The Pathways in Living Education Program has been developed by NAMI of Greater Chicago members who are consumers of mental health services to educate their fellow consumers about a deliberate and strengths based approach to plan for and enhance their own recovery.   The course emphasizes that recovery is a process and presents methods for inventorying personal strengths, overcoming obstacles to recovery, setting long and short-term goals, and techniques for utilizing, nurturing, and expanding the supportive relationships in the consumers’ lives.

 

Pathways in Living Course Outline

 

Week 1 – Introduction to a Strengths Recovery Approach

Class one presents the basics of the Strengths Recovery Approach.  It includes a definition of what recovery is as well as a short history of the consumer movement.

 

Week 2 – Gearing Up for the Journey

            This class explores the “ABCs” of recovery—some of the attitudes, behaviors, and ways of thinking (cognitions) that can help us prepare for the journey of recovery.

 

Week 3 – Setting Ourselves in Motion

            This class presents the concept of a “You Turn” or turnaround toward recovery.  It covers the importance of motivation and the obstacles to starting the recovery journey.

 

Week 4 – Recovery is Self-Discovery: Recognizing Our Strengths

            This class explores initial ideas about identifying strengths and ways to make the most of personal and environmental strengths.  By the end of the class, you will have a complete inventory of strengths that will support your personal journey of recovery.

 

Week 5 – Setting a Course for the Recovery Journey

            This class concentrates on creating a personal vision for the recovery journey and outlines methods for setting successful long-term and short-term goals.

 

Week 6 – Mapping Our Goals, Social Supports, and Travel Companions for the Journey

            This class explores the directions you want to head in the future and the circle of social support and ways to nurture and expand the supportive relationships in our lives.

 

Week 7 – Developing Your Personal Recovery Plan

This class combines the vision, strengths and long-term and short-term goals to create a Personal Recovery Plan that serves as the roadmap for the recovery journey.

 

Week 8 – Graduation and Celebration

This class will present an Advanced Directives Document for your personal use.  Final Self-Assessments and Course Evaluations will be completed.  And Certificates will be presented to all course participants.