Session 4

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.)

  1. The group will identify multiple self care techniques in each self-care dimension
  2. The group will demonstrate an understanding of at least 2 self care technique

By the end of services the group will create an individualized self-care plan that incorporates at least 3 self-care techniques

  1. The group will identify current self care techniques and opportunity for improvement
  2. The group will brain storm strategies to over come road blocks 

Agenda: 

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

Lesson Plan: 

  1. 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 be given a piece of paper to write a fact on and everyone will fold their paper the same way. The group facilitator will read out each fact and the group will have to guess who it is. After the first person guesses who the first fact belongs to, the person with the fact with have 3 guesses to decide who the next fact belongs to. 
  3.  Recap 
    1. Ask what the participants remember from the last session.
    2. Ask the participants what coping strategy was their favorite 
  4. Lesson: PTSD
    1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event, either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships. These symptoms can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks. 
    2. Signs and symptoms 
      1. Intrusive memories 
        1. Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
        2. Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
        3. Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
        4. Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
      2. Avoidance 
        1. Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
        2. Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
      3. Negative thoughts and moods
        1. Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
        2. Hopelessness about the future
        3. Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
        4. Difficulty maintaining close relationships
        5. Feeling detached from family and friends
        6. Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
        7. Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
        8. Feeling emotionally numb
      4. Changes in emotional and physical reactions 
        1. Being easily startled or frightened
        2. Always being on guard for danger
        3. Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
        4. Trouble sleeping
        5. Trouble concentrating
        6. Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
      5. Coping strategies 
      6. Physical 
        1. Rhythmic exercise that engages both your arms and legs
        2. Rock climbing, boxing, weight training, or martial arts.
        3. Spending time in nature.
        4. Get enough sleep.
        5. Avoid alcohol and drugs. 
        6. Take time to relax
      7. Spiritual 
        1. Volunteering
        2. Praying 
      8. Mental 
        1. Eat a healthy diet.
        2. Daily affirmations 
        3. Positive thinking 
        4. Avoid alcohol and drugs. 
      9. Emotional
        1. Talk to others for support
        2. Learn about trauma and PTSD
  5. Break 
    1. Refreshments will be served 
  6. Activity 
  1. Debrief 
    1. The group will discuss the activity and their findings of it. The group will then discuss what coping strategies they would find most beneficial for their individual use and bring a list of 3 coping strategies from each self care dimension. 

Items Needed: 

  • Handouts 
  • Refreshments 
  • Pens/pencils
  • Notebook

Reference:

Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Coping with Traumatic Stress Reactions. (2007, May 7). Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/coping_stress_reactions.asp 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, July 6). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967