APPENDIX A.

Summary of Topics, Goals, and Homework Activities within the Intervention Condition

Weekly Topic	Goals	Homework
1 Intervention Overview	Describe intervention Introduce participants Explore intervention components	Identify Pressing Problems Complete Needs and Concerns Checklist
2 Getting in Touch with Your Feelings as a Caregiver	View CG feelings as a normal reaction to stress Explain links between CG feelings and behaviors Differentiate positive and negative CG feelings Encourage self-exploration of own feelings	Learn “feeling” vocabulary Identify and record daily emotions
3 Understanding What It’s Like to be a Care Receiver	Develop understanding of CR feelings Explore possible negative reactions to receiving help Differentiate instrumental and emotional support Explain why overprotective care can occur	Review Do’s and Don’ts Read letter on overprotection written by a CG
4 Being a Good Listener	Learn basic attending and listening skills Understand the meaning and importance of empathy	Practice listening skills
5 Non-Verbal Behavior	Recognize main categories of non-verbal behavior Develop awareness of own non-verbal behavior Develop awareness of CR non-verbal behavior	Review attending skills handout Observe & record CR nonverbal behavior
6 Choice, Control, & Predictability	Recognize importance of personal control for CR Understand link between overprotection and control Discuss strategies for increasing CR personal control	CR identifies strengths CG identifies strengths CG- CR jointly discuss their strengths
7 Relaxation and Positive Imagery to Control Stress	Experience a relaxation with positive imagery technique Understand links between relaxation, coping, & control Encourage CG and CR use of relaxation & positive-imagery	CG and CR record mood before and after relaxation Consider other ways to relax
8 Pleasant Activities	Understand link between pleasant activity and mood Discover usefulness of Pleasant Activities List Understand how stroke may derail pleasant activities	CG do activities CR do activities CR and CG attempt to do joint activities CG and CR log mood
9 Saying Goodbye	Provide closure to intervention Identify and reinforce treatment gains	None