Reaching for a Good Life Karen M Nielsen, PhD, RSW (Clinical) Ann Marie Dewhurst, PhD, R. Psych Claire Johnson, MSW Jill Storcer, M.A

Our Need A program that : Allowed for ongoing evaluation of client and program Practiced-based evidence & theory Focused on client-centred change Positive in orientation Respectful of clinical need & process Inclusive

We Planned a Therapeutic Group Program for men Non-criminal population Self-referrals People who are expressing a need for help now. Organic/flexible – the program content changes based upon the clinical and risk-related needs of men currently in the program Theoretical foundation was the Good Lives Model

Unacceptable behaviour is a result of a poorly defined Good Life Plan The Good Lives Model Unacceptable behaviour is a result of a poorly defined Good Life Plan Living a good life depends on: Well defined individual goals internal conditions (skills and capabilities) external conditions (opportunities and supports).

Understanding Abuse from a GLM View Abusive behaviour is a result of a poorly defined Good Life Plan. Ward and Brown (2004) describe four major types of difficulties that support abusive behaviour: Problems with the means used to achieve goals A lack of scope within a good lives plan The presence of conflict among goals, ill defined goals A lack of the necessary skills to adjust to changing circumstances (e.g. impulsive decision making).

Reaching for a Good Life Goals: 10 GL Factors Knowledge Excellence Decision-Making Inner Peace Relationship Community Spirituality Happiness Creativity Description Taking Care of Self Regular exercise, healthy diet, taking care of health issues, getting enough sleep, in a comfortable living situation; balance in work, home & play; healthy sex life. Desire to Learn Asks questions; attends school or training to increase ability; seeks to increase self-awareness & social skills, desire to learn for fun. To go above & beyond Desire to do something to the best of one’s ability at school, work, leisure, or self-improvement activities; wanting to do better at work or play; The desire to set one’s own goals, Make decisions, & be independent; includes money management assertiveness skills, problem-solving ability & generally being responsible. Aware of one’s emotional state able to manage difficult feelings in a good way. able to identify other’s emotional states & respond appropriately Desire to develop close,, relationships spouse, children, friends, other family); able to connect emotionally; engages in social activities. To be involved in community to belong to a group with similar interests & values, being able to rely on others for support; activities, having positive friends. Desire to discover meaning or purpose in life living according to morals & values that support life purpose; reflecting on values; maybe engaging in a faith community. Being satisfied with life; engaging in activities that bring value and satisfaction to life Desire to do new & different things; to be productive; engaging in hobbies, art, parenting, music, etc.

The Program Design

Reaching for a Good Life Continuous Intake/Orientation Weekly No appointment Assessment Individual Interview Psychotherapeutic group process 16 weeks Four modules Post-group exit interviews Reaching Higher

Risk Assessment HCR 20 – assesses risk for violence SARA – assesses risk for domestic violence SAPROF – (Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for violence risk) assesses protective factors for violence. Developed as a companion to the HCR-20

SAPROF Internal Factors: Intelligence, Secure attachment in childhood, Empathy, Coping, Self-control   Motivational Factors Work, Leisure activities, Financial management, Motivation for treatment, Attitudes towards authority, Life goals, Medication External Factors Social network, Intimate Relationship, Professional care, Living circumstances, External control

Four Modules Self-awareness and self-management skills Emotional Communication Values and moral decision making Consciousness raising regarding power in relationships

In Closing We are encouraged that a Good Lives approach is appropriate for men dealing with family violence. Our preliminary findings both qualitative and quantitative, suggest using the GLM as a a framework for working with men who are abusive in intimate relationships, is important in developing violence free lives.

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