The Optimum Approach

Understanding what helps us recover

Human beings are organised for adaptation. Throughout life, biological, psychological and social systems interact to support development, relationships, learning and participation in society. Together, these systems shape our optimum capacity for functioning: our ability to adapt, recover and continue developing (Masten, 2014).

Most life experiences can be integrated. When an experience overwhelms these adaptive systems—or essential conditions for healthy development are absent—the ability to integrate experience and recover may be disrupted.

Psychological injury may arise from overwhelming events, prolonged adversity, repeated interpersonal harm or developmental neglect. It can also follow experiences that deeply violate a person’s beliefs, values or moral expectations, often described as moral injury (Litz et al., 2009).

The enduring effects of psychological injury are commonly understood through the concept of psychological trauma. Trauma means “wound”: the injury is understood through its lasting effect on the systems that ordinarily help a person adapt, integrate experience and continue developing.

Recovery from within and around us

The Internal Adaptive System

These are the capacities that enable adaptation from within: nervous system regulation, memory integration, emotional processing, identity, attachment and behavioural flexibility. The Optimum Approach supports their recovery through evidence-based trauma-focused interventions.

The External Adaptive System

These are the relationships, environments and practical structures that support human development. When they have been disrupted, weakened or were never adequately established, recovery also involves strengthening or rebuilding the supports that allow adaptive functioning to continue.

The two systems are interconnected. Psychological care therefore considers both a person’s internal capacities and the conditions of their everyday life.

Working together around each person

Optimum brings together multidisciplinary support, coordinated by Olga as Lead Psychologist. Depending on individual needs and availability, this may involve counsellors, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and dietitians alongside psychological care, including work through ACC.

Olga’s model also recognises the contribution of pain specialists, creative therapists and vocational specialists. Image or personal stylists may have a role when rebuilding identity, confidence and community participation forms part of recovery. The combination of support is considered for the individual; it is not a fixed programme or a promise that every service is available.