Peer to Peer Classes
Would you …..
* Like to learn more about your mental illness?
* Benefit by being around others that know what its like living with mental illness?
* Be interested in developing a Relapse Prevention Plan?
If so, please join us for Peer-to-Peer, a ten-week free structured course that will help you in your quest to live well with mental illness. You will learn about self-advocacy and, at the same time, create a special bond with others in the course.
The NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education Course – Peer to Peer is for any individual (18 years and older) living with a serious mental illness who is interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery. Each class is two hours in length and continues for ten consecutive weeks
The Course uses a combination of lecture, interactive exercise and structured group processes, and the diversity of experience among the course participants affords for a lively dynamic that moves the course along.
Who can take it? – The course is designed to offer an opportunity for growth to any individual 18 years and older who experiences mental illness.
Who are the teachers? – The course is taught by two trained “mentors” who are themselves experienced at living well with mental illness.
What is taught exactly?
Week 1: Orientation
Welcome Introductions Course orientation Questions and answers
Week 2:
Icebreaker Group ground rules Discussion on course values Mental illnesses as traumatic experiences Consumer stages of recovery Stigma Culture Mindfulness
Week 3:
“It’s not my fault”-mental illnesses as no-blame disorders Brain biology and research The challenges and benefits of medication Relapse prevention Creative visualization Mindfulness
Week 4:
Storytelling-sharing of personal experiences Mindfulness
Week 5:
Information and discussion about: Schizophrenia Depression Bipolar Disorder Schizoaffective Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder
Relapse prevention continued Accounts of wisdom and strength Mindfulness
Week 6:
Information and discussions about: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Dual Diagnosis
Relapse prevention continued Substance abuse and addiction The role of acceptance in recovery Mindfulness
Week 7:
Understanding emotions Complete relapse prevention Focusing on experiences of joy Spirituality Physical health and mental health Mindfulness
Week 8:
Suicide and prevention Coming out of isolation Mental illness and disclosure Take-home tool for making difficult choices Surviving a hospital stay Advance Directive for Mental Healthcare Decision Making Mindfulness
Week 9:
Guest speaker Hot buttons and triggers Working with providers Advance Directive continued Incarceration-survival and preparedness
Week 10:
Another look at consumer stages of recovery Empowerment Advocacy Opportunities for involvement in NAMI Mindfulness Evaluations Celebration