Welcome | R2 Resilience

Build Your Resilience with R2

A Resilience-building Intervention

About the R2 Program

R2 is a program built on promising practices that have been shown to enhance wellbeing among individuals experiencing stress and adversity. It integrates the principles of a social ecological approach to resilience developed by Dr. Michael Ungar and his colleagues from all around the world who are part of the Resilience Research Centre.

R2 builds resilience by strengthening two types of factors:

Rugged protective factors are changeable internal qualities, such as our level of selfesteem, optimism, mindfulness, and our ability to set goals and think critically. Resources can include experiences of control, meaningful relationships with others, access to services and supports, structures and routines, and a positive peer group at work.

Michael Ungar, PhD, Founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre, Dalhousie University

Some of the R2 Resilience program affiliates:

“Your talks really brought resilient theory in practice to life and the feedback I received from those who I did speak to afterwards echoed this. Attendees felt you provided inspiration, clarity and a lot of food for thought.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to partner with the Resilience Research Centre for the past two years and it has been the best partnership of my career. Dr. Michael Ungar and his team have created a robust resilience building program to help young people cope with social anxiety, which is being implemented across many countries through the Clear brand, from Unilever. The most interesting part of it is how the training teaches people to be more rugged and more resourced, so they can truly build their resilience.”

“Dr Ungar has been pivotal in our work to support a shared framework for intervening in the lives of children, youth and families who struggle with mental health and other issues. His concepts resonate with our values of being strengths-based and our philosophy that we are more effective when we can view the child/youth and their needs within the broader context of their family/community. Those who have trained with Dr Ungar have a deepened appreciation for what can be done with even the most complex situation to increase resilience and the resources needed for life’s challenges.”

“High praise for Dr. Michael Ungar’s R2 Resilence work. Building resilience is the key not just for survival but opening the pathways to thrive.”

“Dr. Ungar and his approach to resilience has given me a new more agile way of thinking about and supporting the health and wellbeing of my team. His work is engaging and practical, which is exactly what leaders need to deal with ambiguity during periods of disruption, growth and change.”

“Professor Ungar is regarded internationally as a vital resource for enhancing science, policies, and programs fostering well-being amongst young people everywhere”

The R2 Resilience Program: Standard Manual for Educational Settings

The R2 Resilience Program©: Standard Manual for Educational Settings uses an evidence-based approach to help educators incorporate resilience-promoting factors in their classrooms and curriculum. The Program helps teachers and school staff create a nurturing environment and school culture that protects against the various risks young people experience, as well as promote student well-being.The R2 Resilience Program© is unique with its focus on two types of protective factors that build resilience: the rugged qualities inside us and the external resources that provide us with the many kinds of support we need to thrive when stressed.

Customized Programs

A detailed multi-day series of meetings that tailors R2 to a specific organization, business or educational setting.

Standard Programs

Off-the-shelf materials that provide training in how to master resilience and cope with everyday stressors.

Workshops & Webinars

Expert keynotes, workshops and webinars offered by Dr. Ungar and members of the R2 team.

R2 Resilience Expert Training

A multi-day workshop at the Resilience Research Centre to train individuals to become R2 trainers.

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