TABLE 1. HAI Refresher Training Techniques and Activities for CMHWs.
Techniques | Activities |
---|---|
Psychoeducation | Give clients, families, or communities information on psychological problems. |
Reduce stigma about problems and treatment. | |
Teach how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings can influence each other positively. | |
Explain how talk therapy can help. | |
Treatment planning | Make arrangements with the client to begin treatment (e.g., confidentiality). |
Agree on how to continue treatment (e.g., weekly sessions, involving family if needed). | |
Explain the way treatment will end. | |
Describe follow-up assistance if needed after sessions end. | |
Empowerment | Help clients develop skills and use positive actions and attitudes. |
Start with small changes and help them focus on better parts of life, not only problems. | |
Grow from a view of themselves as dependent to better able to care for themselves. | |
Reduce feelings of helplessness by being more active and involved with family and community. | |
Motivation | Encourage clients to come to treatment regularly and make recommended changes in their behavior and thinking. |
Normalize their problems. | |
Emphasize the progress they are making. | |
Use the treatment relationship for emotional support with empathic listening and reflective techniques. | |
Crisis management | Assess for suicide or self-injury. |
Use safety plan if needed. | |
Be more directive if needed. | |
Involve family or other resources if needed. | |
Get more consultation and supervision if needed. | |
Change the balance between strengths and supports vs. stresses to manage the crisis. | |
Medication management | Explain how drug therapy can combine with talk therapy to help reduce negative feelings and improve sleep and other problems. |
Advise against the use of alcohol or illegal drugs, which can worsen problems. | |
Consult with the physician about a combined therapy plan. | |
Monitor for side effects and encourage daily use for later improvement. | |
Strength building | Identify the skills clients already have. |
Remind them how they have solved problems before. | |
Find new ways to feel better, like talking about what is inside. | |
Express concern for the negative parts of the client’s life but focus more on the positive (e.g., love of God or their children). | |
Emphasize client’s ways of taking care of themselves (e.g., time with friends). | |
Stress reduction | Assess and encourage client’s interests in positive activities (e.g., praying, exercising). |
Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and focusing inside. | |
Practice relaxation regularly in counseling and have clients use it at home daily. | |
Help clients use relaxation techniques any time they are upset, worried, or cannot sleep. | |
Advocacy | Identify resources in the family or community that can be used for additional client support. |
Help the client get additional needed services (e.g., medical or legal assistance). | |
Promote human rights with equal protection, respect, and benefits for everyone. | |
Try to end domestic abuse or child abuse and gender-based violence. | |
Connect with other government offices, community programs, and NGOs to increase public awareness about mental health problems and find solutions. |
Abbreviations: CMHW, community mental health worker; HAI, Heartland Alliance International.