an FAQ on the connections training (september 8-10 in houston)
[image error]We are receiving daily emails about the 3-day Connections Curriculum Training that is scheduled for September 8-10, in Houston. I thought it might be helpful to post an FAQ here for those of you who are interested in attending or would like more information. You're welcome to leave questions in the comments section and we'll answer them in the same place!
1. What is the Connections Curriculum?
After I wrote I Thought It Was Just Me, I received hundreds of emails and letters from helping professionals asking how to integrate Shame Resilience Theory (my theory on how shame works in our lives) into their work with clients.
After conducting several focus groups with mental health and addiction professionals, I developed Connections – a psycho-educational, empirically based curriculum that professionals can use to help their clients recognize shame as a universal experience and embrace authentic living as a foundation for shame resilience.
Connections includes a three-ring binder with facilitator information and lesson plans for twelve sessions, a 114-minute DVD, and a CD-ROM containing reproducible client handouts.
2. What training do you need to facilitate Connections?
The curriculum was designed for helping professionals. Facilitators should have the appropriate licensure and/or training to do psycho-educational work with groups, as dictated by their accrediting entity. Facilitators should also attend at least one national training for the curriculum prior to working with clients.
3. Where is Connections being facilitated and by whom?
Connections is currently being facilitated by social workers, psychologists, nurses, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, addiction professionals, criminal justice professionals, clergy, pastoral counselors, and professional coaches. The settings are very diverse and range from churches and in-patient treatment centers, to prisons, group therapy settings, high schools, middle schools, and corporate settings.
Just a note: Not all faciliators call it Connections. One of the most popular groups in Houston is called "The Hustle for Worthiness" group - based on the title of this DVD. There are is also a long-running group called "Pefectly Imperfect." Other than me and a few of my shame-reslience loving friends, not too many people would show up to "Shame School." I'd personally go Harry Potter and call my group "Defense Against the Dark Arts."
4. What can we expect from the 3-day event?
I will facilitate the majority of the training on all three days. I've invited four master therapists/trainers to join us and talk about their experiences facilitating the curriculum and to lead breakout sessions. We will basically go through the entire curriculum and process the work from both the client and the facilitator's perspectives. We will do some small group work and experiential work.
5. Do I need to buy the curriculum if I'm attending the training?
Yes. When you register they'll give you a link to buy the curriculum at a discounted price. You can also buy it directly from Hazelden.
If you have the first edition (black cover), you may want to consider buying the updated version. We've made some major changes.
6. I went to the last national training in 2009. Will there be anything new?
YES! We will be integrating major pieces from my theory on Wholhearted Living into the existing work (the guideposts from The Gifts of Imperfection). We'll also explore the importance of creative arts, music, and spirituality.
7. What about hotels and logistics for folks who don't live in Houston?
No problem! Our event hosts have all of the information you need when you register!
8. I'd love to be in a Connections group. How do I find a facilitator in my area?
We're working on this right now! We hope to have a list by November.
Additional information and registration is HERE!
To learn more about Connections and read a sample chapter, click here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section!
