Learning Materials
Teaching Tool: Window of Tolerance
CLIENT: Gaynor Rosier, Family Support Volunteering Agency
YEAR: 2020
Attributes: Adobe Illustrator, Canva
Year: 2020
Client: The Family Support Volunteering Project
Challenge: Volunteers work with highly vulnerable families. Often the parent or child has problems regulating their emotions (due to ADHD or past trauma). They are easily triggered to dysregulation, moving outside their narrow ‘window of tolerance’ (Dr Dan Siegel). Client needed a really simple and visual infographic to explain this to children and parents who may have literacy issues rather than the standard professionals’ versions.
Solution: The idea with these simple graphics is that the practitioner point to the icons and demonstrate "comfortable", excited", and "slow" for heart-rate, breath, and thinking. For thinking, comfortable=efficient, excited=scrambled/confused, slow= bored/no interest/depressed. Graphics were made with four different children for diversity.
Results: "Thanks for your great work. Each picture depicts what I wanted really well. I can definitely use these with my families and young children. Fantastic job!" - Gaynor Rosier
Informational Sign for Cafeteria: EAP
Attributes: Adobe Illustrator, Canva
Year: 2021
Client: The IDOL Academy, student project
Challenge: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 85% of US businesses with 500 employees or more offered access to an EAP. (2018). Yet, one of the most common complaints about EAPs is that they don't get used. In fact, average utilization rates range from 4.5% to 6.5%. (www.espyr.com). Particularly during COVID and the heightened anxiety and depression that resulted, the question became, why aren't staff using this benefit?
Solution: Research revealed a problem that didn't call for training. Many employees had heard of an EAP but didn't know how it works, what it offers, or how to access it. Simple signs were posted in the company cafeteria and by the sinks in all restrooms. Thirdly, a pdf of the sign was emailed to each employee company-wide.
Results: Employees inquired about EAP services by calling the direct number or filling out a contact form on the website for more information. Inquiries increased by nearly 4% in the two months following the solution.
Handout | Infographic: A History of the EAP
Attributes: Adobe Illustrator, Canva
Year: 2021
Client: The IDOL Academy, student project - Nine County Workers Assessed
Challenge: The modern day EAP has a respectable history and not one employee who was asked knew anything about it. One hundred percent stated some variation of "I don't need a therapist, and I'm sure there's a bait and switch anyway. I'll end up paying something."
Solution: During a company meeting taking a look at the history of EAP's was added to the agenda as an activity. First staff were asked questions, given answers and discussion was facilitated. With the interest of staff peaked, this infographic handout was provided - printed in color - to each worker in attendance.
Results: There was more conversation about things like Veterans in the family who sought help, the value of the military and its effects on loved ones. Alcoholism and other difficult topics came up from time to time between colleagues at lunch, and of the nine interviewed, three called the number to set up a consultation.