- Arrange contact and time with group members between groups.
- Commit yourself to change/learn/practice/use other expressions than the discount “Try”, unless you’re Not fully committed to the action.
- Develop clear, as-measurable as possible, goals.
- Review your goals regularly; at least quarterly, then date and rate (01-10) on contract.
- Stay focused on the Present and on change.
- Take reasonable risks, especially when scared, experimenting/exploring new behaviors in group and between sessions.
- Keep a therapy journal – it really helps!
- Practice new behaviors again and again, in and out of group.
- Watch the video of the group regularly and carefully between sessions, both when present and absent; be sure to take notes and report your observations to your group.
- Put significant energy into homework when it is assigned, and bring it up/discuss it at next session.
- Reward yourself for positive changes, especially for small steps – this is how all animals learn everything ; See Please Don’t Shoot the Dog– Karen Pryor.
- Develop ‘here and now’ skills – be present-focused – what do I want/feel/think NOW.
- Check-out your perceptions; beliefs, impact; and reactions with others.
- Develop simple, clear and effective communication and intimacy skills (open, honest and direct in the ‘hear and now’; especially notice discounts of self and others = talking/acting as if what is Real isn’t Real, and what isn’t Real is Real.
- Give others generous, clear feedback.
- Give positive strokes to others for their changes.
- Review this carefully the first week and monthly thereafter. Be sure to ask me about anything you don’t fully understand – you can be sure at least three other members also need to know.
CenterPoint Psychotherapy Psychology Associates , 3729 Benson Dr. , Raleigh , NC 27609 and World of One Global Integrative, 209 Lloyd St, Suite 290, Carrboro, NC 27510.
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