Introduction and Core Skills for Group Work |
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Introduction of leaders
Overview of purpose of program, lesson topics, structure of sessions, and group rules
Group bonding activity - members present a timeline of some life accomplishments and challenges
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“Social Circles” – level of closeness to a person depends on their type of relationship to you
How much you disclose to a person is based on the social circle they are in
c) “Constructive Feedback Sandwich” tool
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Stress and Anxiety Coping Skills |
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How you react to stressful situations
Identify whether your reaction is helpful or unhelpful
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What are automatic thoughts
How negative, unrealistic automatic thoughts lead to unhelpful reactions
How positive, realistic automatic thoughts lead to helpful reactions
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Emotions vs. physical feelings
Identify your physical feelings associated with stress and anxiety (e.g., headache, heart racing, stomachache)
How you react when you have these physical feelings
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Types of negative, unrealistic thoughts (i.e.. Thinking Traps)
Identify whether you habitually fall into certain thinking traps
Negative impact of thinking traps on your self-esteem, mood, and motivation to achieve goals
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How to identify whether a thought is unrealistic (i.e., thinking trap)
Use “Weigh the Evidence” tool to determine whether a thought is realistic or unrealistic
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How to challenge thinking traps
Use “Coping Statements” tool to replace unrealistic thoughts with realistic thoughts
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Review of stress coping tools
Use of stress coping tools in everyday life
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How thinking traps and stress lead you to avoid trying new things and achieving goals
Immediate result of avoiding a situation that triggers stress
Long-term result of avoiding a situation that triggers stress
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Self-Determination Skills |
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How to use “Small Steps” tool to reach goals
How to use “Savoring” tool to appreciate each successful step
How to adapt plan and take smaller steps to overcome obstacles and overwhelming feelings
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How to use relaxation tools to manage stress from taking steps toward goals and engaging in adult roles
Relaxation tools (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing, peaceful place, progressive muscle relaxation)
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Planning for short-term goals and long-term goals
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Adaptive and Social Skills |
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Identifying your career preferences and strengths
Disclosing your disability in the workplace
Practical rules and time management skills in the workplace
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How to identify the culture and social expectations in a workplace
Understanding how your strengths and challenges fit certain workplace cultures
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Review of “Constructive Feedback Sandwich” tool
How to receive feedback in the workplace and other settings
How to grow from feedback and not fall into thinking traps
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Friendship continuum (acquaintance, casual friend, close friend)
How to find new friends as an adult
Friendships in the workplace and issues around disclosure and maintaining boundaries
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How to develop deep friendships
Understanding how a friendship can change over time to become more or less close
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Review of social skills
Reflection on skills and topics covered across program, and use of skills in everyday life
Graduation ceremony
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