Building Connections (18+)
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Objective: Establish group norms, introduce members, and set expectations.
Week 1 (Sep 6, 2024)
Activities:
Icebreaker activities to build rapport.
Discuss group goals and outline the 12-week program.
Introduction to PEERS® curriculum and Non-Violent Communication (NVC)
Resource(s):
PEERS® introductory materials
NVC overview
Objective: How to initiate and sustain conversations
Week 2 (Sep 13, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on conversation starters.
Role-playing scenarios.
Homework assignment on practicing conversation starters in real-life situations.
Resource(s):
PEERS®
DBT mindfulness exercises to stay present in conversations
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Objective: Develop skills to keep conversations going
Week 3 (Sep 20, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on maintaining conversations.
Group practice sessions.
NVC exercises on empathetic listening and responding.
Resource(s):
PEERS®
NVC
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Objective: Understand and use non-verbal communication effectively
Week 4 (Sep 27, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on non-verbal cues
DBT skills for observing and describing non-verbal behavior
Group practice with feedback
Resource(s):
PEERS®
DBT observational skills
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Objective: Navigate electronic forms of communication
Week 5 (Oct 4, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on texting and social media.
Discussion on digital etiquette.
Resource(s):
PEERS®
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Objective: Recognize and express emotions healthily
Week 6 (Oct 11, 2024)
Activities:
NVC lesson on identifying and articulating feelings.
DBT emotion regulation exercises.
Group discussion on emotional experiences.
Resource(s):
NVC
DBT
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Objective: Learn strategies for managing conflicts
Week 7 (Oct 18, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on conflict resolution.
NVC role-playing on expressing needs and resolving conflicts.
Homework on applying conflict resolution strategies.
Resource(s):
PEERS®
NVC conflict resolution techniques
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Objective: Understand the dynamics of forming and maintaining friendships
Week 8 (Oct 25, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on making and keeping friends.
Group activities to build trust and connection.
Homework on reaching out to a potential friend.
Resource(s):
PEERS®
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Objective: Collaborate on solving group and individual problems
Week 9 (Nov 1, 2024)
Activities:
DBT group problem-solving strategies.
Group exercises on collaborative decision-making.
Discussion on personal challenges and solutions.
Resource(s):
DBT
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Objective: Enhance advanced communication techniques
Week 10 (Nov 8, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® advanced conversation skills
NVC exercises on deepening conversations
Role-playing with complex social scenarios
Resource(s):
PEERS®
NVC
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Objective: Develop assertiveness in communication
Week 11 (Nov 15, 2024)
Activities:
PEERS® lesson on assertiveness
NVC role-playing on assertive communication
Group feedback on assertiveness practice
Resource(s):
PEERS®
NVC assertiveness techniques
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Objective: Review skills learned and celebrate progress
Week 11 (Nov 15, 2024)
Activities:
Group review of key lessons from PEERS®, NVC, and DBT.
Discussion on applying skills beyond the group.
Graduation ceremony and distribution of completion certificates
Resource(s):
Summary handouts from:
PEERS®
NVC
DBT