For about one year, Project SUCCESS participants meet weekly to compare life experiences, to practice social skills, to share feelings and insights. CET participants also complete weekly computer-based exercises, typically with a partner. Comprehensive manuals for both CET and HOPES and weekly expert supervision ensure clinicians use a consistent evidence-based approach when leading these sessions.
We know from prior research that these sessions help participants improve their social connections and community activities. But we also know from clinical experience that both CET and HOPES can lead to meaningful friendships in the group and to feelings of support from the group. It can be hard to give that up! In this news update, we’ll suggest how that transition can become more a process of moving ahead than one of leaving behind.
Planning ahead is the first step in moving ahead. Begin to discuss the end of treatment and the next steps in group sessions weeks before the actual last session. As the last session approaches, talk about it as an occasion for celebration of what participants have accomplished. Acknowledge that endings like this can be difficult and that the goal of the project team is to develop a transition plan with each participant that will work for them. Importantly, review with them the major lessons they have learned during the treatment, and get them to think about how they will apply these new skills and knowledge as they continue their journey of recovery after the end of CET or HOPES. Remind them of the importance of having an opportunity to follow-up with us about how they are doing after the end of treatment, and how they have been able to make continued progress and maintain their recovery. Provide participants with the needed information to support keeping in touch with you, the center, their regular therapists, etc.
Consider making the last session a graduation ceremony at which you call participants’ names and hand out completion certificates. Bring snacks and beverages for everyone. Give each participant time to talk about their experiences in the group and what it has meant to them. Encourage comments about plans for social activities and leisure activities. Consider modeling this process by reflecting on your experiences in the group and how they will help you in the future in your professional work and your personal life. Suggest exchanging contact information with those they’d like to keep in touch with and maybe planning a time to hang out together with other group participants.
Think ahead before saying goodbye.
Russ and Kesh
Dual PIs, Project SUCCESS