TRAINER’S MANUAL Recovery International One Day Training JANUARY 2014 © C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 1 4 , A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D TO R E C O V E R Y I N T E R N AT I O N A L . June 1, 2014 Dear Recovery International Leaders, Colleagues and Friends, We are delighted to provide you with this copy of Recovery International’s new, standardized, One Day Training Manual. This One Day Training Manual is designed for group leaders and potential leaders; newcomers to Recovery International (RI); veteran RI members, their families and friends, and mental health professionals. The purpose of this training is to provide attendees with information to sharpen and enhance their understanding and practice of RI. It will provide attendees with a better understanding of the basics of the Recovery International (RI) Method, including the basic concepts, tools, example format, and meeting structure. The goal is to prepare attendees to fully participate in RI meetings and to become more effective group leaders, whether it is an RI-Traditional or RI-Discovery meeting. The Manual is divided into 3 sections: Modules 1-8 contain the training presentation; Appendix A contains Optional Training Activities, and Appendix B contains Training Copies and Participant Handouts. The agenda is flexible and can be adapted to fit the timeframe and setting that work best for your needs. Thus the material may also be used for Area Leader’s meetings, weekly group meetings, presentations and other informational events. If you need additional copies of the Manual, you may make copies yourself or your Area Leader/Team may do so. You may also order extra Manuals from Headquarters at a price of $15/per copy. Also enclosed is a letter from our Executive Director with copyright approval. If you want to make a copy of the Manual, please take this letter with you. You may copy all or portions of the Manual. A downloadable copy of the Manual will also be posted on the Leader’s website at: http://www. recoveryinternational.org/leaders.asp. Please contact us if you have any questions. And remember to endorse for all your efforts to share the RI Method with anyone – anywhere – anytime. Without you we couldn’t do it – many thanks! Sarah Grant Reid Chair, RI Program Committee Member, RI Board of Directors 105 W. Adams St., Ste. 2940 Chicago, IL 60603 [email protected] ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Toll-free: 866-221-0302 www.recoveryinternational.org June 1, 2014 To: RI Group Leaders, Colleagues & Friends of RI From: Christine Lewis, Executive Director RE: Recovery International One Day Training Manual Copyright Per Recovery International, this letter grants you permission to copy the entire Recovery International One Day Training Manual or any part of the Manual as necessary. If you need additional copies at $15 per copy, you can send a request to Headquarters at [email protected] or call 1-866-221-0302. Thank you, Christine Lewis Executive Director Recovery International 105 W. Adams St., Ste. 2940 Chicago, IL 60603 [email protected] ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Toll-free: 866-221-0302 www.recoveryinternational.org Content Welcome & Introductions: Overview/Purposes/Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Module 1: Introduction to Recovery International. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Module 2: Temper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Module 3: Tools and Spotting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28 Module 4: The Example Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34 Module 5: Environment and Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 38 Module 6: Other Recovery International Concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 44 Module 7: Recovery International Meeting Parts and Group Leaders Guide. . . Page 50 Module 8: Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62 APPENDIX A: Optional Training Activities: Activity #1 - Module 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . “Introducing the Tools” Activity #2 - Module 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18. . . . . . . . . . . “Temper” Activity #3 - Module 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20. . . . . . . . . . . “What Triggers Temper” Activity #4 - Module 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25. . . . . . . . . . . “Symptoms/Averageness” APPENDIX B: Training Copies: Sample Agenda For Trainers: Master Handout List - Listed by Module For Trainers and each Participant: List of Handouts for Participants For Trainers and each Participant: Training Session Handouts (26 pages) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |1| Training Manual Purpose This training is designed for newcomers to Recovery International (RI); veteran RI members; group leaders and potential leaders; families and friends, and mental health professionals. The purpose of this training is to provide attendees with information to sharpen and enhance their understanding and practice of RI. It will provide attendees with a better understanding of the RI Method, the basics of the Recovery International (RI) Method, including the basic concepts, tools, example format, and meeting structure. The goal is to prepare attendees to fully participate in RI meetings and to become more effective group leaders, whether it be an RI-Traditional or RIDiscovery meeting. Program Objectives Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to: •• Describe the purposes and benefits of Recovery International. •• Understand and use basic RI language. •• Use some basic RI tools to drop temper in their daily lives. •• Present and spot on examples in the standard RI format. •• Feel comfortable participating in RI meetings. This training is designed for groups of between four and 20 participants. Trainers These training sessions should be conducted only by Recovery International trainers or by RI group leaders and agency or institution staff members who have been trained by RI trainers. The program is designed to be conducted by a trainer and an optional co-trainer. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |2| Training Manual Program Organization This one day training session is divided into 8 modules: 1. Introduction to Recovery International (45 minutes) 2. Temper - Part I & Part II (30 minutes each = 1 hour) (Module 2) 3. Tools and Spotting (30 minutes) (Module 3) 4. The Example Format (30 minutes) (Module 4) 5. Environments and Control (30 minutes) (Module 5) 6. Other Recovery International Concepts (1.5 hours) (Module 6) 7. Recovery International Meeting Parts (45 minutes) (Module 7) 8. Review/RI Jeopardy (30 minutes) (Module 8) This session is designed to be completed in an eight hour timeframe (see sample agenda pg. iB) and includes a one hour lunch break and an additional two, 15 minute breaks. The agenda is flexible. Some groups cut down the number of breaks; some are prepared to have a “working lunch”. The agenda can be adapted to fit the timeframe and setting that work best for each participant. Materials Needed To conduct this training, it is recommended that you have the following materials: •• One copy of this Trainer’s Guide for each trainer. •• One copy of the Handouts for Participants for each participant. •• One copy of each of the following books by Dr. Abraham Low: »» Mental Health Through Will Training »» Manage Your Fear, Manage Your Anger »» Peace versus Power in the Family »» Selections from Dr. Low’s Works »» RI - Discovery Workbook »» The Wisdom of Dr. Low ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |3| Training Manual MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Explain what to expect at a Recovery International meeting. •• Describe what Recovery International (RI) is. •• Explain why the RI Method works. •• Identify the three actions that lead to success. Materials Needed •• Module 1 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The Sessions Agenda •• The following pages in the Participant’s handouts: »» “What to Expect at a Recovery International Meeting” (page 1 & 2) »» “About Recovery International” (page 3) »» “Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI” (page 4 & 5) •• (Optional) The following activity in Appendix A: •• “Activity 1: Introducing the Tools” Timing 45 minutes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |4| Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say WELCOME the participants. We are happy to welcome you to Recovery International Training: an introduction/review of Recovery International and the RI Self-Help Method. INTRODUCE yourselves. (Provide your names.) Refer participants to their Participants Handouts. Your Participant’s Handouts contains the basic information we will be discussing during this program as well as places to take notes and worksheets you will use to complete program activities. INTRODUCE Recovery International by explaining: . To briefly introduce our organization: •• RI was founded in 1937 - we’re now more than 76 years old (fill in year as appropriate) •• Recovery International is a self-help mental health program based on the work of Abraham Low, M.D., who was a neuropsychiatrist at the University of Illinois. •• RI offers its members a low-cost method to regain and maintain their emotional health by using Dr. Low’s practical method of “mental health through will training.” ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |5| Training Manual What to Do What to Say REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts: “What to Expect at a Recovery International Meeting” & FAQ: (p. 1& 2) PRESENT the guidelines and other information concerning meeting participation by reading and explaining the points in the Participant’s Handouts. Please turn to the Participant’s Handouts page titled “What to Expect at a Recovery International Meeting” and “Frequently Asked Questions (pages 1 & 2). To help you know what to expect during this training and at Recovery International meetings, here are a few guidelines and other bits of information: •• Meetings – including these training sessions – will start and end on time. •• Please turn off your cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices. •• Meetings are facilitated by leaders trained to demonstrate the Recovery International Method. •• A Recovery International meeting is a safe place to share. We ask that all personal information disclosed during meetings be held in strict confidence. •• All Recovery International meetings follow a standard, structured format – which you’ll become familiar with during these training sessions. •• Written information will be distributed during these sessions to help you understand and participate during RI meetings. Additional RI literature, membership information and materials will also be available at each meeting. •• You may take notes during any portion of an RI meeting – including during these sessions – except during the giving of an example of a personal situation. We’ll remind you when note taking is not permitted. •• We encourage you to sit with the group and to participate. Until you are ready to participate, simply say “I pass” when called upon. •• We listen quietly and respectfully when others are reading and speaking. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |6| Training Manual What to Do What to Say CONTINUE explaining the guidelines and other information concerning meeting participation. •• You will have opportunities to ask questions or make comments – both during these sessions and at Recovery International meetings. •• We keep comments brief in order to have time for all to participate. •• We do not use offensive language. •• We don’t offer advice, criticize, judge, analyze, or make negative comments. •• We don’t discuss politics, sex, religion, or legal issues during our meetings. •• Our members are not mental health experts or trained professionals. We are people who practice the RI self-help techniques. We don’t diagnose, comment, or advise on diagnoses, treatment plans, or medications. •• Drinking any non-alcoholic beverage is permitted during a meeting and during these sessions, but eating is restricted to the last portion of regular meetings and to specifically identified portions of these training sessions. ASK FOR and ANSWER any questions from the participants. Are there any questions about these guidelines? REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts: Let’s review the schedule for this program. (Answer questions; then continue with the next topic.) Training Session Agenda cover page ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Please turn to the Training Session Agenda - cover handout Recovery International |7| Training Manual What to Do What to Say REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts: Please turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “About Recovery International” (page 3). “About Recovery International” (p. 3) DIRECT the participants to read the information in the Participant’s Handouts.. Take a couple of minutes to read this information to learn more about Recovery International. ALLOW a couple of minutes for participants to read the information. EMPHASIZE the key points in the reading. Key points to remember about Recovery International are that: • RI was the first self-help system aimed at those suffering from mental and nervous disorders and symptoms. • Tens of thousands of people have used and continue to use the RI Method to live a healthy, peaceful life. • Group leaders and facilitators have been specially trained in order to maintain consistency in structure and content within a group and from group to group. • Consistency is important so that you can go to a group meeting anywhere and join right in. • Attending RI meetings does not replace professional care and therapy. •• RI deals with symptoms, not diagnoses. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |8| Training Manual What to Do What to Say EXPLAIN how people learn about RI. RI members are referred to groups in many ways – by other members, by physicians and therapists, by agencies and other groups, for example. RI group leaders are asked to help promote their meetings as well. ASK this question. How did you find out about Recovery International? (Solicit answers from various participants.) EXPLAIN why the RI Method works. The RI Method has worked and continues to work for thousands of people – including us. • It consists of easy-to-learn techniques and tools for changing the way we react to people and situations we have no control over. •• Additionally, members learn how to identify and manage negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors that can lead to emotional distress and related physical symptoms. ASK all participants to introduce themselves . AND: As a way to introduce each other, let’s go around and give our names – first and last or just first, your choice. Optional: CONDUCT activity from Appendix A: (Optional: conduct “Activity 1: Introducing the Tools” - Activity 1 in Appendix A to allow the participants to be introduced to the tools.) “Activity 1: Introducing the Tools” (Activity 1 Appendix A) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |9| Training Manual What to Do What to Say COMMENT on the benefits of sticking with the RI Method. Recovery International can help us determine what do to with our anger. People like us who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, compulsions, neuroses, and other symptoms. ASK this question. What is one thing you’d like to get out of this program? (Solicit answers from various participants.) INTRODUCE the three parts that lead to success. There are three major types of actions that lead to success in Recovery International: • Learning the RI Method. • Gaining group support. •• Practicing. REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts pages: “Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI” (pages 4 & 5) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Turn to the Participant's Handouts pages titled “Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI” and “Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI (continued)” (pages 4 & 5). Feel free to take notes as we discuss each of these actions. Recovery International | 10 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS learning the RI Method. Let’s start with learning the RI Method. We learn the RI Method in many ways: • Attending these training sessions is a good way to begin the learning process. • We also learn by reading books written by Dr. Low and other materials that provide us with the vocabulary, tools, and steps we need to use the RI Method successfully. • A prime way we learn is from attending regular Recovery International meetings, where we read selections from Dr. Low’s writings and learn from examples given by members of how they are applying the RI Method when dealing with the stresses of everyday life that trigger distressing symptoms and impulses. DISCUSS gaining group support. We gain group support primarily from attending weekly RI meetings. • At RI meetings we can report and get feedback on our own efforts in applying the RI Method to help change our thoughts and control our impulses in reaction to normal everyday nonemergency situations that we call “trivialities.” Peer-to-Peer Support • We also can provide feedback and support to others as they give examples of their use of the RI tools to help change their thoughts and control their impulses in reaction to trivial situations. • As RI meeting attendees, we are all learning from each other – no matter how experienced we are, there is always something more to learn. • At RI meetings: • We don’t teach, we demonstrate. • We don’t judge, we support each others’ efforts. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 11 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS practicing the RI Method. And that brings us to the last action that leads to success – practice. • As with everything, the more we practice applying the RI techniques and tools to help change our thoughts and control our impulses, the better we get at doing so. • As you attend and participate in meetings and learn to apply the RI techniques, you will begin to see your challenges in a different light. • For some people this begins to happen after just a few meetings; for others it can take a few months. • At meetings you will see people in different phases of regaining and maintaining their mental health. • It’s the effort of using the RI Method that we focus on, not the results. •• We are not trying to be perfect; we are just trying to do the best we can to recognize what triggers our distressing thoughts and impulses and to apply the RI techniques that allow us to remain calm and not work ourselves up. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 12 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS the length of participation in RI. How long participants attend RI meetings varies. • Participation in RI is inexpensive. Participants can continue attending RI meetings for as long as needed. • Most people attend for at least several months to learn and get support while they learn to use the RI Method – and then continue to use the RI Method in their daily lives even if they don’t attend regular RI meetings. • Many people continue to attend RI meetings long after they’ve learned to successfully manage their stress, tension, anger, and fears to offer support to others and to continue to receive support when needed. •• Some, like us, go on to lead groups, start new groups, and train other members to lead groups. CONCLUDE this module by asking for final questions. Are there any questions before we go on? (Answer questions; then continue with the next module.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 13 | Training Manual MODULE 2 TEMPER Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Identify mental health and the ability to live a peaceful life as the supreme goals. •• Explain the importance of language in the Recovery International (RI) program. •• Explain the meaning of angry temper and fearful temper. •• Define the concepts of trivialities, averageness, and self-endorsement. Materials Needed •• Module 2 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The following pages in the Participant’s Handouts: »» “The Two Faces of Temper” (page 6) »» “What is Temperamental Language?” - (page 7) »» “The Power of Self-Endorsement” (page 8) »» “Averageness” (page 9) •• (Optional) The following activities in the Appendix A: »» Activity 2: “Temper” - Appendix A »» Activity 3: “What Triggers Temper” - Appendix A »» Activity 4: “Symptoms/Averageness” - Appendix A Timing Part I: 30 minutes Part II: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 14 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say ASK the participants to identify goals. Think about two or three long-term or short-term goals you have – things you’d like to achieve in the next few months or years – for example, maybe you want to go back to school or get a new job or travel somewhere you’ve never been or take up a new sport or hobby. ALLOW time for the participants to write out their goals. ASK the participants to identify symptoms that interfere with these goals. Now think about symptoms and emotional issues you have that might affect your ability to achieve your goals – for example, maybe you’d like to travel to Hawaii, but you are afraid to fly, or maybe you’d like to find a new job, but your hands start shaking and you have trouble breathing during job interviews. Symptoms can be physical, like sweaty palms, or mental, like racing thoughts. ALLOW time for the participants to write down their symptoms. ASK for volunteers to share their goals and symptoms. What are some of your goals and the symptoms and issues that might affect your ability to achieve them? (Solicit responses from several participants.) IDENTIFY the common goals Recovery International members work towards. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved For RI members, mental health and living a peaceful life are the common goals that we all work on achieving. We each have different individual goals that we focus on as well. Recovery International | 15 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the importance of language to the RI Method. As you may have already noticed, Recovery International has a language of its own. •• Specific meanings are assigned to certain terms. •• You’ve already heard a few words – for example, we’ve used the term “triviality.” ASK someone to explain the meaning of “triviality.” What does “triviality” mean to Recovery International members? (Solicit the following answer, providing it if not given: - Everyday activities or events, non-emergencies, not moral, legal, or ethical issues.) EXPLAIN the purposes of the RI language. The RI language serves a number of purposes: •• It is designed so that harmful thoughts can be replaced with helpful ones. •• We avoid words that exaggerate events, are fearful, are judgmental, or are diagnostic. •• Recovery language is designed to provide security and help us not work ourselves up. •• Our language is universal to all members and helps ensure that meetings are a safe place for everyone. Let’s talk a little more about how the RI language helps us deal with some of our common problems, such as anxiety, depression, and compulsions – how it helps us replace harmful thoughts with positive ones and not work ourselves up. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 16 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS symptomatic idiom and how it leads to vicious cycles. In RI we learn that our symptoms speak to us. Dr. Low calls this the “symptomatic idiom.” “Idiom" is just another word for “language” or “way of speaking.” Usually, we just say “thoughts of danger” or “anxiety” instead of using the more complicated term, “symptomatic idiom.” For many of us, thoughts of danger, or feelings of anxiety, make us tense, and tension causes symptoms. The symptoms then scare us, causing more anxiety and more symptoms in what becomes an almost endless vicious cycle resulting in chronic anxiety, panic, and feelings of helplessness. For example: •• Physical symptoms such as headaches and dizzy spells tell us that we are in danger of becoming sick; as these symptoms make us more anxious, we get into a vicious cycle that leads to a fear of physical collapse. CONTINUE discussing symptomatic idiom and how it leads to vicious cycles. •• Likewise, mental symptoms, such as racing thoughts and hearing voices, lead to a fear of mental collapse. •• Compulsions speak of some vague danger that will result if we don’t act on the compulsion. Eventually, as the vicious cycle continues, we develop the fear of a permanent handicap – the belief that we will never get well and cannot help ourselves. ASK about the participants’ nervous symptoms. Can you think of a nervous symptom that has made you feel frightened or helpless? (Solicit responses from several participants.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 17 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say EXPLAIN how the RI language can be used to help participants cope with symptoms. In RI, we learn that nervous symptoms are simply a harmless expression of a nervous imbalance. They cause us a lot of discomfort, but they are never dangerous. We learn to use the language of RI to cope with our symptoms. For example: •• When I find myself becoming nervous about going to a party where I won’t know many people, I think about what I’ve learned in RI – that “anticipation is often worse than realization.” I remember other times when I’ve met new people and had an enjoyable time. •• When I feel helpless and think I will never get well, I remind myself that I can get well, because, as I’ve learned through RI: “There are no hopeless cases.” I use the language of RI to help me change my negative thoughts to positive ones. Optional: CONDUCT Activity from Appendix A: “Activity 2: Temper” (see Appendix A) REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: “The Two Faces of Temper” (p. 6) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved (Optional: conduct “Activity 2: Temper” - in Appendix A - to demonstrate how prevalent temper is and to introduce the tool “endorse for effort, not just for performance.”) Now let’s discuss one of the most important and basic RI terms – temper. Please turn to the Participant’s Handouts page titled “The Two Faces of Temper” (page 6). Recovery International | 18 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the concept of “temper.” A key concept is the concept of temper: •• In Recovery International, “temper” refers to negative judgments in everyday events. •• These judgments do not apply to moral, ethical, or legal issues – only to the trivial activities of daily living. •• RI terminology refers to two types of temper – angry temper and fearful temper. DEFINE angry temper. Angry temper: •• Is a negative judgment directed against another person or situation. •• Can take the form of resentment, impatience, indignation, disgust, or hatred, for example. ASK for other forms of angry temper. What other forms of angry temper can you think of? (Solicit answers from various participants.) ASK for examples of angry temper in the participants’ lives. What examples of angry temper can you think of from your life – examples of everyday situations when you have become angry or impatient or irritated at others, for instance? (Solicit examples from various participants.) DEFINE fearful temper. Fearful temper, on the other hand: •• Is a negative judgment directed against yourself. •• Causes you to become fearful or angry at yourself. •• Can take the form of discouragement, preoccupation, embarrassment, worry, hopelessness, despair, sense of shame, or feelings of inadequacy, for example. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 19 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ASK for other forms of fearful temper. What other forms of fearful temper can you think of? (Solicit answers from various participants.) ASK for examples of fearful temper in the participants’ lives. What examples of fearful temper can you think of from your life – examples of everyday situations when you have become angry at yourself or embarrassed or discouraged, for instance? (Solicit examples from various participants.) Optional: CONDUCT activity from Appendix A: “Activity 3: What Triggers Temper” (Appendix A) (Optional: conduct “Activity 3: What Triggers Temper” in Appendix A to help the participants become aware of the types of situations that might trigger their fearful temper.) DISCUSS temperamental deadlocks. Temper can lead to temperamental deadlocks – quarreling over who is right and who is wrong in everyday situations that can result in an angry standoff. PROVIDE an example of a temperamental deadlock. For example, I’m sure we’ve all seen examples in sports where a player argues with an umpire or referee over a call the player disagrees with, and neither is willing to back down. ASK for examples of temperamental deadlocks in the participants’ lives. Who can describe another example of a temperamental deadlock you’ve observed or experienced in your everyday life? (Solicit examples from various participants.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 20 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS temperamental language. Temper can also lead to or be the result of temperamental language – language that is alarming or defeating or results in exaggerated, negative or insecure descriptions of experiences. REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page 7:”What Is Temperamental Language?” - If time allows, read and discuss briefly, or request that participants read this later. PROVIDE examples of temperamental language. For example: •• When I was talking before about thinking that I’ll never get well, that’s an example of temperamental language. •• When someone asks us to do something, and we immediately think, “I can’t do that; it’s too hard,” that’s an example of temperamental language. •• Another example of temperamental language is when someone makes a comment about something we’ve said or done, and we say or think, “That person is always criticizing, no matter what I say or do. That person is never satisfied.” END Part I with a break ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Let’s take a break before we continue. (Advise the participants when they should reconvene.) Recovery International | 21 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say Welcome Participants back and continue with Part II: Welcome back! - Before the break, we were discussing temperamental language. Let’s go on with that discussion and then Part II of this session on “Temper”. ASK the participants for other examples of temperamental language. Who can give other examples of temperamental language that you’ve used or heard others use? GIVE examples how the RI Method helps deal with temper. In RI, we learn to identify temper and substitute secure language for temperamental language to change the way we react to and handle situations. (Solicit examples from various participants.) •• For example: remember when I was talking before about becoming nervous about going to a party where I wouldn’t know many people? When I described thinking that “anticipation is often worse than realization” and remembering other times when I’ve met new people and had an enjoyable time, that’s an example of substituting secure language for temperamental language. •• Another example is when my next door neighbor plays music too loud, I think “people do things that annoy us not to annoy us” and realize that the neighbor probably does not realize how loud the music is and is not disturbing me on purpose. CONCLUDE the discussion of temper with a summary of how learning the RI Method helps members control temperamental reactions. Learning the Recovery International Method will equip you with the knowledge and tools to identify – or spot – temper and control your temperamental reactions. •• In RI, we learn to avoid working ourselves up into temper. •• We learn to be aware of our symptoms of temper and use secure language to avoid getting into vicious cycles where accelerating temper and tenseness increase the length and intensity of our feelings and sensations, which create more temper and tenseness and lead to defeatism. •• We learn that “tempers are frequently uncontrolled but not uncontrollable” and that “helplessness is not hopelessness.” •• We learn that by changing our thoughts, we can change our feelings and sensations – that “subjective feelings don’t lead to objective facts” and that even though our feelings are real, they are not reliable guides to how we should act. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 22 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ASK for final questions about temper. Are there any final questions about temper before we go on? (Answer questions; then continue.) REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: Another basic RI concept we’d like to discuss at this point is self-endorsement. “The Power of SelfEndorsement” (p. 8) Turn to the Participant’s Handouts page titled “The Power of Self-Endorsement” (page 8) and take notes as we discuss the importance of self-endorsement. EXPLAIN the meaning of self-endorsement. As we practice the RI Method, we endorse ourselves for any effort. •• Self-endorsement is a mental pat on the back we give ourselves for any effort we make to spot our temper and to control our words and actions. - ** IMPORTANT!!! - •• We do not look for endorsement from others; we endorse ourselves. EMPHASIZE the importance of endorsing for effort. We endorse ourselves for any effort we make to control how we think and act, whether we are successful or not. It’s the effort we focus on, not the result. DIRECT the participants to think about what they can endorse themselves for today. Think about some efforts you can endorse yourself for today – for example, for having the courage to come to this meeting or for volunteering a comment. Write down some ways you can endorse yourself in the space provided on the handout. ALLOW time for the participants to write down ways they can endorse themselves. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 23 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ASK for some examples of what the participants are endorsing themselves for. Who would like to share what you are endorsing yourselves for today? REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: A final Recovery International concept we’d like to emphasize today is averageness. “Averageness” (p. 9) EXPLAIN the concept of averageness. (Solicit responses from various participants.) Turn to the Participant’s Handouts page titled “Averageness” (page 9) and take notes as we discuss what averageness means to RI members. In RI, averageness is fine. •• Average does not mean mediocre. •• It means balanced. •• It means that we do not try to be exceptional. •• We understand that: »» Everyone experiences similar trivialities. »» Everyone has temper. »» Everyone gets tense and nervous to a degree. •• It’s average to feel the impulse to lash out in anger or to avoid what we fear. •• Our experiences are average, not exceptional, and our feelings and sensations are not exceptional either. •• It’s only our tendency to work them up that makes them seem exceptional to us. •• We also do not put pressure on ourselves to always be able to react perfectly – no one can. •• We want to set realistic goals – what we can achieve, not what’s impossible to achieve. DISCUSS the concept of each person having a different average. We each have our own average. For example, some people are early risers and do their best thinking in the morning. That is their average. Others do their best thinking in the afternoon or late at night. That is their average. We are all good at some things and not so good at others. Different people are good at different things. In this way, too, we each have our own average ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 24 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say GIVE an example of one thing you are good at and one thing you are not so good at. For example, I’m good at (give an example of something you are good at), but I’m not good at (give an example of something you are not good at). ASK this question. What is one thing you are good at and one thing you are not so good at? (Solicit responses from several participants.) Optional: CONDUCT activity from Appendix A: “Activity 4: Symptoms/ Averageness” Appendix A (Optional: conduct “Activity 4: Symptoms/ Averageness” in Appendix A to illustrate the concept of averageness.) EMPHASIZE the importance of effort. It’s not really how good we are at something that’s important. What is important is our effort – that we try to do our best. TIE in the concepts of endorsement and averageness. In RI we endorse ourselves for our efforts to change our thoughts and control our impulses. Any degree of effort, any attempt to use the RI techniques and tools that you’ll be learning to spot our symptoms and control our temper is worthy of endorsement. We try to drop the judgment – of ourselves and others. ASK for questions about self-endorsement and averageness. Are there any questions about self-endorsement or averageness? (Answer questions; then continue.) CONCLUDE the module by reviewing the basic concepts covered in the module. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Let’s take a moment now to review what we’ve discussed so far. Recovery International | 25 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say REVIEW the concept of temper by asking this question. We’ve talked about two types of temper. What are they, and how are they different from each other? (Look for this response: •• Angry temper – negative judgments directed against another person or situation. •• Fearful temper – negative judgments directed against oneself.) REVIEW the concepts of symptomatic idiom, vicious cycles, and temperamental language. We’ve also talked about how using the language of Recovery International helps us deal with our nervous symptoms and our angry and fearful temper so that we don’t get into vicious cycles. How does using the language of RI help us avoid giving in to the language of symptoms and temperamental language? (Look for this response: •• It allows us to substitute secure thoughts for insecure thoughts.) REVIEW the concept of selfendorsement by asking this question. What do we mean by self-endorsement? (Look for this response: •• Self-praise for any positive effort, regardless of the result.) REVIEW the concept of averageness by asking this question. What do we mean when we say that most of our experiences and symptoms are average? (Look for this response: •• Most people have experienced them and most people would react in similar ways to some degree.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 26 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DIRECT the participants to endorse themselves for their efforts so far. You’ve now learned some of the key RI concepts and language. I think we should all endorse ourselves for our efforts to this point. CONCLUDE the review by asking for final questions. Are there any final questions about these concepts? (Answer questions.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 27 | Training Manual MODULE 3 TOOLS & SPOTTING Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Define the terms “spot” and “spotting” as they relate to the Recovery International Method. •• Explain what the tools are and how they are used in spotting temper. •• Begin to use the tools to help them drop temper. Materials Needed •• Module 3 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The following pages in the Participant’s Handouts: »» “Spotting” (page 10) »» “Some Basic RI Tools” (Tools List: pages 11 & 12) »» “Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper” (page 13) »» “Constructing an RI Example: A Worksheet” ((page 14) Timing 30 minutes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 28 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the topic of spotting. As we’ve said previously, using the Recovery International Self-Help Method helps you change your thoughts and control your impulses in order to reduce nervous symptoms. We often are not aware of what it is that is causing our symptoms. We need to learn to spot these negative thoughts and impulses. REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page: Turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “Spotting” (page 10). “Spotting” (p. 10) DEFINE the term “spot.” In RI, we use the term “spot” two ways. •• “To spot” means to identify when we are having a temperamental reaction or symptom and to remember an RI concept and use it to drop our temper or manage our symptoms. •• A “spot” or “tool” is a short sentence that we use to help us remember an RI concept and enable us to drop our temper and manage our symptoms. EXPLAIN how we learn and use spots. There are many spots, or tools. •• We learn them through practice. •• Different tools apply to different situations. •• Different tools have different meanings to different people. •• There is no right or wrong way to use the tools; whatever works for you is appropriate. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 29 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: Please turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “Some Basic RI Tools” (page 12). “Some Basic RI Tools” (p. 11 & 12) (Tools List) INTRODUCE the tools list. This page lists a few of the basic RI tools. They come from three books written by Dr. Abraham Low: •• Mental Health Through Will Training (MH) •• Manage Your Fears, Manage Your Anger (MYF) •• Selections from Dr. Low’s Works (SEL) ASK the participants to read the tools out loud. Let’s go around the group and read each tool out loud. (Select a different person to read each tool. Continue until each tool has been read out loud.) (If time permits!) EXPLAIN that there are many, many more tools. As the title says, this is a “Sampling of Tools & Terms”. There are many, many more tools to be found in the writings of Dr. Low. As you begin to attend RI meetings, you’ll learn more of them by listening to examples members give of how they are applying the RI concepts and through short readings from the books that begin each meeting. EXPLAIN how to use the tools list. For now, you’ll use this list of tools to practice using the RI Method. (Discuss how long to use the Tools list - not forever & always - designed to help newcomers) When you spot yourself in temper, you’ll use one or more of the tools to change your thoughts and drop your temper. You’ll find, as we all do, that certain tools are more helpful to you than others, and you’ll use those tools the most. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 30 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say EMPHASIZE again that there is no right or wrong in which tools to use. As was explained before, there is no right or wrong in which tools to apply – whatever works for you is appropriate. INTRODUCE some examples of how to use the tools. Here are some examples of the way we apply the tools to handle trivial everyday situations. PROVIDE an example of your use of the tools. (Give an example of a situation and how you used the tools to drop your temper – use the four-part example format without identifying the example parts.) (IF TIME ALLOWS) ASK the participants to identify other appropriate tools for the example. What other tools from your list might also have been appropriate to help drop the temper in this situation? (Solicit appropriate tools from several participants.) COMMENT positively on the activity. Be sure to endorse yourselves for your effort in applying the tools to our sample situations. ASK for questions about using the tools. Are there any questions about using the tools before we go on? (Answer questions; then continue.) REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: “Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper” (p. 13) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Now it’s time for you to begin to practice applying the tools to trivialities in your own lives. Turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper” (page 13). Recovery International | 31 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DIRECT the participants to complete the activity. Take a few minutes to think of a couple of different trivial everyday situations in your life recently when you have found yourself in temper. Summarize these situations briefly in the left column of the worksheet. Then identify the tempers – angry and fearful – in the middle column. In the right column, write down one or more tools from the tools list that you might have applied to that situation to help you drop your temper. IMPORTANT Please remember that both types of tempers – angry AND fearful – are in all examples. One is stronger than the other, but both are present and need to be spotted.” ALLOW time for the participants to write down their situations, type of temper, and tools. DISCUSS the activity. Who would like to describe one of your situations, the type of temper you experienced, and the tools you’ve identified to help you drop your temper? (Solicit responses from various participants.) COMMENT positively on the activity. See how simple it is to identify appropriate tools to use in the trivial situations where you experience angry or fearful temper in your own lives? Be sure to endorse yourselves for your beginning efforts in applying the tools to your own situations. ENCOURAGE the use of the tools. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Now that you have your tools list, try to spot your temperamental reactions when faced with the trivialities of everyday life, and think of appropriate tools from the list to help you drop your temper. Recovery International | 32 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ENCOURAGE the participants to document their efforts. REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page: “Constructing an RI Example: A Worksheet” (p. 14) CONCLUDE this module by asking for final questions. When you have time, jot down a summary of the situation and the tools you used so that you can report on it in these sessions or at an RI meeting. This worksheet is especially good for beginners, but also helps people prepare examples for meetings and practice between meetings. It’s useful to have copies on hand and encourage meeting attendees to use them. Are there any final questions about the use of tools? (Answer questions; then continue with the next module.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 33 | Training Manual MODULE 4 THE EXAMPLE FORMAT Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Identify the four steps of an example. •• Spot on examples. Materials Needed •• Module 4 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The following pages in the Participant’s Handouts: »» “Outline of How an Example Should Be Constructed” (page 15 & 16) »» “Some Basic RI Tools” (pages 11 & 12) Timing 30 minutes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 34 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the module. The major portion of each Recovery International meeting – and the way we report on and practice using the RI Method and tools – is the presentation of very structured examples. These examples illustrate our use of the RI Method to deal with trivialities of our daily life that result in a temperamental reaction. REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: Turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “Outline of How an Example Should Be Constructed” (page 15 & 16). “Outline of How an Example Should Be Constructed” (p. 15 & 16) This sheet lists each of the four steps. ASK different participants to read each step. Let’s begin by reading each of the steps out loud. EXPLAIN why the example is structured. This four-step format was designed by Dr. Low to allow us to easily focus on and practice the RI Method both at meetings and in our regular lives away from meetings. (Select a different participant to read each of the steps on the page.) It keeps us disciplined when we are sharing so that we report concisely and simply instead of wandering all over the place. EXPLAIN further how the example structure helps RI members. Read the 4 steps of the outline for each example. This helps keep people on track and helps newcomers learn and participate. The example structure helps us to: •• Report rather than complain. •• Note our symptoms. •• Check on our tempers. •• Use the tools to change our thoughts •• See our progress. •• Endorse ourselves for our efforts. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 35 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS the process of becoming familiar with the example format. Learning to give an example simply and clearly in the four-step sequence is an important part of the RI Method. Read the 4 steps of the outline for each example. This helps keep people on track and helps newcomers learn and participate. INTRODUCE the process of spotting after an example. ** IMPORTANT point about first time meeting attendees: EXPLAIN the spotting procedure. After each example other group members spot on that example by identifying to the group tools that the example giver used or other tools that could have been used in addition to the ones mentioned. 1ST time attendees do not give examples, but participate in the meeting using the Tools List during the spotting period. Spotting should last no more than 10 minutes for each example. During the spotting on an example: •• The example giver cannot talk -- it’s as if he or she goes into a glass box and can hear and see but not speak. **Spots are addressed to the example facilitator!!! •• The spotters refer to the example giver in the third person – as “he” or “she” or by name, not as “you” – so that they are talking to the whole group, like reporters, not just to the person who gave the example. •• There is no accusing or defending. EXPLAIN the purpose of spotting. Spots are offered for support and learning. They provide constructive information only. The example giver is free to accept or reject the spotting internally but does not make any comments on the spots. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 36 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say RESTATE the purpose of example giving and spotting. Remember that giving and spotting on examples is not a “pity party.” Instead, it is a means of: •• Reporting on the efforts to apply the RI Method. •• Providing positive support to others. •• Learning from the experiences and knowledge of others. ASK for questions. Are there any questions about the example format or about spotting on examples? (Answer all questions; then continue.) CONCLUDE the module. We’re going to discuss a few more basic Recovery International concepts. However, as you use the RI tools to spot your temper in response to the trivialities of daily life, begin to think about how you could use the example format to report on your efforts to the group. End the session by announcing the lunch break. (When announcing the lunch break, advise the participants when they should reconvene.) NOTE: As mentioned earlier, some groups may elect to shorten the lunch break. This is flexible. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 37 | Training Manual MODULE 5 ENVIRONMENT & CONTROL Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Explain the difference between inner environment and outer environment. •• Identify which aspects of inner and outer environment you can and cannot control. Materials Needed •• Module 5 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The following page in the Participant’s Handouts: »» “Environment Has Two Faces” (page 17) Timing 30 minutes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 38 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say BEGIN the module with a review of some of the basic RI concepts covered previously. Welcome back. ASK this question. First you learned that we make two types of judgments that lead to temper. Before we introduce you to some additional Recovery International concepts, let’s review some of what you’ve learned so far. What is the RI term for the judgment that someone else is wrong? (Look for this response: •• Angry temper.) ASK this question. What is the RI term for the judgment that you are wrong? (Look for this response: •• Fearful temper.) ASK this question. How do we spot and control our temper? (Look for this response: •• By applying the RI tools to help us drop our temper.) ASK this question. When we report on our efforts to control our temperamental reactions, we use a specific example format. How many steps are in this example format? (Look for this response: •• Four.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 39 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DIRECT the participants to endorse themselves for their efforts. Very good. Be sure to endorse yourselves for your efforts in learning/reviewing some of the important concepts and language of Recovery International. INTRODUCE the topic of environment. Now we’re going to talk about another Recovery International concept that is very important for you to understand. This concept involves the environment. ASK this question. When we mention the word “environment,” what do you immediately think this term refers to? (Look for responses such as: •• Air •• Water •• Pollution •• Climate •• Global warming) REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: “Environment Has Two Faces” (p. 17) DEFINE the term “outer environment.” Turn to the page in your Handouts titled “Environment Has Two Faces” (page 17) and take notes as we discuss the two faces of environment as defined by Dr. Low. Dr. Abraham Low divided the concept of environment into two parts that have to do with us as individuals. Outer environment is everything outside yourself – such as: •• Places. •• Other people. •• Events taking place around us – whether we are participating in them or not. •• The past. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 40 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DEFINE the term “inner environment.” Inner environment is everything inside yourself – such as: •• Feelings. •• Sensations. •• Thoughts. •• Impulses. •• Muscles. INTRODUCE a discussion of what can and cannot be controlled in the two environments. In RI, we become aware that we only have control over limited parts of these environments. ASK this question. Which of the listed aspects of the outer environment can we control? Look for this response: •• None of them. DISCUSS what can be controlled in the outer environment. We really don’t have control of what happens in the outer environment. •• Much as we’d like to, we really can’t control what other people think or do, nor can we control the places and events around us. •• We certainly can’t control what happened in the past. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 41 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say GIVE some examples of tools that help people remember this and control temper. When we use the tools to remember that we don’t control these aspects of our outer environment, we can do a better job of dropping our temper. •• For example, when we start to get angry at a friend for not doing what we expect them to do, we can remember that “self-appointed expectations lead to self-induced frustrations” and that “people do things that annoy us, not necessarily to annoy us” and not take the friend’s action or lack of action personally. •• When we find ourselves feeling anxious about a trivial everyday situation we are experiencing that we must continue to endure – for example being stuck in traffic when we want to get some place – we can think, “if you can’t change a situation, you can change your attitude towards it” and realize that it won’t last forever – we’ll get there eventually – and that “comfort is a want not a need.” * I cannot control outer environment. I can control my inner environment. ASK for other examples of situations involving temperamental reactions to outer environment and tools that might be used to help in those situations. What situations involving your outer environment do you routinely face that cause you to have a temperamental reaction, and what tools might help you drop your temper when faced with these situations? DISCUSS what can be controlled in the inner environment. Now let’s turn to our inner environment. (Ask for responses from various participants.) There are some things in our inner environment that we cannot control, and there are some things in our inner environment that we can learn to change or control. The items listed under “inner environment” in your Participant’s Handouts are divided into two groups. One represents aspects that we cannot control, and one represents aspects that we can learn to change or control. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 42 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ASK this question. Which group of listed aspects can we learn to change or control? (Look for this response: •• Thoughts, impulses, and muscles.) EXPLAIN more about what we can and cannot control in our inner environment. We cannot control our initial feelings and sensations; they happen whether we want them to or not. We can learn to change our thoughts, control our impulses, and command our muscles. For example: •• We can learn to change our negative thoughts to more positive ones – to replace insecure thoughts with secure thoughts. •• We can learn to stop and think before acting on our initial impulses – in other words to decide, plan, and act instead of simply lashing out in temper without thinking. •• We can learn to command our muscles to do what we are afraid to do. PROVIDE an example or two illustrating how you have used the RI Method to control thoughts, impulses, and muscles. Using the RI Method helps us learn to change our thoughts, control our impulses, and command our muscles. (Present one or two examples involving using the RI Method to change thoughts, control impulses, or command muscles. After presenting each example, ask the participants to spot on the examples by suggesting other tools that might have been appropriate to use in the situations you described.) CONCLUDE this module by asking for final questions. Are there any final questions about the inner and outer environment? (Answer questions; then continue with the next module.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 43 | Training Manual MODULE 6 OTHER RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Explain why comfort is a want not a need. •• Differentiate between self-mindedness (sovereignty) and group-mindedness (fellowship), and explain the importance of group-mindedness to the Recovery International process. •• Identify examples of sabotage, and explain how to avoid sabotaging their efforts to successfully practice the RI Method. Materials Needed •• Module 6 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The following page in the Participant’s Handouts: »» “Comfort and Discomfort” (page 18) Timing 45 minutes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 44 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the module. You’ve learned many of the basic Recovery International terms and concepts. However, there are a few more important concepts that you need to consider. REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page: As you’ve studied the tools on Participant’s Handouts page titled “Some Basic RI Tools” (p. 11 & 12), you may have noticed that several deal with comfort and discomfort. “Some Basic RI Tools” (p. 11 & 12) DISCUSS comfort and discomfort. In Recovery International, we learn that comfort is a want, not a need. •• We may experience discomfort from symptoms caused by tenseness, and we want relief from this discomfort. •• However, we need to learn to bear the discomfort. •• These symptoms caused by tenseness or other types of angry or fearful temper might be distressing, but they are not dangerous. •• When we remember the RI tools and convince ourselves that the symptoms are distressing but not dangerous and command our muscles to act against the symptoms, we begin to relax, and the symptoms disappear. •• We will never be rid of all discomfort. •• Fear and tension are a normal or average part of life. •• We can reduce symptoms to an average level by being willing to bear the discomfort of acting despite our fears. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 45 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say GIVE an example of fear associated with attending RI meetings. For example, when we are faced with doing something new for the first time – for example, attending RI meetings – we may experience fearful temper because being with a group of people we don’t know causes us symptoms. By using our will and choosing to bear the discomfort of going to the meeting, many of us begin to realize that there is no danger in the discomfort, and we give ourselves a reason to endorse ourselves for the effort we’ve made. REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page: Turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “Comfort and Discomfort” (page 18). “Comfort and Discomfort” (p. 18) INTRODUCE activity. On this page is space for you to identify one or two situations that cause you to experience distressing symptoms, what these symptoms are, and some RI tools that might help you act in spite of the symptoms. Take a few minutes to complete this sheet to help you prepare to act in spite of the discomfort of your symptoms in the future. Share what they’ve written! ASK this question to conclude the discussion of comfort and discomfort. Does anyone have questions about comfort and discomfort before we go on? (Answer questions; then continue.) INTRODUCE the concept of group-mindedness. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved In Recovery International we also distinguish between sovereignty – self-mindedness – and fellowship – group-mindedness. Recovery International | 46 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DISCUSS the importance of being group-minded. In order to achieve a peaceful, healthy life, we sometimes have to stop being self-minded. •• We must not focus so much on our individual rights or try to dominate situations or people around us. •• Instead, we need to work towards being more group-minded by thinking about what is best for our group – our family, our friends, our coworkers, our associates – and act on that basis. DISCUSS how to react to self-mindedness in others. We cannot keep others from being self-minded or from seeking to dominate us – remember, we cannot control our outer environment. However, we can use tools to: •• Spot it in others and help keep ourselves from over-reacting to it. •• Perhaps suggest a more group-minded approach that will benefit everyone. ASK for examples relating to group-mindedness. Does anyone have an example you could give relating to using the tools to help you be more group-minded, maybe in a trivial every-day situation with family or friends, or to help you keep from over-reacting to selfmindedness in others? ASK this question to conclude the discussion of group-mindedness. Does anyone have questions about group-mindedness before we go on? (Answer questions; then continue.) INTRODUCE the topic of sabotage. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved The final topic we want to deal with is sabotage. Recovery International | 47 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page: You’ll find a definition of sabotage on the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “Some Basic Recovery International (RI) Terms” (page 11 & 12). “Some Basic Recovery International (RI) Terms” (p. 11 & 12) (On Tools List - Page 11) ASK a participant to read the definition. Who would like to read the definition for us? (Select a participant to read the definition: “When we ignore or choose not to practice what we have learned in RI. When we do not do what is best for our mental health.”) EXPLAIN more about sabotage. Sabotage is anything we do to interfere with our goals of achieving mental health and a peaceful life. Examples of sabotage are: •• Using temperamental language. •• Avoiding using the RI tools. •• Diagnosing. •• Judging right and wrong in every-day trivial events. DISCUSS being aware of sabotage and how to handle it. **Sabotage is in ALL examples - in some shade or nuance - We must constantly be aware of when we are sabotaging our efforts. When we keep sabotaging our efforts and don’t use the tools to change our thoughts and control our impulses, we can find ourselves in a temperamental deadlock or a vicious cycle. As we become more aware of what we do to sabotage ourselves, we can more quickly spot and use the tools to redirect our thoughts and impulses. Conversely, the more familiar we become with the RI tools and the more we practice using them to handle the trivialities of life, the less we will find ourselves engaging in sabotage. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 48 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ASK for an example relating to sabotage. Does anyone have an example you could give – relating to sabotage? In RI meetings we sometimes give examples where we haven’t been very successful in dropping our temper, and we ask others to provide additional spotting for us. If you have an example where you have been unable to drop your temper, feel free to give that, and maybe others can spot sabotage and suggest tools to help you control your temperamental reaction. COMMENT on the selfendorsement efforts of the participants. You’ve learned and reviewed a lot of RI concepts and language during these sessions. I hope you are endorsing yourselves for your efforts to apply these concepts and use the RI language. ASK for final questions. Does anyone have final questions about sabotage or any of the other topics we’ve covered? (Answer final questions.) CONCLUDE the module by announcing a break. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved If the group decides to continue without a break, continue with the next module. If taking a break, advise the participants when they should reconvene. Recovery International | 49 | Training Manual MODULE 7 RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL MEETING PARTS & GROUP LEADERS GUIDE Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• •• •• * Identify the parts of a Recovery International meeting. Explain the purpose of each part of the meeting. Explain the purpose of the five-minute phone call. Have a better overview of the Group Leaders’ Guide Materials Needed •• Module 7 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• The following pages in the Participant’s Handouts: »» “The Parts of a Recovery International Meeting” (page 19) »» Reading: “Life Consists of Trivialities”(page 20) »» Group Leaders Guide Index Pages (pages 21-24) »» Basic Concepts (page 25) »» “Dictionary of Terms” (page 26) •• Extra copies of the following handouts: »» “How an Example Should Be Constructed” »» “Constructing an RI Example – Worksheet ” »» “Some Basic RI Tools” •• One copy of each of the following books by Dr. Abraham Low: »» Mental Health Through Will Training »» Manage Your Fear, Manage Your Anger »» Peace versus Power in the Family »» Selections from Dr. Low’s Works »» RI-Discovery Participant’s Workbook »» Wisdom of Dr. Low Timing 1 hour ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 50 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the module. During these sessions, you’ve become familiar with the major Recovery International concepts. You’ve been introduced to a number of the tools used to spot temper. You’ve also learned how to construct, present, and spot on four-step examples. Presenting and spotting on examples comprises the largest part of each Recovery International meeting. Let’s spend some time now talking about the parts of each RI meeting. DISCUSS the purpose of the RI meetings. As mentioned previously, the purpose of the Recovery International meetings is to provide a safe environment where group members can learn and practice the RI Method. By attending weekly RI meetings, group members can present examples and gain support through the spotting of others. Participants in RI group meetings can also provide support by spotting on examples given by other group members. DESCRIBE how RI meetings are facilitated. Every Recovery International meeting is facilitated by a trained leader who has completed RI group leader training. EMPHASIZE the structured format. All Recovery International meetings follow the same format. This common structure, along with the common RI language, allows members to attend any meeting anywhere and feel comfortable. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 51 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say REFER participants to Participant's Handouts page: Turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts titled “The Parts of a Recovery International Meeting” (page 19) and take notes as we discuss the Recovery International meeting format. “The Parts of a Recovery International Meeting” (p. 19) EXPLAIN how each meeting begins. Each meeting starts with a welcome by the group leader. The leader then introduces himself or herself and asks each member to do the same. DISCUSS the sign-in sheet. There is a sign-in sheet that those attending the meeting are asked to sign. This sign-in sheet serves several purposes: •• Having a list of meeting attendees and their phone numbers allows the leader to contact group members if a meeting must be cancelled or changed for some reason. •• It also enables the leader to call group members – especially newcomers – after the meeting to ask if they have questions - if desired •• The information recorded on the sign-in sheet also helps us know how many attendees are newcomers and how many are returning participants. If you don’t want to sign in with your name, you can just pick a symbol and mark it on the sign-in sheet each time you attend a meeting. This will still allow us to see how many attendees are returning members and how many are newcomers. DISCUSS the reading from Dr. Low’s books. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved The welcome and introductions are followed by a reading from one of Dr. Low’s writings. Recovery International | 52 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say HOLD UP a copy of each book as you mention it. OR mention each book by name, if it’s not an “inperson” meeting (e.g. phone, online, etc.) These readings are taken from one of his books: •• Mental Health Through Will Training – this is the primary textbook for learning the Recovery International Method. •• Manage Your Fears, Manage Your Anger •• Peace versus Power in the Family •• Selections from Dr. Low’s Works – this is also available as a CD. * RI-Discovery Participant’s Workbook * Wisdom of Dr. Low DESCRIBE the reading process: Members take turns reading. If someone does not want to read, he or she can simply say “pass.” Sometimes the reading session consists of a short reading followed by a few minutes of discussion about the concept the reading focuses on. * There is no right or wrong about how a member applies a concept. * Meaning is personal * Whatever is meaningful or works for a person is right for that person. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 53 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say REFER participants to Participant’s Handouts page: Turn to the page in your Participant’s Handouts handout titled “Life Consists of Trivialities” (page 20). LEAD a practice reading session. Let’s read this information in the Participant’s Handouts out loud, just as we would in an RI meeting. Read “Life Consists of Trivialities” - or ask them to read later if time short. Remember that you can say “pass” if you don’t want to read. NOTE: This is a great reading for presentations as well! ASK this question. (Call on participants to read parts of the reading as you would in a regular meeting.) Does anyone have questions about the format of the reading portion of a Recovery International meeting or about this reading itself? (Answer questions; then continue.) DISCUSS the presentation of examples. The next – and major – portion of the meeting is the presentation of five-minute examples by group members using the four-step example format. Each example is followed by up to 10 minutes of spotting by other group members. The example portion normally consists of three or four examples with spotting. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 54 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the "Big Five" Let's discuss the "Big Five". The "Big Five" is a review of the five most important elements that are found in each example. We spot on each element to reduce/eliminate our symptoms. After the group members spot on each example, we work through the "Big Five". REFER participants to Participant’s Handout page: Turn to the page in your Handouts entitled "Some Basic RI Terms" (page 12) "Some Basic Recovery International (RI) Terms" – (p. 12) REFER participants to bottom of page 12 At the bottom of the page, there is a box containing the "Big Five". READ or ask participants to take turns reading the "Big Five". The "Big Five" are: 1. Angry Temper 2. Fearful Temper 3. Muscle Movement 4. Muscle Control 5. Sabotage. REVIEW the "Big Five" definitions ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Now let's go back to the top of the page and review the "Basic Terms" that make up the "Big Five". Recovery International | 55 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say READ the definitions or ask participants to take turns reading • Angry Temper - negative judgements (resentment, impatience, indignation, disgust, hatred) directed against another person or situation. • Fearful Temper - negative judgements (discouragment, preoccupation, embarrassment, worry, hopelessness, despair, sense of shame, feelings of inadequacy) directed against onesself. • Muscle Movement - commanding the muscles to do something that we are resistent to do (example: attending an RI meeting when we'd rather stay home) • Muscle Control - controlling the impulse to do something that would be bad for our mental health (example: controlling our speech muscles) • Sabotage. - when we ignore or choose not to practice what we have learned in RI. When we do not do what is best for our mental health. (example: not endorsing) REMIND participants Remember: we do the "Big Five" at the end of each example presented. ASK for questions Are there any further questions about the "Big Five"? DISCUSS the presentation of examples. The example portion normally consists of three or four examples with spotting. COMMENT on the selfendorsement efforts of the participants. Remember to endorse yourselves for your efforts. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 56 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say CONCLUDE the example presentation. In a regular meeting we’d continue with the presentation of examples. However, since the purpose of this session is to introduce the meeting structure, let’s go on to the next portion of a meeting at this time. DISCUSS the voluntary contribution portion of the meeting. (NOTE: skip this discussion if voluntary contributions are not part of the meetings these participants will be attending.) ASK for questions. At each meeting, participants are asked to give a voluntary contribution to help support the organization. •• Donations are completely voluntary. •• The suggested donation is $5 per meeting. •• If you are not able to contribute, please do not let this stop you from attending. Are there any questions about voluntary contributions? (Answer questions; then continue.) DISCUSS the further spotting and questions portion of the meeting. The formal part of a regular Recovery International meeting ends with further spotting and questions. During this portion of the meeting, the leader: •• Recaps the examples and leads the group in spotting the types of temper involved in each example – fearful and angry. •• Points out and asks other to point out instances of sabotage. •• Asks for and answers questions about the examples or anything else related to Recovery International concepts, tools, and practice. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 57 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say ASK for questions. Are there any final questions about the example or about any other Recovery International tools or concepts? (Answer questions; then continue.) DISCUSS mutual aid. (Omit this information if mutual aid is not part of the meetings these participants will be attending.) Recovery International meetings end with mutual aid – informal discussions about how participants are using the Method. This is a good time to: •• Ask the group leader or a veteran member to help you develop an example to share at a later meeting. •• Ask about specific tools or concepts that were mentioned during the meeting. Some groups have refreshments, and members enjoy socializing during this time. We’ll skip mutual aid for now and save it for the end of this program. EXPLAIN meeting frequency and timing. Total time for Recovery International meetings is one to two hours. Each group meets once a week. If multiple groups meet in your area, you can attend more than one group meeting a week. Recovery International also provides telephone and online meetings. •• You can find out more about these meetings on the RI website: www.recoveryinternational.org •• Or you can call Recovery International toll free at 866-221-0302. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 58 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say DESCRIBE the five-minute phone call. If you need help with an issue related to your use of the RI Method between meetings, we have a procedure called the five-minute phone call. •• You can ask a group leader or group member to provide his or her phone number. •• You can call the group leader or group member and request a five-minute phone call. •• During this phone call, you can briefly describe the situation you are having trouble with and request help in spotting on the issue. •• The group leader or group member will help you spot your temperamental reaction and sabotage in your inner environment. •• The five-minute phone call should be used sparingly. •• Remember that the Recovery International Method is a self-help program. •• The goal is for you to be able to successfully apply the Method to spot and drop your temper on your own. ASK for final questions. Does anyone have final questions about the structure of Recovery International meetings or the five-minute phone call? (Answer final questions.) ANNOUNCE a brief discussion of the Group Leader’s Guide. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Before we conclude this module, let’s talk a little about the Group Leader’s Guide. Recovery International | 59 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE a discussion of the Group Leader’s Guide. (show a copy of Group Leader’s Guide) & Refer participants to Participant’s Handout: “Group Leader’s Guide Index” - (pages 21-24 ) Let’s talk a bit about the Group Leaders Guide (aka GLG). This is your reference guide and also provides you with backup and support when you or meeting attendees have questions about RI’s policies and procedures. The Guide consists of two main sections: •• The GLG text (handout pages 21 to middle to page 23) and •• The Appendices - (handout pages - middle of 23 to 24) EXPLAIN Sections 1 & 2 of the GLG Index: The GLG Index begins on handout page 21 with RI’s Mission & Vision Statements, an Introduction and Preface Section I (handout pages 21-top of 22) contains information about Recovery International, Group Meeting Policies and Procedures and Additional Policies Section II (handout page 22) contains information about Recovery International Leadership. (Read a few excerpts from each section) Explain Section III Appendix A The Index continues with Section III, which is also Appendix A page 22-middle of 23). Appendix A contains information relevant to all RI meetings. (Read a few excerpts from Appendix A) Explain Section IV Appendix B Continuing on page 23, Section IV - Appendix B - contains information about RI Discovery Group Structure & materials. (Read a few excerpts from Appendix B) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 60 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say Explain Section V Appendix C (page 23) The next section on page 23 is Section V - Appendix C, which provides information about RI Telephone Meetings Group Structure and Materials. Finish this overview with Section VI - Appendix D (page 24) The last section in our GLG Index is Section VI Appendix D, page 24. Here you will find information about RI Online Meetings Group Structure and Materials. Add a few additional points about the GLG: I’d like to make a few additional comments about your GLG: Emphasize the importance of having a GLG. All leaders should have a copy of the Guide, and one copy should be available for use at each meeting. - Discuss making copies of the GLG: •• You may copy all or portions of the guide. You have the option of making a copy yourself (see above) or your Area Leader/Team may do so. - Discuss ordering extra copies of the GLG: •• If you wish to order extra copies of the Guide, you may order them from Headquarters, at a cost of $15.00. - Explain that the GLG is also available on the website: - Ask for questions & conclude the Module ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved •• The Group Leader’s Guide is posted on the Leader’s website at: www.recoveryinternational. org/Leaders.asp. You have permission to download it. Are there any further comments or questions? (If so, take a few minutes to answer them). Then conclude the Module and move on to Module 8 - Review. Recovery International | 61 | Training Manual MODULE 8 REVIEW Objectives Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to: •• Demonstrate knowledge of basic Recovery International concepts and language. •• Demonstrate the ability to define basic Recovery International terms. Materials Needed •• Module 8 of this Trainer’s Guide. •• A container the participants can pick numbers from. •• Slips of paper with the numbers 1 through 25 on them folded and placed in the container. Timing 30 minutes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 62 | Training Manual Content What to Do What to Say INTRODUCE the module. You’ve now learned many of the basic Recovery International concepts and terms. Let’s take some time now to review what you’ve learned. EXPLAIN how the review will be conducted. To make it more fun and interesting, we’re going to conduct the review like a Jeopardy Game. We’ll call it our “RI Jeopardy Questions Game!” Instructions for RI Jeopardy Questions Game (two teams) INTRODUCE the RI Jeopardy Questions Game. •• We’ll divide you into two teams. •• I have a sheet with 25 numbered questions. The first team will pick a number (1-25) from the container. •• I will read the question from my sheet that matches the number you picked from the container. •• If the answer is correct, the first team will get a point. •• If the answer is incorrect, the other team will get a chance to provide the correct answer and earn the point. •• We’ll alternate teams so that the team that doesn’t provide a correct answer gets the chance to pick the next number. •• The team with the most points at the end will win. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 63 | Training Manual What to Do What to Say CONDUCT the game, referring to the two “Review Questions and Answers” pages at the end of the module. (Follow the steps explained above to conduct the game, keeping track of the number of points each team earns.) Conclude the game and then: COMMENT on the selfendorsement efforts of the participants. I hope you are endorsing yourselves for your continuing efforts to apply these concepts in your life. CONCLUDE by asking for final questions. Are there any final questions about any of the Recovery International concepts or terms? (Answer questions - then thank participants) THANK participants: Thank you for participating in this training. We hope you have gained increased knowledge and skills that will help you with your leadership in RI and in using and practicing the RI Method. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 64 | Training Manual Review Questions and Answers Recovery International No. Question Answer 1 Who is Dr. Abraham Low? The founder of Recovery International 2 How long ago was Recovery International started? Over 70 years ago 3 What are three actions that lead to success in Recovery International? Learn the RI Method, gain group support, and practice 4 What is the main activity at a RI meeting? Presenting examples showing the use of the RI tools to control temper 5 What does the RI Method consist of? Easy-to-learn techniques and tools for changing the way we react to people and situations we have no control over Temper and Tools No. Question Answer 6 What is angry temper? Negative judgments directed against another person or situation 7 What is fearful temper? Negative judgments directed against oneself 8 What is a tool? A short statement that helps you change your thoughts, control your temper, or move your muscles 9 Where do the tools come from? From the writings of Dr. Abraham Low 10 What is temperamental language? Language that is negative, pessimistic, insecure, exaggerated or defeatist Environment and Control No. Question Answer 11 What is inner environment? Everything inside yourself 12 What is outer environment? Everything outside yourself 13 What are three aspects of our inner environment we can control? Thoughts, impulses, muscles ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 65 | Training Manual Examples No. Question Answer 14 Which aspects of our inner environment can Initial inner responses, such as we not control? feelings and sensations 15 What are people, events, the past, and the future? Aspects of our outer environment that we cannot control 16 What is step1 of an example? Report a single situation or event that occurred – an everyday event when you began to work yourself up. 17 What is step 2 of an example? Report the symptoms you experienced – both physical and mental. 18 What is step 3 of an example? Report your spotting of fearful and/ or angry temper, the Recovery International tools you used to help yourself, and your self-endorsement for your effort. 19 What is step 4 of an example? Begin with “Before I had my Recovery training,” and describe the temperamental reaction and symptoms you would have experienced in former days. 20 What is the example giver not allowed to do when the group spots on an example? The example giver cannot speak. Some Basic Recovery International Terms No. Question Answer 21 What is self-endorsement? Self-praise for any effort to practice the RI Method 22 What are trivialities? The everyday events and irritations of daily life 23 What is averageness? What most people experience 24 What is spotting? Identifying a disturbing feeling, sensation, thought, or impulse, then applying the right RI tools 25 When does sabotage occur? When we ignore or choose not to practice what we have learned in RI ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 66 | Training Manual Review Questions Recovery International No. Question Answer 1 Who is Dr. Abraham Low? 2 How long ago was Recovery International started? 3 What are three actions that lead to success in Recovery International? 4 What is the main activity at a RI meeting? 5 What does the RI Method consist of? Temper and Tools No. Question Answer 6 What is angry temper? 7 What is fearful temper? 8 What is a tool? 9 Where do the tools come from? 10 What is temperamental language? Environment and Control No. Question 11 What is inner environment? 12 What is outer environment? 13 What are three aspects of our inner environment we can control? 14 Which aspects of our inner environment can we not control? 15 What are people, events, the past, and the future? ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Answer Recovery International | 67 | Training Manual Examples No. Question Answer 16 What is step1 of an example? 17 What is step 2 of an example? 18 What is step 3 of an example? 19 What is step 4 of an example? 20 What is the example giver not allowed to do when the group spots on an example? Some Basic Recovery International Terms No. Question 21 What is self-endorsement? 22 What are trivialities? 23 What is averageness? 24 What is spotting? 25 When does sabotage occur? ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Answer Recovery International | 68 | Training Manual OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL ONE DAY TRAINING – 2014 Activity #1 – Module 1 – Page 9: “INTRODUCING THE TOOLS” Activity #2 – Module 2 – Page 18: “TEMPER” Activity #3 – Module 2 – Page 20: “WHAT TRIGGERS TEMPER” Activity #4 – Module 2 – Page 25: “SYMPTOMS/AVERAGENESS” ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 1A | Training Manual ACTIVITY 1: Introducing the Tools Purpose: To help participants become more familiar with tools. ____________________________________________________________________________________ To Prepare: Cut out the tools on the following pages. Fold each into quarters. Place in a small container. You may want to use a plastic tool box, a small decorative box or something seasonal (like an Easter Basket). To Implement: At start of class, ask each person to pick a tool from the container. Go around the room asking each person to read his/her tool. Variation: Ask each person to take two tools from the container. Go around the room. Each person should read aloud the tool that he/she thinks might be most helpful to him/her that day and explain how he/she might use it. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 1-1 Activity 1: Tools Self-appointed expectations lead to self-induced frustrations. People do things that annoy us, not necessarily to annoy us. Knowledge teaches you what to do. Practice tells you how to do it. Muscles can be commanded to do what one fears to do. Tempers are frequently uncontrolled, but not uncontrollable. Treat mental health as a business and not a game. Humor is our best friend, temper is our worst enemy. If you can’t change a situation, you can change your attitude towards it. Be self-led, not symptom-led . Distressing but not dangerous. Temper is, among other things, blindness to the other side of the story. Comfort is a want, not a need. There is no right or wrong in life’s trivialities. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 1-2 Activity 1: Tools Calm begets calm, temper begets temper. Don’t take our own dear selves too seriously. Feelings should be expressed and tempers suppressed. Helplessness is not hopelessness. Temper maintains and intensifies symptoms. Do things in part acts. Endorse yourself for the effort, not only for the performance. Have the courage to make a mistake. Feelings are not facts. Do the things you fear and hate to do. Fear is a belief and beliefs can be changed. Every act of self-control leads to a sense of self-respect. Decide, plan and act. Any decision will steady you. Anticipation is often worse than realization. Bear the discomfort in order to gain comfort. Hurt feelings are just beliefs not shared. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 1-3 ACTIVITY 2: Temper Purpose: To demonstrate how prevalent temper is. To introduce tool: Endorse for effort, not just for performance. ____________________________________________________________________________________ To Prepare: Have 2 flip chart pages and 2 waterproof markers. Each flip chart should have a vertical line down the center. NOTE: If no flip chart available, give each team a sheet of paper - ask them to put a vertical line down the center. Then proceed with “To Implement”: To Implement: Divide into 2 teams. Each team chooses a recorder. Give each team 3 minutes to come up with as many words for anger as possible. These will go on the left side of the paper. Then give each team 3 minutes to come up with as many words as possible for fear. These words go on the right side of the paper. Share results. Remind each team to endorse for their efforts. Note how prevalent temper is in our culture. Also note that we endorse for efforts even if our performance doesn’t lead to the results we were hoping for. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 2 ACTIVITY 3: What Triggers Temper Purpose: To help people become aware of the types of situations that might trigger their temper. ____________________________________________________________________________________ To Prepare: Put each of the following 3 pages on different walls of the room. To Implement: Ask all participants to stand. As you read the situations below, the participants are going to go to the paper that best describes their comfort level with that situation. When done, participants can return to their seats. Ask people to note the kinds of situations that make them uncomfortable. Also note that feeling uncomfortable in some of the situations you find yourself in is average. 1. Going to a job interview. 2. Telling an important person in your life that you disagree with them. 3. Being examined by an unfamiliar doctor. 4. Speaking in front of a large group of people. 5. Being on a crowded elevator. 6. Apologizing to someone important to you. 7. Riding down a tall escalator. 8. Being timed or evaluated at work. 9. Taking a math test. 10.Starting a new job. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 3 Activity 3: Poster 1 Very Uncomfortable ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 3 - Poster 1 Activity 3: Poster 2 Comfortable ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 3 - Poster 2 Activity 3: Poster 3 A Little Uncomfortable ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 3 - Poster 3 ACTIVITY 4: Symptoms/Averageness Purpose: To help participants better understand symptoms & that they are average ___________________________________________________________________________________ To Prepare: The symptoms listed below. To Implement: Tell group members that you will be reading a set of symptoms that are average for a person to experience when in temper. Read symptoms one at a time. Group members are asked to stand up if they have ever experienced that symptom. They should then sit down. Read each symptom one by one, asking group members to stand up whenever they hear a symptom they have experienced. Then ask everyone to sit back down. Remind people that it is average to experience symptoms as an initial response to a challenging situation. Symptoms: • Tension in back and/or shoulders • Rapid heartbeat • Angry or fearful thoughts • Confusion • Tightness in chest • Lowered feelings • Sweaty palms, neck or brow • Feeling fatigued • Disturbing impulses • Feeling light-headed • Incorrect thinking (like thinking people are against you or thinking things are hopeless) • Clenched fists • Tight jaw; grimacing and frowning • Irritability • Shakiness • Trouble speaking • Shallow breathing ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | Activity 4 RI TRAINING - SAMPLE TRAINING AGENDA - 1/2014 - 9am-5pm 9:00 - 9:15. . . . . Welcome and Introductions – Purpose/Objectives (10-15 minutes) 9:15 - 10:00. . . . (Module 1) Intro/Review – Recovery International (45 minutes) 10:00 - 10:30 . . (Module 2) Temper – Part I (30 minutes) 10:30 - 10:45 . . BREAK (15 minutes) 10:45 - 11:15 . . (Module 2) Temper – Part II (30 minutes) 11:15 - 11:45 . . (Module 3) Tools & Spotting (30 minutes) 11:45 - 12:15 . . (Module 4) The Example Format (30 minutes) 12:15 - 1:00. . . . LUNCH BREAK (1 hour) 1:15 - 1:45. . . . . (Module 5) Environments & Control (30 minutes) 1:45 - 2:45. . . . . (Module 6) Other RI Concepts – Part I (45 minutes) 2:45 - 3:00. . . . . BREAK 3:00 - 3:30. . . . . (Module 6) Other RI Concepts – Part II 3:30 - 4:15. . . . . (Module 7) Parts of an RI Meeting – Group Leaders Guide (30 minutes) (1 hour) 4:15 - 4:45. . . . . (Module 8) Review/RI Jeopardy (30 minutes) 4:45 - 5:00. . . . . Leftover time if needed!! (15 minutes) Total Training Time: 8 hours (based on 9am-5pm) Including 1 hour lunch and two, 15 minute breaks ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | iB | Training Manual ONE DAY TRAINING - HANDOUTS (MASTER/TRAINER COPY) MODULE 1: Introduction to RI: •• Sessions Agenda/Overview - What to Expect at an RI Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . •• Recovery International FAQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• About RI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• 3 Actions that Lead to Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• 3 Actions that Lead to Success (Continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 MODULE 2: Temper: •• Two Faces of Temper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• What is Temperamental Language?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• Power of Self-Endorsement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• Averageness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 MODULE 3: Tools & Spotting: •• Spotting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 •• A Sampling of Tools and Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 •• Some Basic RI Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 •• Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 •• Constructing an RI Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Worksheet - Page 14 MODULE 4: The Example Format: •• Outline/How an Example is Constructed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 •• Examples of Recovery Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 •• (A Sampling of Tools and Terms (as above). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 MODULE 5: Environments & Control: •• Environment has Two Faces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 MODULE 6: Other RI Concepts: •• Comfort & Discomfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 MODULE 7: Parts of an RI Meeting: •• Parts of an RI Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 •• Reading: Life Consists of Trivialities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20 •• Group Leader’s Guide Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 21-24 •• Basic Concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25 •• Dictionary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26 MODULE 8: Review/RI Jeopardy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (see instructions in Module 8) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | iiB | Training Manual Participant Handouts - Appendix B: Sample Training Agenda One Day Training - Handouts (Master/Trainer Copy) Handouts What you Can Expect at a Recovery International (RI) Meeting Recovery International FAQ About Recovery International Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI (continued) The Two Faces of Temper Temperamental Language The Power of Self-Endorsement Averageness Spotting A Sampling of Tools and Terms Some Basic RI Terms Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper Constructing an RI Example How a Recovery International Example Should Be Constructed Examples of Recovery Practice Environment Has Two Faces Comfort and Discomfort The Parts of a Recovery International Meeting Life Consists of Trivialities Group Leader’s Guide Index Basic Concepts Dictionary of Terms ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | iiiB | Training Manual Table of Contents Participant Handouts What you Can Expect at a Recovery International (RI) Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Recovery International FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 About Recovery International. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI (continued). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Two Faces of Temper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Temperamental Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Power of Self-Endorsement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Averageness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Spotting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A Sampling of Tools and Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Some Basic RI Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Constructing an RI Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 How a Recovery International Example Should Be Constructed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Examples of Recovery Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Environment Has Two Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Comfort and Discomfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Parts of a Recovery International Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Life Consists of Trivialities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Group Leader’s Guide Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-24 Basic Concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Dictionary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | iv4 | Training Manual What You Can Expect at a Recovery International (RI) Meeting Meetings will start and end on time. Please turn off your cell phone, pager or other communication device. Meetings are facilitated by volunteer leaders trained to demonstrate the Recovery International Method. A Recovery International meeting is a safe place to share. All personal information disclosed during meetings is held in strict confidence. All Recovery International meetings follow a standard, structured format. Written information will be distributed to help you understand and participate during the meeting. Additional RI literature, membership information and materials will also be available. You may take notes on RI tools and principles during any portion of the meeting EXCEPT during the giving of an example. We encourage you to sit with the group and to participate. Until you are ready to participate, simply say “I pass”. We listen quietly and respectfully when others are reading and speaking. We do not use offensive language. We don’t offer advice, criticize, judge, analyze or make negative comments. We keep comments and spotting tools brief in order to have time for all to participate. You will have an opportunity to ask questions or make comments. We don’t discuss politics, sex, religion, or legal issues in our meetings. We are not mental health experts or trained professionals. We are people who practice the RI self-help techniques. We don’t diagnose, comment or advise on diagnoses, treatment plans or your medications. Drinking any non-alcoholic beverage is permitted during a meeting but eating is restricted to the Mutual Aid portion of the meeting. Thanks for coming and we encourage you to come again. If you have questions, comments or concerns call: Rev Jan 2010 Doc.1 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved © Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Recovery International |1| Participant Handout Recovery International Frequently Asked Questions Is Recovery International a 12-step program? The Recovery International system is not a 12-step program. Experience has shown no conflict between the two programs, and that they can be used simultaneously if necessary in a person’s specific situation. When can I expect to see results in my own life? As you begin to practice the Recovery International self-help tools, you will begin to see situations in a different light. All training takes time. The best way to encourage adaption of the tools in your life is through attending community meetings, phone meetings and/or online meetings, where you can learn from other experiences. Are Recovery International group leaders mental health professionals? No. Group Leaders are your peers. Leaders have all practiced the Recovery International system in their lives. Leaders receive ongoing training and are authorized annually. How do I learn to give examples? You will learn primarily from listening to others give their examples, by following the Example Outline sheet and using the Sampling of Tools and Terms. The Group Leader will help you, when you are ready, by reading each of the four steps as you give your first example. Can I take notes? Notes may be taken at any point during the meeting except when examples are being given. This assures the example-giver that no one is writing down the details of the situation being related. Can I talk to someone from my group between meetings? Ask the group leader for contact information for the person or people in the group who are willing to take phone calls for assistance between meetings. Where can I get the books? The main texts, Mental Health Through Will Training, Manage Your Fears Manage Your Anger, Selections From Dr. Low’s Works and other materials can be purchased at www.lowselfhelp-systems.org www.recoveryinternational.org . How many different meetings may I attend? You are welcome to attend any available meetings. You can find meeting locations at www.recoveryinternational.org www.lowselfhelpsystems.org Rev Jan 2010 Doc.2 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved © Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Recovery International |2| Participant Handout About Recovery International Recovery International was the first self-help system aimed at those suffering from mental and nervous disorders and symptoms. Dr. Abraham Low started it over 70 years ago. He developed the RI Method working with his patients over a 15-year period. Called a cognitive-behavioral therapy program today, it offered a ground-breaking method to help its members regain and maintain their mental health. Recovery International today offers hundreds of weekly meetings across the United States, as well as in Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Spain, Israel, India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Telephone meetings are also held, which are convenient for those who don’t live near weekly meeting locations or who can’t get out easily. Some people attend both types of meetings. Tens of thousands of people have used and continue to use the RI Method to live a healthy, peaceful life. Group leaders and facilitators have been specially trained in order to maintain consistency in structure and content within a group and from group to group. Consistency is important so that you can go to a group meeting anywhere and join right in. Recovery International has no religious affiliation. Attending RI meetings does not replace professional care and therapy. RI is not a 12-step program. Members can participate in both RI and a 12-step program. RI deals with symptoms, not diagnoses. RI members are referred to groups in many ways – by other members, by physicians and therapists, by agencies and other groups, for example. The RI Method has worked and continues to work for many thousands of people. It consists of easy-to-learn techniques and tools for changing the way we react to people and situations we have no control over. Additionally, members learn how to identify and manage negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors that can lead to emotional distress and related physical symptoms. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, compulsions, stress, and other symptoms. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |3| Participant Handout Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI Learning the RI Method You can learn the RI Method in many ways. • Attending these training sessions is a good way to begin the learning process. • You can also learn by reading books written by Dr. Low and other materials that provide the vocabulary, tools, and steps needed to use the RI Method successfully. • A prime way to learn is by attending regular Recovery International meetings, where group members read selections from Dr. Low’s writings and learn from other members’ examples of how they are applying the RI Method when dealing with the stresses of everyday life that trigger distressing symptoms, thoughts, and impulses. Gaining Group Support You’ll gain group support primarily from attending weekly RI meetings. • At RI meetings group members can report and get feedback on their own efforts in applying the RI Method to help change their thoughts and control their impulses in reaction to normal everyday non-emergency situations that RI members refer to as “trivialities.” • Group members also can provide feedback and support to others as they give examples of their use of the RI tools to help change their thoughts and control their impulses in reaction to trivial situations. • RI meeting attendees are all learning from each other – no matter how experienced group members are, there is always something more to learn. • At RI meetings: We don’t teach, we demonstrate. We don’t judge, we support each others’ efforts. (Continue on next page.) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |4| Participant Handout Three Actions That Lead to Success in RI (continued) Practicing The last step that leads to success in RI is practicing. • As with everything, the more you practice applying the RI techniques and tools to help change your thoughts and control your impulses, the better you get at doing so. • As you attend and participate in meetings and learn to apply the RI techniques, you will begin to see your challenges in a different light. • For some people this begins to happen after just a few meetings; for others it can take a few months. • At meetings you will see people in different phases of regaining and maintaining their mental health. • It’s the effort of using the RI Method that we focus on, not the results. • We are not trying to be perfect; we are just trying to do the best we can to recognize what triggers our distressing thoughts and impulses and to apply the RI techniques that allow us to remain calm and not work ourselves up. Notes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |5| Participant Handout The Two Faces of Temper Angry Temper: Fearful Temper: NEGATIVE JUDGMENTS directed against another person or situation NEGATIVE JUDGMENTS directed against oneself Resentment Discouragement Impatience Preoccupation Indignation Embarrassment Disgust Worry Hatred Hopelessness Despair Sense of shame Feelings of inadequacy Can you think of more? Can you think of more? Temper can lead to, or be the result of: • Temperamental deadlocks – quarreling over who is right and who is wrong in everyday situations that can result in an angry standoff. • Temperamental language – language that is alarming or defeating or results in exaggerated, negative or insecure descriptions of experiences. In RI, you will learn to identify – or spot – temper and substitute secure language for temperamental language to change the way you react to and handle situations. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |6| Participant Handout Temperamental Language WHAT IS TEMPERAMENTAL LANGUAGE? SHORT ANSWER: Any words or statements that increase fearful or angry temper. What are some of those words? 1. Exaggerated descriptions of experiences 2. Negative descriptions of experiences 3. Insecure descriptions of experiences 4. Alarming language 5. Defeatist language IS THAT ALL? NO! TEMPERAMENTAL LANGUAGE IS ALSO gossip - it's almost always negative teasing - it's meant to hurt cursing - it's exaggerated and negative foul words - same as cursing, exaggerated and negative and... comparison - it almost always expresses negative judgment: "That person is better than me" (fearful temper) or "I am better than that person" (sovereignty, self-minded) ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |7| Participant Handout The Power of Self-Endorsement Self-endorsement is self-praise – a mental pat on the back we give ourselves for any effort we make to spot our temper and to control our words and actions. In RI, we do not look for endorsement from others. We endorse ourselves. We endorse ourselves for any effort we make to control how we think and act, whether we are successful or not. It’s the effort we focus on, not the result. What are some efforts you can endorse yourself for today? Notes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |8| Participant Handout Averageness In RI, averageness is fine. Average does not mean mediocre. It means balanced. It means that we do not try to be exceptional. We understand that: • Everyone experiences similar trivialities. • Everyone has temper. • Everyone gets tense and nervous to a degree. It’s average to feel the impulse to lash out in anger or to avoid what we fear. Our experiences are average, not exceptional, and our feelings and sensations are not exceptional either. It’s only our tendency to work them up that makes them seem exceptional to us. We also do not put pressure on ourselves to always be able to react perfectly – no one can. We want to set realistic goals – what we can achieve, not what’s impossible to achieve. We each have our own average. For example, some people are early risers and do their best thinking in the morning. That is their average. Others do their best thinking in the afternoon or late at night. That is their average. We are all good at some things and not so good at others. Different people are good at different things. In this way, too, we each have our own average. What is one thing you are good at? What is one thing you are not so good at? It’s not really how good we are at something that’s important. What is important is our effort – that we try to do our average best. We try to drop the judgment – of ourselves and others. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International |9| Participant Handout Spotting In RI, the term “spot” is used in two ways: • To “spot” means to identify when we are having a temperamental reaction or symptom and to remember an RI concept and use it to drop our temper or manage our symptoms. • A “spot” or “tool” is a short sentence that we use to help us remember an RI concept and enable us to drop our temper and manage our symptoms. There are many spots, or tools. You will learn them through practice. Different tools apply to different situations. Different tools have different meanings to different people. There is no right or wrong way to use the tools; whatever works for you is appropriate. Notes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 10 | Participant Handout A SAMPLING OF TOOLS AND TERMS A purpose for using a Tool List is to enable newcomers to more easily and rapidly participate in a Recovery meeting. With this in mind Recovery International encourages you to use this list when you initially attend our meetings, until you feel comfortable without it. Your Group Leader may have other guidelines for you regarding the use of this list in meetings. We are glad that you are here and encourage you to participate and endorse for your participation! These tools are quoted or adapted from Dr. Low’s books: Mental Health Through Will Training (MH), Selections from Dr. Low’s Works (SEL) and Manage Your Fears, Manage Your Anger (MYF). Citations to Dr. Low’s books are listed for each tool. Many other tools can be found in these books. Some Basic RI Tools Treat mental health as a business and not as a game………………..…...……………MH ch.25 Humor is our best friend, temper is our worst enemy……………………………….…..MH p.108 If you can't change a situation you can change your attitude towards it...MYF p.108, Sel. p.31-32 Be self-led, not symptom-led. …..………………………………………......MYF p.114-118, 280-283 Nervous symptoms and sensations are distressing but not dangerous .SEL p.53, MH p.115, 119 Temper is, among other things, blindness to the other side of the story …………MH p.159 Comfort is a want, not a need. ………………………………..……………......….....MH chs.13, 22 There is no right or wrong in the trivialities of every day life………...SEL p.39, MH p.157, 195-196 Calm begets calm, temper begets temper………………………….…...…….MYF p.245, SEL p.31 Don't take our own dear selves too seriously………………………………....………….MH p.109 Feelings should be expressed and temper suppressed…………………....……...…....MH p.178 Helplessness is not hopelessness………………………..……………….……MH ch.7, MYF p.184 Some people have a passion for self-distrust…….…………...…..…….MH ch.29 & MYF Lecture 2 Temper maintains and intensifies symptoms………………………..…….……….……MH p. 219 Do things in part acts……………………………………………….…….……….……MH p.246-249 Endorse yourself for the effort, not only for the performance……...…….MYF p.13, SEL p.46, 132 Have the courage to make a mistake………………..……….MH p.203, ch.30, MYF p.60, SEL p.108 Feelings are not facts……………………………...……………..………….MH ch.9, MYF Lecture 14 Do the things you fear and hate to do……………...………..…………...MH p. 329-330, MYF p.197 Fear is a belief –– beliefs can be changed………………………………………….MYF p.266-269 Every act of self-control leads to a sense of self-respect....…………….…….………..MH p.166 Decide, plan and act. ………………………….……………………………………………...MH p.42 Any decision will steady you……………………………………...……………….………...MYF p.5 Anticipation is often worse than realization….…………………..…..………….MH p.114-115, 146 Replace an insecure thought with a secure thought……………..……….….……..MYF Lecture 1 Bear the discomfort in order to gain comfort…………………….………….…………….MH p.149 Hurt feelings are just beliefs not shared………………………………….………………..SEL p.21 Self-appointed expectations lead to self-induced frustrations…………….…………….SEL p.35 People do things that annoy us, not necessarily to annoy us………..…...…………….MH ch.48 Knowledge teaches you what to do, practice tells you how to do it……...……………SEL p.118 Muscles can be commanded to do what one fears to do………………………..……..SEL p.123 Tempers are frequently uncontrolled, but not uncontrollable.…………………………..MH p.392 Rev Jan 2010 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Doc.4a Recovery International | 11 | Participant Handout© Abraham Low Self-Help Systems SOME BASIC RI TERMS Angry Temper –– negative judgments (resentment, impatience, indignation, disgust, hatred) directed against another person or situation. Fearful Temper –– negative judgments (discouragement, preoccupation, embarrassment, worry, hopelessness, despair, sense of shame, feelings of inadequacy) directed against oneself. Averageness — most of the things we experience, including nervous symptoms are average — most people have experienced them. Only our tendency to work them up makes them seem exceptional to us. Self-endorsement — self-praise for any effort to practice the RI Method. We recognize the value of every effort we make regardless of the result. Sabotage — when we ignore or choose not to practice what we have learned in RI. When we do not do what is best for our mental health. Trivialities — the everyday events and irritations of daily life. Compared to our mental health, most events are trivial Inner Environment — everything inside your self: feelings, sensations, thoughts, impulses and muscles. Outer Environment — everything outside your self: places, people, events, and the past. Spotting — identifying a disturbing feeling, sensation, thought or impulse, previously unseen then applying the right Recovery tools. THE BIG FIVE 1. Angry Temper 2. Fearful Temper 3. Muscle Control 4. Muscle Movement 5. Sabotage Rev Jan 2010 Doc.4b ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved © Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Recovery International | 12 | Participant Handout Applying RI Tools to Drop Temper Situations When You Were in Temper ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Type of Temper (Angry / Fearful) Recovery International | 13 | Participant Handout Tools to Use to Drop Temper Constructing an RI Example: A Worksheet 1. Report a single situation or event that occurred — an everyday event when you began to work yourself up. Focus on a brief description of what happened: specifically, what triggered temper and symptoms? 2. Report the symptoms you experienced — both physical and mental. (For instance, angry and fearful thoughts, confusion, palpitations, disturbing impulses, tightness in your chest, lowered feelings, sweaty palms, and so on.) 3. Report your spotting of fearful and/or angry temper, the RI tools you used to help yourself, and your self-endorsement for your effort. 4. Begin with “Before I had my Recovery training” and describe the temperamental reaction and symptoms you would have experienced before you began practicing the RI Method. What would have happened then versus what happened now? (This will help you to note the progress you have made.) Rev Jan 2010 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Doc.5 Recovery International | 14 | Participant Handout© Abraham Low Self-Help Systems HOW A RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OUTLINE Step 1. Report a single situation or event that occurred-an everyday event when you began to work yourself up. Focus on a brief description of what happened: specifically, what triggered temper and symptoms? Step 2. Report the symptoms you experienced-both physical and mental. (For instance, angry and fearful thoughts, confusion, palpitations, disturbing impulses, tightness in your chest, lowered feelings, sweaty palms, and so on.) Step 3. Report your spotting of fearful and angry temper, the Recovery International tools you used to help yourself, and your self-endorsement for your effort. Step 4. Begin with “Before I had my Recovery training,” and describe the temperamental reaction and symptoms you would have experienced in former days. What would have happened then versus what happened now? (This will help you to note the progress you have made.) Learning to give an example simply and clearly in the four-step sequence is an important part of the Recovery International (RI) Method. The best way to learn is to practice constructing and giving a “good average” example. Here are a few basics to work on as you go through each step in turn. Step 1: When describing the situation or event, be clear but brief. It’s tempting to go into a lot of “background” and detail, but this is usually unnecessary and even distracting. Practice focusing on just a few sentences of basic information that will clarify the situation or event that generated your symptoms or discomfort. Notice in the sample examples how the descriptions in Step 1 are both brief and precise. Step 2: People often skip this step to get to Step 3, “spotting.” However, while this step, like the others, should be kept brief, an important part of the RI Method is learning to be objective in recognizing and describing physical and mental responses. This objectivity makes those responses seem less threatening and overwhelming. Avoid diagnosing (“I became paranoid”) and spotting (that comes in the next step). Just describe your physical and mental sensations (“I felt flushed and angry, my head hurt,” etc.). Step 3: Here you identify the Recovery tools – the “spots” – that helped you deal with your symptoms. Stay focused on RI language and concepts; avoid mixing in material from other methods. Be clear about how the spots apply to the symptoms and event, but don’t worry about using every possible tool. Often just one or a few spots are all that you need for the example. Step 4: A crucial part of getting well through will training comes when we see how we’ve improved through our use of the RI Method. This step is important in helping us to see that improvement. Note: The sample Examples of RI Practice (see reverse side) illustrate how the four steps can be followed briefly but clearly. Rev Jan 2010 Doc.3a ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved © Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Recovery International | 15 | Participant Handout EXAMPLES OF RECOVERY PRACTICE I had an errand to do downtown today. It was something that could not be put off. I thought that I did not want to go and began to work myself up. I had fearful thoughts about being out in public and not being able to control my outer environment. I wanted to withdraw, had lowered feelings, felt tense and thought of how I could avoid going out today. I spotted my fearful temper and made a decision to go out and run the errand. I felt steadier having made the decision. I planned and acted in getting ready to go out and went downtown on the bus. As I traveled and took care of my business downtown, I saw that anticipation is often worse than realization because things were going fine. I enjoyed being out on a nice day and people were friendly. Although I could not control my outer environment, I could control my inner environment. Each time I endorsed my efforts, the next step seemed easier. Before my Recovery training, I might have stayed home, remained fearful and worked myself up into a vicious cycle of lowered feelings and inadequacy. If I had not decided, planned and acted, I would not have had this opportunity to see that anticipation is often worse than realization and that one self-endorsement can lead to further encouragement and confidence. ********** Coming through customs at the airport at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, I was asked to go through a different area to be searched. That’s when I began to work myself up. My symptoms were head pressure, palpitations, and dizziness. My racing thoughts were, Why me? There are thousands of people here and they pick me. I had the impulse to work myself up more. I spotted aggressive temper towards the customs officials. I had fearful temper that I would be unable to cope with the situation and self-pity – Poor me! I used the Recovery spottings that “helplessness is not hopelessness” and “to excuse rather than accuse” in the interest of my mental health. In former days, I would have reached for medication. I would have said rude things to the man who searched my luggage. This time I endorsed myself for making the trip and coming to Chicago. ********** Yesterday I bought a half dozen peaches that were beautiful on the outside but rotten on the inside. My wife and I have different philosophies about buying produce. I buy it at a cheaper store where the goods must be eaten in a few days or they will go bad. She buys at a more expensive store which sells produce with a longer shelf life. We have been engaged in a good-natured debate all summer about which philosophy helped us save more money. Several months ago, we had had the same experience with fruit purchased at my store. My wife returned the items and got our money back. Now it was happening again. I began to work myself up. I had lowered feelings and some stomach distress. I had the fearful thought that I might have failed in the standard of average efficiency. I had the angry thought that my wife was rubbing in my failure. I spotted to have the courage to make mistakes and that there is no right or wrong in the trivialities of everyday life. I excused and did not accuse my wife. I spotted that people say things that irritate us but not necessarily to irritate us. I resisted the impulse to start keeping records about how much things cost my way as opposed to her way—thus controlling my muscles to keep from going for a symbolic victory. I endorsed myself for my practice. Before Recovery I would have felt that I must find out who was right. I would not have realized that I had choices about changing my thoughts and controlling my impulses. Before Recovery I was hospitalized with delusions and clinical depression. Rev Jan 2010 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Doc.3b Recovery International | 16 | Participant Handout© Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Environment Has Two Faces OUTER (EXTERNAL) ENVIRONMENT INNER (INTERNAL) ENVIRONMENT EVERYTHING OUTSIDE YOURSELF EVERYTHING INSIDE YOURSELF Places Feelings People Sensations Events The Past Thoughts Impulses Muscles Which can you control? Which can you control? Notes ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 17 | Participant Handout Comfort and Discomfort Situations ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Distressing Symptoms Recovery International | 18 | Participant Handout Appropriate Tools The Parts of a Recovery International Meeting • Welcome and Introductions • Reading • Examples • Voluntary Contributions • Further Spotting and Questions • Mutual Aid ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 19 | Participant Handout Life Consists of Trivialities Life consists of trivialities and very little else. If you think of what you worry about, it’s trivialities. Whether you should buy a certain item or not. Whether you shouldbuy it now or wait until the price goes down. Should you spend money on unnecessary things, or should you save the money? These are trivialities, average happenings. The average person deals constantly with average happenings, with trivialities. You eat, you sleep, you walk, you go to school, you see friends, you talk on the phone. That takes up 90 percent of your day, if not 98 percent. Life consists of trivialities mainly. How often does a father die? Once in a lifetime. That’s not a common, average, trivial event. How often does somebody in the family get married or somebody get born? How often does your house burn down? What you call a big item happens rarely. These trivialities of everyday life create responses in you. You either don’t notice them because they don’t interest you, or they cheer you because they please you, or they anger you, or scare you. Even the simplest triviality can scare or anger you. In the life of a parent, the fact that a baby cries is a triviality. A thousand things that the baby does are trivialities, but a mother may work herself up over each of these trivialities. The closer a relation is to you, the more the trivialities can irritate, frustrate, anger and scare you. Trivialities crowd your life, but any one of them may arouse your anger, your fear, your disgust, or your terror. I want you to learn how to deal with trivialities, not to get upset by trivialities. You must learn to handle the trivialities of daily life without temper. If you wish to be trained in this system, be prepared to listen to nothing but trivialities. That’s life. Life is to get angry at a person who doesn’t look at you, or a person who stares at you, a person who talks too much, or a person who doesn’t talk at all. That’s life. It is also to eat a bad meal or a good meal. If you eat a bad meal, you feel anger. If you eat a good meal, then you feel enjoyment. That’s life. Utterly trivial. If you want stirring excitement, you will not get it in this program. We are average people, and we talk about average trivialities – that means everyday life. Note: This is an excerpt from Chapter 23 in Manage Your Fears, Manage Your Anger by Abraham A. Low, M.D. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 20 | Participant Handout GROUP LEADERS’ GUIDE INDEX Mission Statement. …………………………………………...……. Vision Statement…………………………………………...……… Introduction …………………………………………...…………... Preface……………………………………………………………... PAGE 1 1 2 3 Section I – Recovery International. Group Meeting Policies & Procedures Recovery International Developed by Dr. Low ……………….…… Who May Attend Recovery International Meeting……………….. Location of Meetings………………………………………………. Contact Numbers………………………………………………….. Frequency of Meetings……………………………………………... Meeting Room Arrangement……………………………………….. RI Literature………………………………………………………. Role of the Leader…………………………………………………. Sequence of the Group Meeting Welcoming Newcomers………………………………………….. Authoritative Works of Dr. Low…………………………………. Introductions…………………………………………………….. Before the Example Period………………………………………. The Example Period Time Limits Prescribed by Dr. Low……………………………… Giving the Example……………………………………………… The Nature of the Example (Trivialities)…………………………. The Testimonial………………………………………………….. “I Need Help” Examples………………………………………… Controversies Between Members………………………………… Comments (Spotting) on the Example…………………………… Balance Between Sabotage and Practice………………………….. No Advice……………………………………………………….. Voluntary Contributions…………………………………………. Further Spotting, Questions and Comments……………………... Mutual Aid Period………………………………………………... The Small Group………………………………………………… 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 9 10 11 11 12 12 14 14 14 15 15 16 17 17 17 18 19 Additional Policies Recovery International is Self-Help Mental Health……………….. 20 Use of the RI Language……………………………………..…… 20 RI Is Inclusive…………………………………………...……….. 21 RI Group Leaders’ Rev. Group Leader’s Guide, Guide, Rev Jan04/10 2010 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 21 | Participant Handout Size of an RI Group……………………………...………………. Note Taking………………………………………………...……. Five-Minute Telephone Calls Between Meetings…………………. Smoking at Meetings……………………………………………... Beverages and Food at the Meeting……………………………… Issues Not Discussed…………………………………………….. RI Does Not Offer These Services………………………………. 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 Section II – Recovery International Group Leadership Qualifications To Become a Group Leader or an Assistant Group Leader……………………………………... Authorization and Tenure of Group Leaders……...……………….. Leaders’ Meetings – An Important Service Provided by the Area ... Responsibilities of Group Leaders……………………………….... 24 24 24 25 Section III – Appendix A (items may be copied as needed) (Materials marked with a document number will be found in the document section of this Appendix) Materials To Be Given To the Newcomer ...................................................A1 Materials for Use During the Meeting ..........................................................A2 Welcome Message for Newcomers ...............................................................A3 Importance of Trivialities ................................................................................A4 Tips for Leading an RI Example....................................................................A5 Voluntary Contribution and Scripts ..............................................................A6 MHTWT Chapter Page Number Cross Reference Chart ..........................A8 Selections from Dr. Low’s Works: CD Format ........................................ A11 Policy Statements Essential Elements of the Recovery Method ............................................ A13 Essential Components of a Recovery International Meeting ................. A14 Confidentiality and Note-taking .................................................................. A15 Policies Governing Recovery International Meetings ............................. A16 Guidelines and Helpful Information A Sampling of Tools & Terms: Guidelines for Group Leaders ............ A20 Newcomer’s Orientation During Weekly Meetings ................................. A22 Guidelines for Leaders: Dealing with Distrubing Behavior at meetings .... A25 Books By and About Dr. Low and Recovery International ................... A28 Letter to Request Meeting Space................................................................. A30 Certificate of Attendance ............................................................................. A31 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 22 | Participant Handout Confirmation of Attendance ........................................................................ A32 Order Forms & Publications Group Leader’s Order Form Member’s Order Form Dr Low’s Lectures on CD: Order Form Revolving Literature Fund Procedures Revolving Literature Fund Agreement Membership Form Donation Form Additional RI Publications Documents What You Can Expect at a Recovery International Meeting ...... Doc. 1 Recovery International Frequently Asked Questions................... Doc. 2 How a Recovery International Example is Constructed.............. Doc. 3 A Sampling of Tools and Terms...................................................... Doc. 4 Constructing an RI Example: A Worksheet .................................. Doc. 5 Basic Concepts.................................................................................... Doc. 6 “You Are Not Alone” Stories ............................................. Doc. 7A – 7F Examples of Recovery Practice........................................... Doc. 8A – 8B Section IV: Appendix B RI Discovery Group Structure & Materials (Items may be copied as needed) (Materials marked with a document number will be found in the document section of this Appendix) Welcome ..................................................................................................... B2 What You Can Expect at a Recovery International Meeting ..... Doc. 1 RI Discovery Quick Facts ........................................................................ B3 RI Discovery Structure ............................................................................. B4 Materials for the Newcomer .................................................................. B10 Policies Governing RI Discovery Meetings ........................................ B11 Section V: Appendix C RI Telephone Meetings Group Structure and Materials (Items may be copied as needed) Welcome Message for Newcomers ........................................................ C3 Welcome to Recovery International Telephone Meetings ................. C4 What to Expect During an RI Telephone Meeting ............................. C5 Group Leader’sGuide, Guide, Rev Jan04/10 2010 RI Group Leaders’ Rev. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 23 | Participant Handout Recovery International Telephone Meetings FAQ’s ........................... C6 Recovery International Phone Meeting Procedures ............................ C8 Policies Governing RI Phone and Online Meetings .........................C15 Books By and About Abraham Low and Recovery International ..C17 Sample Telephone Meeting Schedule ..................................................C19 Section VI: Appendix D RI Online Meetings Group Structure and Materials (Items may be copied as needed) What You Can Expect at an RI Online Meeting ................................ D3 Recovery International Online Meetings FAQ’s ................................. D4 Important Information about Online Chats ........................................ D5 Policies Governing RI Phone and Online Meetings .......................... D8 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 24 | Participant Handout BASIC CONCEPTS For more than 70 years, thousands of people all over the world have been using the self-help method developed by neuropsychiatrist Abraham Low, M.D., to live more peaceful lives. The Low Self-Help Method is based on these important concepts. Temper Has Two Faces Angry Temper: The judgment that the other person is wrong or has wronged me. Fearful Temper: The judgment that I am wrong. For example: irritation, resentment, impatience, hatred, disgust, rebellion For example: worry, feeling of inadequacy, hopelessness, fear of damage to your reputation, sense of shame Living a more peaceful life starts with learning to recognize signs and symptoms of temper, both angry and fearful. Environment Has Two Sides Outer (External) Environment: Everything outside yourself. You can’t control any of these: people, events, the past, the future. Inner (Internal) Environment: Everything inside yourself. You can’t control these: feelings, sensations You can control these: thoughts, impulses Realize what you cannot control. Concentrate on what you can control. Use Your Will You have the power to choose: How you are going to act. What you are going to think. Focus on Everyday Events Most things that upset us are the routine events in everyday life. Using the Low Self-Help Method helps us deal more positively and peacefully with the frustrations, challenges and upsets of daily living. Practice Self-Endorsement Give yourself a mental pat on the back for any effort: To spot and control your temper. To control your thoughts and impulses. Rev Jan 2010 © Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Doc.6 ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 25 | Participant Handout Dictionary of Terms Averageness: Setting realistic goals, not trying to be exceptional. Endorsement (self-endorsement): A mental pat on the back, self-praise for effort or control. Group-minded: Thinking about what is best for your group (family, classmates, friends, etc.). Self-minded: Asserting individual rights and domination over someone else or those around you. Outer (external) environment: Everything outside your skin, including people, events, and the past. Inner (internal) environment: Everything inside your skin, including feelings, sensations, thoughts, and impulses. Feelings: Emotions such as anger, impatience, hatred, fear, worry, embarrassment, shame, and many more. You cannot control your feelings. Sensations: Physical responses such as blushing, racing heartbeats, tense muscles, teary eyes, and many more. You cannot control these sensations. Thoughts: Ideas produced by thinking, such as, “This is fun,” “I can do this,” “He is annoying,” and so on. You can learn to change your thoughts. Impulses: What you first want to do, such as to punch, to run, to hug, to laugh, to yell, and so on. You can learn to control your impulses. Sabotage: Anything you do to interfere with your goal of managing your anger and fear, such as using temperamental language, avoiding using the tools, or rebelling. Temper: The judgment of right and wrong in everyday events. This does not apply to legal, moral, or ethical issues. Angry temper: The judgment that someone else is wrong or that someone has done me wrong, and I become angry. Angry temper can take the form of resentment, impatience, indignation, annoyance, irritation, disgust, hatred, or rebellion. Fearful temper: The judgment that I am wrong, and I become fearful or angry at myself. Fearful temper can take the form of discouragement, preoccupation, worry, embarrassment, sense of shame, feeling of inadequacy, hopelessness, or despair. Temperamental deadlock: Quarreling over who is right and who is wrong in everyday situations. It becomes an angry standoff. Temperamental language: Exaggerated, negative, or insecure descriptions of experiences. Also, all language that is alarming and defeating. Tools: All techniques and concepts used in The Power to Change Program. Trivialities: Routine events in everyday life. Vicious cycle: Temper and tenseness that increase the length and intensity of feelings and sensations, which create more temper and tenseness and lead to defeatism. Will: The power to choose how you are going to act and what you are going to think. ©Copyright 2014 Recovery International, All Rights Reserved Recovery International | 26 | Participant Handout 105 W. Adams St., Ste. 2940 • Chicago, IL 60603 • www.recoveryinternational.org © C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 1 4 , A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D TO R E C O V E R Y I N T E R N AT I O N A L .
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