Session 2

Psychoeducational groups for Women in Ghana

Group Facilitators: Grace Kerstetter and Emily Griffin 

S.M.A.R.T Goals: 

By the end of services, the group will identify at least 2 self care techniques in each self-care dimension (Physical, mental, social, spiritual, etc.)

The group will identify multiple self care techniques in each self-care dimension

The group will demonstrate an understanding of at least 2 self care technique

Agenda: 

  • Roll call 
  • Introductions 
  • Recap
  • Lesson
  • Activity 
  • Break
  • Activity 
  • Debrief 
  • Dismissal 

Lesson Plan: 

Take roll call of all participants in attendance and mark those absent who are not attending.

  1. Lock doors to ensure confidentiality

2. Introductions 

  1. Each group member will introduce themselves using an adjective before their first name and explain why they chose that adjective 

3. Recap 

  1. Ask what the participants remember from the last session.
  2. Ask the participants what coping strategy was their favorite 
  1. Lesson 2: Anxiety  
    1. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure- American Psychological Association 
    2. Common stressors: 
      1. Moving
      2. starting a new school or job.
      3. having an illness or injury.
      4. having a friend or family member who is ill or injured.
      5. experiencing the death of a family member or friend.
      6. Trauma
      7. having a baby
    3. Symptoms and signs (Handout): 
    4. Emotional:
      1. Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
      2. Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
    5. Physical: 
      1. Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
      2. Sweating.
      3. Trembling.
      4. Feeling tired
    6. Behavioral 
      1. Restlessness and agitation.
      2. Inability to sit still and remain calm.
      3. Social withdrawal and isolation.
      4. Agoraphobia.
      5. Inability to properly meet responsibilities at home, work, or school. (Valley behavioral health) 
    7. Cognitive
      1. Difficulties concentrating.
      2. Anticipating the worst outcomes.
      3. Mind often going blank.
      4. Irrational fears and dread.
      5. Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
      6. Feeling as though one is going crazy.
    8.  Relationships:
      1. Need for reassurance
      2. Fear of abandonment 
      3. Isolation
      4. Control 
      5. Feeling unsure
    9. Coping strategies 
      1. Physical 
        1. 5 X 30: Jog, walk, bike, or dance three to five times a week for 30 minutes
        2. Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
        3. Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
        4. Deep breathing exercises: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, which involve taking deep breaths so that your belly expands, help improve mood and attention, and decrease stress hormone levels 
      2. Mental 
        1. Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
        2. Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
        3. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
        4. Accept that you cannot control everything. 
        5. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
        6. Keep a journal. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what’s causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
      3. Social 
        1. Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
        2. Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
      4. Spiritual 
        1. Religion and prayer
        2. Walking in nature to connect to your environment
        3. Meditation
        4. Reflecting on your purpose
        5. Practicing rituals, like a yoga routine, expressive dance, religious rituals, and singing
        6. Volunteering
        7. Playing music
  2. Activity 1:
    1.  You will be given a piece of paper and write out three negative beliefs you have that are causing anxiety. These may include thoughts like, “you will never be successful” or “no one will love you”. Then write out three positive responses to those comments, such as, “you have already taken steps to be successful” or “someone will love you for you”. You then further explore your negative beliefs and your coping thoughts with the group.
  1. Break 
    1. Refreshments will be served 

Activity 2 (handout): Activity: 

9. Debrief 

  1. The group will discuss what they have learned from the group session and what they can implement for next time, and do a check in to see where everyone is.

10. Dismissal 

Items Needed: 

  • Handouts 
  • Refreshments 
  • Pens/pencils 
  • Notebook

References:

Pangilinan, J. (2022, June 2). 11 printable anxiety worksheets for kids, teens & adults. Happier Human. https://www.happierhuman.com/anxiety-worksheets/ 

Siri Kabrick, C. N. P. (2022, September 1). 11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder 

Ashley Braun, R. D. (2022, June 1). Healthy coping skills for anxiety, depression, and anger. Ro. https://ro.co/health-guide/coping-skills/#:~:text=Spiritual%20coping%20skills%20may%20include,Meditation 

Tips and strategies to manage anxiety and stress. Tips and Strategies to Manage Anxiety and Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (2022, November 11). https://adaa.org/tips 

Clinic, M. (2018, May 4). Anxiety disorders. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961 

Platform, Thera. (2022). Group therapy activities. TheraPlatform. https://www.theraplatform.com/blog/492/group-therapy-activities