Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

A Reason to Hope.  The Means to Cope.

Strengthening Families Together

The Strengthening Families Together Program Outline

A binder containing educational material, exercises and activities will be given to each participant.

 

Session 1 > What is Mental Illness?

· Introduction to the program, facilitators, and other participants

· Brief introduction to psychosis and recovery

· Stigma: Misunderstanding mental illness

Session 2 > Facts About Psychosis

· The basics of psychosis

· Facts about mood & anxiety disorders

· Psychosis & caregiving

· Early intervention

· Five steps to help a family member

· Voices Activity

Session 3 > Psychosis: Causes & Treatment

· Facts about the causes and treatment

· Psychosocial interventions

· Preventing relapse

Session 4 > Coping as a Family

· Exploring the issues families face

· Loss and grief (with discussion)

· Managing symptoms at home: What can families and friends do?

· Supporting a medication plan

· Helpful hints for family members for working with service providers

Session 5 > Self Care

· Understanding self care

· Building support systems

· Tense-o-meter activity

· Self care plan

Session 6 > Communication

· Effective communication skills

· Talking to others about mental illness

· IDEAL method of problem solving

Session 7 > Living with Psychosis

· Living with psychotic illness

· Preventing and dealing with relapse

· Daily living tips

· Handling crisis situations

· Facts about concurrent disorders

Session 8 > Recovery

· What does recovery from mental illness mean?

· Recovery journey

· Recovery activity

Session 9 > Understanding the Mental Health System

· The basics of the Canadian mental health “systems”

· Role of family and friends in the system

· Advocacy: What can family and friends do?

· The Advocacy Toolkit

Session 10 > About Psychiatric Medications / Closing Celebration

· Medications and their side effects

· Program evaluation and awarding of Certificates