Transitions group curriculum (1)

Transitions This program will begin with a large forum within the public and or practice school district where I will present a one and half hour power point presentation called “What Every Family Needs to Know about Mental Health�, this forum will explain some basic information about mental health. All families will then be given the option to sign up for my 10 session group called Transitions; following each group all attendees/families will be offered up to 3 family case management session where they will be given referrals on a case by case basis depending on the needs of the youth and their family.

Psychoeducational Group Curriculum for adolescent transitioning into adulthood.

GROUP OVERVIEW Every adolescent between the ages of 13-25 will be faced making a transition into adulthood and will be need to learn the following transitional strategies to help make this process smoother.

Group Introduction (Pre-Screening) All prospective group members are required to attend a pre-group screening session. A pre-group screening and orientation session is a brief meeting with leader(s) before groups begin. The screening provides information about the group, and to determine if group therapy is best for each person.

Group Ground Rules Group sessions are confidential. Group members are asked not to disclose the content of sessions or to reveal the identity of members to others outside of group. It is expected that you will come to all ten group sessions every week. If there is an urgent matter that prevents you from attending, please notify the group leader(s). You can leave a message with the front desk staff. Please be punctual group sessions. If, after a short period of time, you find that the group is not a fit for you, please let the group leader(s) know. If, after several sessions, you decide that the group is no longer the most appropriate form of help, we ask that you come to the group to tell group members of your decision, providing closure.

Brief Presentation on the Brain of a Teen This portion can help explain the neurological process a teen’s brain goes through to develop into an adult brain. This portion will take about 15 minutes to complete and will proceed the 10 session of group.

SCHOOL (Session 1-2)

 How do I know which classes to pick?  Maximize your learning  What type of learner are you?  Study tips for your learning style  Procrastination First exams Study tips  Box breathing  Exam day  Other issues that affect learning  Building resilience  Resilience to academic failure MOVING IN/OUT (Session 3)  How to deal with roommates  Questions to ask potential roommates avoid conflict by making a written agreement first! Appreciate diversity  Starting school in a new country or culture?  What is cultural adaptation?

MONEY (session 4)  Financial responsibilities  Student loans & scholarships  Other kinds of loans  Tips to help you stay on track RELATIONSHIPS (Session 5)

 Building relationships  Tips on making friends  Abusive relationships (power and control wheel)  Forms of abuse  Warning signs of abuse  Why do people abuse?  How to Leave an abusive relationship SEXUALITY (Session 6-7)  Sex - a personal choice!  How do sex, gender identity, & sexual orientation differ?  How do i know if I’m gay, lesbian, or bisexual?  Choosing a contraceptive  Transitions Table of Contents  Sex & unexpected consequences  Unexpected pregnancy?  Internet pornography and relationships  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)  Sexual harassment or assault  Who are the perpetrators?  Safety tips to reduce the risk of sexual assault  Date rape drugs  What to do if you have been raped or sexually assaulted?  Common after-effects  How to start feeling better

MANAGING STRESS (session 8)  Dealing with stress  Helpful Strategies  Self-confidence  How is self-confidence developed?  Tips to become more self-confident  Tips on being heard  Handling peer pressure MENTAL HEALTH & DISORDERS (Session 9-10)  Your family  Building trust with your parents  Dealing with a “dysfunctional” family  Dealing with family substance use problems  Dealing with family mental health problems Mental illnesses  Depression  Bipolar disorder  Schizophrenia  Anxiety  Eating disorders  Drug and alcohol use/abuse  Gambling addiction  Unhealthy behaviors  Anger & violence  Self-harm/self-injury  Suicide – be aware! Grief and loss  Tips to help a grieving friend

 Help for all addictions & mental illnesses  How can a counselor or family doctor help?  Getting help CONCLUSION Case management resources for teen and their family up to three sessions per family.