficial for clients but also personally transformative for the counsellors themselves. Many counsellors reflected on the value of applying the PR6 domains – Vision, Composure, Reasoning, Tenacity, Collaboration, and Health – to their own lives, which helped them enhance their own resilience. The training experience increased their confidence and reduced burnout risks, suggesting that such resilience training can be a powerful protective factor for mental health professionals.
Participants reported that engaging with the Driven platform’s microtask approach and reflective tools had a positive influence on their personal habits and self-awareness. The training fostered a strengths-based perspective, encouraging them to use resilience concepts proactively in both their personal and professional lives.
3. Enhanced Client Engagement Through Neuroscience Education – Another key finding was the positive impact of educating clients about the neuroscience of resilience. Participants noted that by introducing clients to basic neuroscience concepts, such as neuroplasticity and the distinction between the “smart brain” and the “impulsive brain,” clients were better able to understand their own responses to stress. This understanding not only empowered clients but also facilitated deeper engagement in the therapeutic process. Clients who were able to grasp these concepts showed increased motivation to apply resilience strategies, contributing to more effective counselling outcomes.
Value of the CReC Program for Counsellors
The CReC program is an innovative approach to integrating resilience into counsellor training. By focusing on neuroscience principles, the program equips counsellors with evidence-based tools that are not only applicable in client work but also serve to enhance their personal resilience. This dual impact is crucial given the high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue within the mental health profession.
Participants in the study highlighted several valuable aspects of the CReC program:
- Enhanced Understanding of Resilience – Counsellors gained a deeper understanding of how resilience can be cultivated at both a biological and psychological level. This understanding helped them convey resilience concepts more effectively to clients
- Practical Tools and Strategies – The PR6 model provided a structured, comprehensive approach to resilience, with domains that counsellors could easily incorporate into therapeutic conversations. The microtasks encouraged clients to take small, actionable steps towards enhancing their resilience
- Holistic Growth – The program’s emphasis on self-reflection and the use of the Driven platform encouraged counsellors to apply resilience practices in their own lives. This holistic approach ensured that the training was not just theoretical but led to meaningful, practical outcomes for both counsellors and their clients
Implications for Counsellor Education and Practice
The findings from this study suggest several important implications for counsellor education and practice:
- Incorporating Neuroscience in Training – Neuroscience-based training in resilience, as provided by the CReC program, can significantly enhance the efficacy of counsellors. Understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of resilience equips counsellors with a more profound knowledge base, which translates into more impactful client interactions
- Personal Resilience as a Professional Asset – The study emphasises the importance of counsellors developing their own resilience skills. By applying the PR6 model to themselves, counsellors experienced a reduction in stress and increased confidence. This suggests that resilience training should be a foundational element in counsellor education to help protect against burnout and improve overall job satisfaction
- Flexibility in Technological Integration – While technology like the Driven platform has the potential to enhance resilience training, the study highlights the need for flexibility. Counsellors noted that client motivation and individual preferences significantly influenced how effective the technological tools were. Educators should therefore provide multiple options for resilience-building, catering to both those who are comfortable with technology and those who prefer more traditional approaches
The Certified Resilience Coach (CReC) program, grounded in the Predictive 6 Factor (PR6) model, offers a comprehensive and neuroscience-backed approach to resilience that benefits both counsellors and their clients. This study by Raissa Miller, Rebecca Dickinson, and Eric T. Beeson provides promising evidence that integrating resilience into counselling training enhances counsellors’ skills, fosters personal growth, and ultimately leads to better client outcomes.
By equipping counsellors with a structured framework and practical tools, the CReC program not only addresses gaps in resilience education but also serves as a vital resource in promoting mental health and well-being among counselling professionals.
Read the full research paper here – Exploring counselor experiences of training in the PR6 resilience model
Interested in becoming a Certified Resilience Coach? Read more here about the certification.
