Post on 11-Jun-2020
Class participant
The app, MyMoments EDI©, allows the user to alter images and create pictures that
reflect their experience of the past, and their vision for the future. The initial images
come from any source – the internet, personal photos and drawings or photographs
taken that reflect the story being told. The images are imported into the app and the
user can then change the colors, brightness and contrast. Textures and effects can be
added. The images can be flipped, framed and captioned. Users can accept or erase
changes throughout the process.
Peer-to-Peer is a free11-week recovery-focused
educational program for adults wishing to establish
and maintain their wellness. The primary goal of the
program is helping participants learn to recognize
the power of their shared experience as a tool to
further their recovery. The primary techniques are
brainstorming, DBT, mindfulness, self-exploration
and storytelling. Class members discover their
communalities, their strengths and their talents.
Participants set new goals with confidence in the
probability of recovery on their own terms.
In the safe and respectful environment of a Peer-
to-Peer class the participants have the
opportunity to relate the highs and lows they’ve
lived through. They may reveal their experience
with the feelings of anger and hopelessness that
can come as a result of trauma. They can express
the feelings of joy and hope that come with
recovery. Listeners get a real sense of how these
events can impact the way in which a person’s
life can unfold. Through the use of a simple app,
members of a Peer-to-Peer class have the
opportunity of telling their stories in words and
in pictures.
“Sharing the images with my loved ones helps them understand me more than they already do… One of the images I shared with my son made him cry - which he never does. So that’s how powerful these images can be."
For more information please contact Judi Maguire 617-580-8541 jmaguire@namimass.org
There is no wrong way to do anything and because the images
are ultimately a photograph they always look good. Even
reluctant class members are amazed by the stunning images
that they are able to create.
MyMoments EDI© is very easy to learn and works on an Apple©
iPod, iPad or iPhone. In our classes we lend participants an
iPad for the duration of the program.
“I barely have the words to describe the difference
that it (MyMoments EDI©) made for participants,
as well as for me on a personal level. Whether or
not people claimed to be creative or visual, the use
of photographs that they could manipulate in
extremely unique ways and caption, just opened
up a whole new medium for self-exploration and
even communication with others. It was
absolutely fabulous and user friendly to boot!!”
Peer Mentor
Discussion
Impact of Mental Health Issues
Communality
Focusing on experiences of joy
Spirituality
Physical health and mental health
Do I disclose?
Storytelling
Experiences and Inspiration with Expressive Digital Imagery
Moving Forward
Another look at stages of recovery,
Empowerment
Advocacy
Opportunities
Celebration
The Peer-to-Peer Curriculum
Class Orientation
Icebreaker
Ground rules
Discussion on course values
The Recovery Journey
Stages of recovery
The experience of trauma
Stigma
Culture
Recovery Tools
Creative visualization
Mindfulness
Relapse prevention
The role of acceptance in recovery
Understanding emotions
Recognizing feelings, thoughts and physical
sensations
Decision Making
Coming out of isolation
Recognizing Triggers
Working with Providers
Surviving a Hospital Stay
The NAMI Connection recovery support group, for adults living with
mental illness, provides a place that offers respect, understanding,
encouragement, and hope.
The support groups are run by people living with mental illness
themselves. Connection support groups are held
throughout Massachusetts.
Connections groups are free of charge, and open to anyone with a
mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. You do not need to be a
member of NAMI to attend.
We have groups in Acton, Agawam, Acton, Boston, Brockton,
Easthampton, Everett, Fitchburg, Gardner, Gloucester, Haverhill,
Dorchester, Lynn, Orleans, Quincy, Roxbury, Somerville, Taunton
Winchester
Days and times can be found on our website – namimass.org
If you would like to discuss the NAMI Connection program please contact
Judi Maguire at 617-580-8541 jmaguire@namimass.org
Other NAMI Programs
In Our Own Voice (“IOOV”) is a free presentation given by
two people living with mental illness about their journey with
their disorders. The hour-long talk is appropriate for family
members, friends, professionals, lay audiences and other
people living with mental illness. It includes a videotape,
personal testimony, discussion and enriches the audience’s
understanding of how people with these serious disorders
cope with the reality of their illnesses while recovering and
reclaiming productive lives. IOOV is presented to any type of
group: students, law enforcement officials, educators,
providers, faith community members, politicians, professionals,
inmates, and interested civic groups. All presentations are
offered free of charge
Please contact Eliza Williamson, Director, In Our Own Voice, 617-580-
8541, ewilliamson@namimass.org, if you would like to arrange for a
presentation for your group or find out how to become an In Our
Own Voice presenter
We welcome family members, friends and other caregivers caring for persons with mental illness who share
common problems which arise from mental illnesses. NAMI Family Support Groups around the state can
provide understanding, comfort, hope and help for family members, friends and other caregivers. We
provide a secure nonjudgmental environment where caregivers can discuss concerns and benefit from the
collective knowledge and experience from one another.
To find the class closest to your area call the NAMI Mass office at 617-580-8541 or email Ilya Cherkasov
icherkasov@namimass.org.
Family-to-Family is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of
individuals with severe mental illnesses that discusses the clinical
treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills
that family members need to cope effectively. Family-to-Family
offers resources, insights, coping skills, and genuine support for
families. Our volunteer teachers equip the class participants with
the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system.
The programs are taught by family members; people who have
lived the journey and can relate on a personal level to those
seeking knowledge and comfort.
DeFamilia a Familia es un programa de educación para familiares
y amigos de personas que tienen enfermedades mentales severas.
If you’re interested in taking a class, please contact the Director of Family
Programs, Ilya Cherkasov at 617-580-8541. Interested in becoming a
Family-to-Family Teacher? Contact Ilya at 617-580-8541 A list of classes can
be found on our website – namimass.org.
NAMI Basics is a 6 week education
program for parents and caregivers of
children and adolescents living with
emotional and behavioral issues. NAMI
Basics is taught by understanding
teachers who are parents or
caregivers of children with similar
issues. Taking NAMI Basics will give you
the tools you will need to help you
make the best decisions possible for
the care of your child. You will learn
communication tips, how to problem-
solve and the skills to help you cope
with the emotional impact of caring
for your challenging child. You will find
out about the IEP process, insurance,
benefits, diagnoses and treatment.
The course consists of six classes, each
lasting for 2 ½ hours. Classes may be
offered weekly for six consecutive
weeks, or may be offered twice per
week for three weeks to
accommodate hectic schedules. This
program is FREE to participants.
If you’re interested in taking a class, please
contact the Director of Family Programs,
Ilya Cherkasov at 617-580-8541
The NAMI Massachusetts
Criminal Justice Diversion
Project (CJDP) aims to prevent
the unnecessary arrest and
detention of individuals with
mental illness. The CJDP
supports police departments
and other first responders in
engaging with individuals
experiencing mental health
crisis, and fosters connections
between law enforcement,
behavioral health providers,
and other community
stakeholders. The CJDP is
working to develop a statewide
strategy to make high quality
training on mental illness
accessible to police
departments in all 351 cities
and towns in Massachusetts.
To learn more about what you can
do to help local law enforcement
respond more safely and
effectively to individuals with
mental illness, please contact June
Binney, Criminal Justice Project
Director at (617) 580-8541.
Allies for Student Mental Health
Allies for Student Mental Health
Allies for Student Mental Health is a two-hour professional development
program designed to help K-12 teachers, parents and school staff work
as allies to identify and understand mental health conditions that can
have significant impact on students’ academic success and overall
well-being.
Allies for Student Mental Health addresses a range of mental health
conditions. It provides practical, solutions-oriented information,
including: Signs and symptoms, resources, classroom strategies and
accommodations, strengthening alliance with families, and
understanding stigma and empathy
The program is presented by a panel of engaging speakers with
uniquely relevant expertise and perspectives: a young
adult challenged by mental health issues as a student speaks about
his/her experience in school, a teacher offers personal classroom
experiences, pedagogical strategies, and resources/tools for
educators and a parent shares the struggles and successes as his/her
child progressed through the school system and tips for
communicating with families.
Allies for Student Mental Health improves the ability to recognize signs
and symptoms of common youth mental health conditions. Allies for
Student Mental Health creates an awareness of resources, tools and
strategies available to teachers, parents and staff and increased
success for vulnerable students
For more information on the “Allies for Student Mental Health” program and to
schedule a presentation, please contact Eliza Williamson, Director, In Our Own
Voice, 617-580-8541, ewilliamson@namimass.org,
Navigating the mental healthcare system can be complicated—we help individuals and
families affected by mental health issues find their way.
The NAMI Mass Compass is operated by peers and family members who have dealt with these
issues first hand. Navigators are available to answer a wide range of questions and refer to
NAMI support & education programs and other community resources.
Common Questions & Topics Include…
Where to find support (Peer and Family)
How to access treatment
Employment Issues Police & Legal System
Housing programs & questions Managing financial stress
NAMI Education Programs Substance Use
Discharge Rights Transportation
Insurance Issues & Questions Benefits
Youth & Transition and much more!
Please call us at (617) 704-NAMI (6264) or toll free, (800) 370-9085 Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm or
email compass@namimass.org and a NAMI Mass Compass Navigator will email or call you
back with more information.
Assessment of EDI to Enhance Inpatient Treatment
Gosnold on Cape Cod: Cataumet Study
“To see the quiet people put the most deep, meaningful picture on their slide show that you would’ve
never thought would come out of that person. To see people blossom throughout the program. Once
they’re on their second slideshow, they’re talking. They’re describing themselves. It was great. People
were sitting up straighter that were hunched over when they first came in.”- Patient in study
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of incorporating EDI as a technique for improving existing therapeutic programs within the Cataumet rehabilitation program at Gosnold on Cape Cod, an addiction treatment services provider. This feasibility assessment is the first study to examine the utilization patterns and patient experience of participants’ therapeutic use of Expressive Digital Imagery (EDI). Results of the mixed methods pilot suggest that EDI can feasibly be incorporated as a technique to enhance current, valid treatment approaches (Figure 1). Future research is planned to determine how EDI may impact outcomes by addressing patient self-efficacy amongst other targets on the causal pathway.
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS Evident in both surveys and focus groups, participants felt strongly that EDI had contributed to their recovery experience and outlook by enabling self-expression, generating new insights and establishing connection with others. Using images to discuss their feelings enabled individuals to take responsibility for their thoughts and feelings in a distinct way which was less threatening than more traditional verbal therapies. EDI users reported that this process of engagement contributed to increased self- esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Participants of varied demographic background and levels of technological familiarity indicated EDI was easy to learn and equally as many indicated it was user-friendly. A number of participants indicated they wanted broader options for altering imagery and captions to enhance their use experience.
Table 1. Representative Illustration of Participant Responses by Domain
Self- Expression
“Sometimes I find it hard to put into words how I feel about something but with using images to help describe how you feel I think it begins to help me open up.”
Establishing Connection
“You associate that picture with the way they feel. .. if someone says yeah, I was so sad when I was using. That only does so much. When someone can show me the utter despair and bankruptcy of—emotional bankruptcy, I can relate to that a lot more than just saying I drank or I drugged and it sucked and I was sad. The seeing it, and the processing it as it relates to yourself…It’s not an abstract idea. It’s right there.”
Self-Discovery
“People took all different sorts of meaning from a photo, and meaning that I didn’t even prescribe to the photo originally. Just showing that photo, I even gained something from my own photo that I hadn’t originally gained to begin with.”
Verbalizing Vulnerabilities
“I don’t wanna talk about my feelings with someone, but I’ll talk about a picture and the caption that I wrote. Then eventually the feelings come out... it’s safer.”
Focus on Recovery
“It was a great new way to express my thoughts and emotions more creatively. It helped to emphasize some goals that I never realized I had.”
METHODS
An independent mixed methods program evaluation was conducted to assess the feasibility of implementing and evaluating Expressive Digital Imagery (EDI) within the context of an inpatient SUD treatment program. Four focus groups (n=29) and interviews (n=60) provided in-depth and nuanced insight into the patient experiences and allowed follow up queries related to emergent themes (Table 1). Survey data added dimension to the focus groups (Table 2). The study design is illustrated in Figure 1.
Table 2. Relevant Contributions of EDI to Patient Treatment Experience
Self-Expression
98% were able to express how they felt with EDI*
100% agreed EDI helped them to express themselves*
93% indicated EDI helped them to describe their thoughts and feelings to others*
73% felt more comfortable discussing difficult topics when the conversation focused on EDI images*
92% felt they are able to share something through their images they are otherwise uncomfortable sharing^
Self-Discovery
90% felt EDI helped them to realize new insights about themselves they were previously unaware of^
80% felt receiving feedback from others helped them to express new insights/feelings previously unknown*
85% felt discussing other peoples’ images helped them to express new insights and feelings about themselves*
Self-Esteem and Sense of Self
97% felt a sense of accomplishment when creating an image*
98% felt proud of the images they created*
95% felt understood by others when sharing their EDI images*
95% felt creative when they use EDI*
Self-Efficacy and Readiness to Change
88% felt EDI helped them to be more clear about the challenges they are facing*
90% indicated using EDI helped them to feel optimistic about their recovery*
93% felt EDI helped them to engage in the program and their treatment*
90% felt EDI helped them to discover things about themselves which impact their recovery*
88% felt EDI contributed to their ability to understand what they have to do to be successful in their recovery*
Program Experience
98% enjoyed using EDI*
98% have received support and validation from others when sharing their EDI images^
93% liked sharing the images they created with EDI*
97% felt that when someone shared an image, they could relate to them*
92% indicated that seeing other peoples’ images helped them to understand their own thoughts and feelings*
*Responses included Agree and Strongly Agree; ^Responses included Sometimes, Often, Always
Consented participants were eligible to participate in focus groups and/or complete the individual survey after reaching minimum of 21 days enrollment in the program. All focus groups were held at Cataumet and were approximately 60-90 minutes in length. Patients were recruited during a 4 month period and eligible for participation after 21 days of treatment with the EDI technique.
Figure 1. Study Design for Pilot Feasibility Assessment of EDI
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
This research offers insight into the role of EDI as part of an existing treatment program.
The pilot study produced actionable suggestions for the development of innovative, technology-based, patient centered self-management interventions, including application of self-expressive digital imagery.
Results from this assessment can advance the design and development of future research on these important issues.
New England Research Institutes 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 March 2017
A strategic partnership between NAMI Mass and the
EDI Institute promoting recovery and resilience
through expressive imagery created on mobile devices
Created by a NAMI Peer-to-Peer participant
expressing a new direction in her life.
“My images contain the
essence of my heart and soul… I
had one of my best healing
experiences by participating.”
- NAMI Peer-to-Peer
Participant
I barely have the words to describe
the difference that the imagery
made for me. It opened up a whole
new medium for self- exploration
and communication.” -
- NAMI Peer-to-Peer Facilitator
Judi Maguire Director of NAMI Mass Peer-to-Peer jmaguire@namimass.org
Steven Koppel Founder, EDI Institute
steven.koppel@ediinstitute.org
NAMI Massachusetts Schrafft’s Center Suite 1M17 529, Main Street, Boston, MA 02129