Course Description:

Goals:

Training participants will examine the ways that language can facilitate connection and the exploration of context and meaning in "Hearing Voices" groups.

Training participants will familiarize themselves with the Ethos and Values outlined by the "Hearing Voices USA" Charter.

Training participants will participate in role-play and experiential exercises to practice introducing and facilitating "Hearing Voices" groups.

Training participants will explore and engage with multiple frameworks for voice-hearing including (but not limited to) trauma and spiritual models.

Learning Objectives: Training participants will learn how to apply the four elements of the dialogic approach of Validation-Curiosity-Vulnerability-Community (VCVC)

Training participants will learn at least three ways to reduce power differentials in the group environment in order to reduce conflict and facilitate connection.

Training participants will examine at least three scenarios that can challenge group dynamics and identify values-driven approaches to address them.

Training participants will be able to identify at least three different ways to advertise, fund, and build community buy-in for "Hearing Voices Network" groups.

Training participants will identify at least five types of coping strategies that voice-hearers can utilize beyond distraction or neuroleptics.

Training participants will familiarize themselves with at least two research studies that support the use of trauma-informed culturally-competent approaches to voice-hearing.