Worksheets for Organisations

The workshops should be used as part of a wider programme. The recommended format for presenting these powerpoints, is to encourage inclusion rather than “lecturing”.

By following five simple steps, you can create groups that are open, honest and information led.

1.Get each person in the group to read out a different slide. (Unless they don’t feel comfortable reading).

2.It is up to the facilitator to guide a relaxed group, that encourages discussion.

3.Between each slide, discuss what has come up, encourage people to use examples, ask questions or disagree with the statements.

4.Follow up these Informative Groups with practical groups (using the questions included) to make groups personal and effective.

What is Information Therapy:

Donald W. Kemper and Molly Mettler defined information therapy as providing the right information, to the right person, at the right time, to help make better decisions or to improve a health behaviour.

What is Informative Group Therapy:

Informative Group Therapy (IGT) is a style of workshop designed to be inclusive using multiple sensory  learning and interactive discussions. It is a relaxed and informative approach to group therapy that assists the facilitator in delivering targeted content and, if delivered appropriately, allows the client to be part of the therapeutic process by making their own choices based on the information delivered.

IGT is written from a first-person point of view, each member of the group is encouraged, but not required, to read a slide with the facilitator adding to the notes or encouraging discussion before moving on (where applicable).

This allows clients to absorb the information through either reading or listening to others, where possible diagrams have been included, as some people are more visual and facilitators are encouraged to use whiteboards or flipcharts to explain concepts or discussions

The tone of IGT is to encourage co-production through open discussion, questions and even disagreement. Clients are encouraged to share personal experiences relating to the topic and slides being delivered.

Facilitators are encouraged to be authentic, open and trustworthy.

Informative therapy expands on information therapy in the following ways:

1.The information is provided is written in the first person, to help with identification.

2.Examples are used to provide better understanding.

3.Questions are added to make learning personal.

4.Specific action is encouraged through solutions.

5.After each group, give members a copy of the presentation so that they can recap and reflect on the information provided.

6.Follow up these Informative Groups with practical groups (using the questions included) to make groups personal and effective.

An informative approach is one aspect of recovery and some people may benefit from a multiple disciplinary approach, including peer support, one to one counselling, DBT, CBT and/or group therapy.