Supportive resources for disaster recovery: webinars & videos
In this series of videos, disaster psychologist, Dr Rob Gordon discusses some of the emotions and emotional stages you may experience after an emergency, and suggests strategies to manage these feelings throughout your recovery.
Dr Rob Gordon is a clinical psychologist and an expert in mental health first aid. Dr Gordon has hosted a series of webinars to help support people affected by storms.
Run by Yarra Ranges Council, each webinar has been recorded so that you can watch at a time that suits you.
Three years on: Navigating the recovery journey
Three years on: Navigating the recovery journey
Hosted by Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist, and expert in mental health first aid and supporting people affected by disasters including the June 2021 storm, this webinar covers:
- Trauma, loss, and stress.
- Disruption in storm affected communities.
- Impact of continuing stress on thinking, decision making, emotions and action.
- Emphasizing the importance of managing your own wellbeing.
Recorded on 28 February 2024.
Living in temporary housing
The second webinar in this series hosted by Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and expert in mental health and supporting people affected by disasters including the June 2021 storm, this webinar covers:
- Living in temporary housing three years after the 2021 storm
- Planning for the future and maintaining a positive mindset.
- Heightened awareness of loss and managing that.
- Stress management and maintaining emotional wellbeing.
Recorded on 28 February.
Preparing to move back: navigating the transition
The third webinar in this series hosted by Dr. Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and expert in mental health and supporting people affected by disasters including the June 2021 storm, this webinar covers:
- Shifting perspectives on environment
- Embracing rituals and how they can help restore normalcy.
- Acknowledging risk and accepting/assessing how to mitigate these risks
- Understanding the significance of anniversaries as part of the healing process
Recorded on 28 February
Moving back home
The fourth webinar in this series hosted by Dr. Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and expert in mental health to help support people affected by disasters including storms) covers:
- Addressing emotional attachments and processing feeling of attachment, nostalgia, and apprehension.
- Exploring new beginnings and the opportunity for personal growth that comes with moving back home.
- Creating safe spaces and prioritising safety and security as you transition back to your home environment.
- Celebrating resilience and collective strength.
Recorded on 28 February.
Relocation vs. rebuilding: trusting your judgment and processing trauma
The fifth webinar and final episode in this series hosted by Dr. Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and expert in mental health first aid to help support people affected by disasters including the June 2021 storm) covers:
- Informed decision-making and making decisions that prioritize the well-being of yourself and your family.
- Recognising that returning home may not always be the best or safest option.
- Explore the complex emotions associated with the decision to leave the community after a disaster.
- The necessity of acknowledging and navigating through the trauma experienced even when choosing to relocate.
Recorded on 28 February.
Webinars: One year after
Hosted by Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and expert in mental health and supporting people affected by storm and bushfires, these webinars were filmed in mid-2022 and cover topics about what to expect at this time as well as some coping strategies to assist with recovery.
Whether you’re recovery journey is just starting, or if you’re several months into your rebuild, these videos offers advice on ways to help empower yourself, learn to deal with the stress
and manage the anxiety that winter weather can bring including:
- The first year of disaster recovery
- Trauma, loss and stress: Disruption in storm affected communities.
- Helping your children recover from a very unusual, and traumatic event.
- Effective tips for people who find themselves being in the position of an accidental/informal counsellor.
Tackling uncertainty and anxiety during disaster anniversaries
At one year on from the June 2021 storm, State Disaster Psychologist Rob Gordon offers some words of wisdom about a changed sense of safety in the environment and what trauma is.
Recorded June, 2022.
Helping children and teenagers with trauma
Children and teenagers can be very affected by emergencies. State Disaster Psychologist Rob Gordon shares with us some very helpful tips for helping your children recover from a rare, and traumatic event.
Recorded June, 2022.
Support for accidental counsellors during storm recovery
Do you sometimes find yourself in a counselling role by accident, as a result of conversations or requests from customers, colleagues, friends or others?
State Disaster Psychologist Rob Gordon provides practical and effective skills to step into the shoes of a accidental counsellor and be able to respond to and support others when they are angry, distressed or experiencing a challenging time.
Recorded June, 2022.