The first class is used to
introduce the Co-Trainers and welcome the class attendees. An overview of the 12
week course is also provided. The first day focuses on the course curriculum,
our emotional reactions to mental illness, getting to know each other, our
personal belief systems, our personal goals and general understanding of illness
symptoms as outlined below.
Welcome
- Co-Trainers introduce themselves
- Preview of 12 Courses
A
Word From Our Sponsors
- NAMI The National Alliance For
The Mentally Ill
- NAMI California: The State
Organization
- State Department of Mental
Health from whom we receive the
majority of our program funding
- County Mental Health Directors
from whom we receive our printed
class handout materials
Special Features of the NAMI Family To
Family Education Course Curriculum
- 3 Essential Dimensions of
Serious Brain Disorders
- Giving You A Feast Of Facts
- Developing Emotional
Understanding and Insight
Learning About Feelings: Normative
Stages Of Our Emotional Reactions To The
Trauma Of Mental Illness
- Crisis/Chaos/Shock
- Denial
- Hoping Against Hope
- Anger/Guilt/Resentment
- Recognition
- Grief
- Understanding
- Acceptance
- Advocacy/Action
Class
Introductions & Support Information
- Introductions of Family Members
- Introductions of Support Group
Facilitator and Related Services
Our
Belief System and Principles
- We will stay on top of
information to provide the resources
you need
- We have no magic formula
- We use empathy as the doorway to
understanding
- We emphasize the "universal
aspects" of mental illness
- We are vigilant "Guilt Busters"
- You can't know what no one has
told you
- YOU are the expert
- Acceptance
- We are partners in learning
Our
Contract
- Attend Every Class
- If you can't attend, call
- Personal disclosures are
strictly confidential
Your
Goals For your Family Member With Mental
Illness
- Relating to Parents, Brothers,
Sisters
- Relating to Spouses, Children
- Relating to Education, Work,
Career
Understanding Illness Symptoms As A
Double-Edged Sword
- What is added to the person?
- What is taken away from the
person?
