Session 5 - 'A Day in the Life of a Resi Rehab'

​The Demystifying Psychology Course group has concluded for 2024.

In this session, "A Day in the Life of a Resi Rehab", we :

1. Look at Victoria's Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) support systems for people affected by substance dependence (see slide # 6),
2. Discovered  the benefits of "Communiques" as a treatment tool in AOD.
3. Reviewed 5 sessions by measuring participant progress in each session.

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'A Day in the Life of a Resi Rehab' Powerpoint - PDF

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"Communiques" are a highly structured and supported conversation between two people, one with a complaint about the other. AOD residential treatment services, such as Odyssey House, have had significant success using "Communiques". The key purpose of a "Communique" is for an aggrieved person (often an AOD resident) to be supported to moderate and manage uncomfortable feelings .

A "Communique" generally has 3 parts:

1. Description of the event, eg, "when we were washing the dishes, you said .."
2. Description of the aggrieved person's feelings about that event, eg. "when you said (xyz) I felt ...."
3. An outcome, for example "I want you to ......" (apologise, not to speak to me that way again ... etc)

Other people usually involved in the discussion:

• Support person for the aggrieved person.
• Support person for the wrong-doer 
• Discussion facilitator.
• AOD therapist

The aim of a "Communique" is met if the process has helped the aggrieved person regulate their feelings, the concerning behaviour (if any) ceases, and the matter is resolved satisfactorily.

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Then we got onto the final task for the semester - reviewing the course using the feedback format below. Session #1 started with participants scoring their level of confidence in these topic which would be covered over the five session program. Today the group reviewed the same list and self-assessed for any changes in levels of confidence. When shared with the convener, these scores can be excellent indicators of the effectiveness of session content. Where the scores demonstrate enhanced confidence in a topic, a convener is reassured that the content design is on track. Scores that are stagnant or regress are a good indication the content needs reviewing.

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Congratulations and many thanks  to the 2024 Demystifying Psychology Course group. You have now "qualified" to join the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group! ​

The meetings are held:
Date: Third Thursday of the month.
Time: 2:00- 4:00pm
Location: RSL building 52-64 Nunn Street - ground floor.

Refreshments: Not available on site. You are welcome to bring a thermos and cup etc. If you wish to purchase from Ruby Blue Cafe (temporarily located at 52 Nunn Street), staff will deliver to our room at the RSL. Please note, there is no obligation to purchase refreshments.

Keep warm,

​
Jane