ALEXA JAMES MS, LCSW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR NAMI CHICAGO NAMI ILLINOIS CONFERENCE OCTOBER 18, 2013 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: TEEN SUPPORT GROUP

INTRODUCTION NEED / FINDINGS DEVELOPMENT FUNDING IMPLEMENTATION OUTCOMES Q & A Overview

We noticed an unmet need in the community: support groups for teenagers, both living with a mental illness and affected by a mental illness (family member). What we’ve been up to: Support Groups Consumer Family Spanish (consumer & family) Education Family-to-Family Pathways in Living Crisis Intervention Training Adult Juvenile HELPLINE 5,000 calls per year 1,000 resources Outreach Internship Programs

Needs Assessment Monitor # of requests on our Helpline for this type of support – who’s asking? Research on support groups for young people living with a mental illness and/or living with a family member with a mental illness. Has this been done before? Agency outreach  Who is hosting support groups in Chicagoland?  Has anyone tried teen support groups before?  Would you utilize a teen support group as a resource for clients?

Findings Very limited research available It’s been done locally before- without success Transportation is an obstacle Difficult to get youth engaged Need for a clinician facilitator (vs peer) is additional expense

Marketing How can we make it appealing to youth? Assessing your target group Clear participation criteria Make materials useful for your target Accessibility Networks Maintaining your listserv

Collaborative Marketing Tools

Group Preparation Secure funding  Submit grant requests  Evaluate your budget- how to keep costs low Transportation Setup the space  Remove tables and other barriers  Greet teens at the door for each group, provide snacks

Defining the Group Construct a brief statement to include in marketing materials but also to articulate to the group Purpose and Focus/Intent Open group format Discuss the role of the group as it relates to the hosting agency Involve group members by encouraging feedback  ( pick any topic, ex. snack choice, time of day, room, etc.)

Pre Survey Sample

Sample Agenda Week 4** August 20, 2013 (Alexa) Greeter (Intern) Survey/Sign in (All) Intros / Check in  Ice Breakers (Ashley) Two truths and a lie (Intern) Step in if you… (Alexa) Rules BREAK (5 mins) (Ashley) Defining Acceptance / Self-Control (Intern) Discussion / Mandala*  What does your “serenity prayer” look like (Intern) Survey (All) Close out – snack vote

Mandala Mandalas can be an excellent art therapy intervention for both children and adults. The word "mandala" comes from the Sanskrit word for "circle." However, it means more than just the shape and also encompasses the idea of wholeness and unity. Mandalas can be powerful symbols and have been present in many cultures and spiritual practices. Carl Jung is thought to have introduced the West to the idea of mandalas and often created mandalas as a form of self-expression and exploration of his internal world.

Learn from our Experience Pre and Post Survey Manage group dynamics  Rule structure and reiteration  Turn it back to the group  Don’t engage in distracting behaviors  Facilitators model positive feedback Topic choice is crucial  Ex: forgiveness  Topic-focused vs. interactive activity

Outcomes Stigma reduction Resource connection Social network/support Family involvement Further funding

Q&A Contact Information: Alexa James MS, LCSW NAMI Chicago