Each session includes
Teaching
Every session we have a learning objective, and we have a few moments of teaching relevant to the theme of the week. We learn how our brains work, in particular thinking about neuroplasticity and neural pathways.
We are taught how to combat negative thinking as a life skill that can be used for years to come. We learn different techniques for dealing with anxiety in the moment. We also think about other factors that can impact our mental health such as comparison and our use of social media.
Workbook
Every participant is given a workbook with engaging exercises to be completed in each session. Some of these are done individually and will ask participants about their own personal journey. Others are completed together as a group.
There is always plenty of guidance to help participants with completing these tasks. It is an expectation of the course that everyone tries their best on every exercise.
Journal
The journal is a vital tool that we use to change negative thinking patterns. This is where theory becomes practice as we daily reflect on a specific thought pattern and strive to change our neural pathways.
The journal is introduced in the third session and is taken home to work on for just 5 minutes each day. It's up to each participant to motivate themselves to make use of this. As with the whole of the course, the more you put in, the more you get out!
Discussion
As we go through each session, we often pause to discuss our thoughts and opinions on what we are learning. We know that talking in a group setting can be daunting so participants can contribute as much or as little as they’d like to.
We don’t expect participants to share personal details in discussions as this work is done privately in the workbook and journal.
Activity
We will often do activities as a way to consolidate our learning and help us to remember the main points. We learn about self-esteem using a paper cup and a jug of water.
We learn about the brain by planting a seed. We learn about forgiveness using a paper shredder or maybe even a fire pit!
Faith Focus
Each week we look at a short Bible verse to see what God has to say about mental health. We discover how much God loves us and how he wants us to live in wholeness.
God doesn’t want any of us to suffer with poor mental health and He comes alongside us to help us through life’s challenges, transforming us and showing us how to change the way we think.
