Transformational Life Project

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Transformational Life Project Presented at: 2 ND Annual Prospering Community, Thriving Families, Family Economic Security Conference “Building Foundation For A New Prosperity” October 19, 2009 Hartford Marriott Downtown James Perry, Ph.D. Angela Duncan M.S., M.Div., Ph.D. (candidate) Paul Morgan, B.A. Light of the World Group lightoftheworld.org Light of the World Group © 2009

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Transcript of Transformational Life Project

Page 1: Transformational Life Project

Transformational Life Project

Presented at:

2ND Annual Prospering Community, Thriving Families,

Family Economic Security Conference “Building Foundation For A New Prosperity”

October 19, 2009Hartford Marriott Downtown

James Perry, Ph.D.Angela Duncan M.S., M.Div., Ph.D. (candidate)

Paul Morgan, B.A.

Light of the World Group lightoftheworld.org

Light of the World Group © 2009

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Transformational Life Project

“As a single footstep will not make a path on the Earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives”.

Henry David ThoreauLight of the World Group © 2009

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Transformational Life Project

Transformational Life Project (TLP) addresses four areas of treatment:

1. Interpersonal Functioning with Peers, Family and Community

2. Alleviation of Emotional Barriers Impacting Social Functioning

3. Program Receptivity and Utilization

4. Communication Between Key Social Systems

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Transformational Life Project

TLP is a community based approach that works within existing programs such as:

* Job Readiness and Employment Training

* Housing Redevelopment/Supportive Housing

* Prisoners/Reentry Populations

* Domestic Violence Intervention

* Leadership Development

* Migration and Refugee Population

* Traumatized Groups of People (natural disaster, genocide, oppression, abuse, etc.)

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Transformational Life Project

Human Cost of Unaddressed Trauma

In non-traumatized industrialized countries, the impact of mental illness in the labor force is well documented as measured by job performance and productivity. Preliminary evidence suggests that there are significant economic costs due to unaddressed trauma within the work force affecting the following areas:

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Transformational Life Project

Human Costs of Unaddressed Trauma

* Days of work lost (per week)

* Quality of job performance

* Ability to plan for economic activities

* Increase in domestic violence

* Increase in high-risk behavior

* Increase in diabetes, cardiovascular disease & stroke

* Premature death among the elderly

* Negative impact on social capital & neighborliness

* Higher suicide rates

* Poor school performance by children and adolescents

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Transformational Life Project

TLP Logistics

Ages Adolescents 16yrs+ Adults- all ages

Participants Men/Women

Numbers of Sessions 12-14Light of the World Group © 2009

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Transformational Life Project

TLP utilizes the following progression in this application:

1. Engagement – Assessment

2. Treatment Planning

3. Treatment – Transition – Implementation

4. Maintenance and Growth

5. Discharge Plan

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Transformational Life Project

TLP is based on the integration of the clinical and theoretical traditions of attachment theory, cognitive behavioral tenets, and faith applications.

This approach is for people who struggle with self-concept, financial challenges, traumatic life experiences and reintegration from incarceration.

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Transformational Life Project

Delivered across a flexible series of 12-14 weekly 60-90 minutes sessions.

TLP is a structured intervention with specific assessments and treatment modules that target four areas of social interaction:

1. Interpersonal functioning with peers, family and community.

2. Emotional barriers impacting social functioning.

3. Program receptivity and utilization.

4. Communication between key social systems.

Light of the World Group © 2009

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Light of the World Group

GOAL The Light of the World Group (LWG) is a

non-profit corporation whose primary focus is to improve the emotional and spiritual health of people that suffer in the world community to implement leadership and counseling initiatives that work with local governments, educational systems, businesses and churches.

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Light of the World Group

PURPOSE Our purpose maximizes a spiritual,

scientific, cultural approach and methodology to lessen suffering, reduce disability and to increase resiliency for survivors of trauma throughout the world

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Transformational Life Project

This training incorporates cognitive and attachmenttheory with faith. “Cognitive” means thought process as well as “knowledge” or “perception”. “Attachment” theory describes and explains enduring patterns of relationships from birth to death.

Transformational Life Project teaches participants toidentify their thoughts, moods, behaviors, physicalreactions, spiritual significance and relational implications.

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Transformational Life Project

Learning Objectives

1. To understand how early life experiences may impact current emotions and behaviors.

2. To understand different methods to identify and address problematic thoughts and behaviors.

3. To understand how attachment theory, cognitive behavioral tenets and faith can be useful in addressing challenges with those we serve.

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Transformational Life Project

Our life is full of brokenness-broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives.

Henri NouwenLight of the World Group © 2009

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Transformational Life Project

CORE VALUE 1

Our current situation is usually not the only source of our present pain

Anger, anxiety, doubt, worry, hopelessness, helplessness, and resentment are emotions that many of us experience.

Our emotional responses to current offenses can be disproportionate to the incident because of past history and unhealed emotional wounds.

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Transformational Life Project

CORE VALUE 2

Our brains connect current and past events

We don’t forget anything we just don’t remember it.

Our brains can utilize information

from similar events or experiences to help make current decisions, whether good or bad.

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Transformational Life Project

CORE VALUE 3

Many beliefs: One mind

Our emotions reveal our true core belief system- we feel what we believe.

It can be very difficult to change our core beliefs by simply choosing to do so or by adding more logical information to the situation.

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Transformational Life Project

CORE VALUE 4

Believing lies may have the same consequences as the truth

Since experiential beliefs dictate our emotional responses, they may also affect our behavior.

When we believe something we feel a corresponding emotion that may possibly influence our decisions.

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Transformational Life Project

Attachment Styles

We all have different types of relationships but healing and recovery hinges on the way we perceive the following:

Are you there for me?

Can I count on you?

Do you really care about me?

Am I worthy of your love and protection?

What do I have to do to earn your affection? Light of the World Group © 2009

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Transformational Life Project

When we cannot answer these questions positively, our psychological, relational, and spiritual foundation may be shaken.

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Transformational Life Project

Attachment Influences

Our feelings of security.

The personal meaning we give to our experiences.

Our ability to develop and maintain closeness with others.

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Transformational Life Project

Five Criteria for an Attachment Relationship

1. Proximity (closeness) to a caregiver is sought especially in times of trouble.

2. The caregiver provides a “Safe Haven” or a felt sense of security.

3. The caregiver provides a secure base from which to explore the world.

4. Any threat of separation induces fear and anxiety.

5. Loss of the caregiver induces grief and sorrow.

Mary Ainsworth

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Transformational Life Project

Attachment Injuries

Occur when we have been hurt by someone who is supposed to be there for us:

ParentsGrandparentsSpousePrimary CaregiverGod

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Transformational Life Project

Impact of Attachment Injuries

These hurts can cause deep pain.

This pain feels like it won’t go away.

Why? More is at stake in the relationship.More emotion is invested.More vulnerability is felt.

We expect a loved one to be there for us, and for whatever reason, when they are not, our fears increase.

If they remain absent, our fears (if not addressed) can eventually paralyze us.

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Transformational Life Project

Causes of Attachment Injuries

As caregivers remain unavailable or hurtful, our fears or injuries can pollute our soul (mind, will and emotions). This can cause one to form absolute statements about relationships.

The caregiver or loved one is simply not available (physically or emotionally), due to their own emotional distress or discomfort with closeness.

The caregiver is willing to be available, but is not able to be there. (i.e., in the hospital or incapacitated)

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Transformational Life Project

Causes of Attachment Injuries

The caregiver desires to be available and normally would be there, but is absent at a crucial developmental phase or during a time of crisis (i.e., military or work).

The parent or loved one is there, but instead of providing a safe haven, they use insensitive, embarrassing or sarcastic language towards the child or adult.

The caregiver is there, but smothers and overdoes safety and protection. This doesn’t allow the child or loved one the freedom to explore the world and gain confidence in mastering life’s skills.

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Transformational Life Project

Attachment Injuries

How ironic and sad.

The person who says they love and care for us may be the source of our greatest pain.

They may manipulate our love to torture or abuse us for their own warped satisfaction.

How do you think your life experiences affect your perception of self, others and God?

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Transformational Life Project

Attachment Style Questions

SelfAm I worthy of being loved?

Others Are others reliable and trustworthy?

GodIs God reliable and trustworthy?

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Transformational Life Project

Attachment Styles

Secure Attachment StylePositive Self/Positive Other

Avoidant Attachment StylePositive Self/Negative Self

Ambivalent Attachment StyleNegative Self/ Positive Other

Disorganized Attachment StyleNegative Self/Negative Other

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Transformational Life Project

Our Attachment Styles Influence How We Develop

Core Beliefs

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Transformational Life Project

Thoughts lead to purposes, purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny.

Tryon Edwards

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Transformational Life Project

What are Core Beliefs?

The deepest level of cognition (reasoning and perception).

Absolute statements about:OurselvesOthersGod

They operate within our subconscious without our awareness.

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Transformational Life Project

Core Beliefs

May influence our identity development, forminga portrait of:

Flaws Strengths Abilities Worth

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Transformational Life Project

Core Beliefs

May determine the quality of:

Relationships

Mood

Career

Financial Income

Recreation

HealthLight of the World Group © 2009

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Transformational Life Project

Core Beliefs

Influence our lives in two major ways:

First, they establish rules for:

Survival Coping

Second, they establish a constant inner monologue by which we:

Evaluate our performanceInterpret events

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Transformational Life Project

Core Beliefs

These beliefs when reinforced form a process that many counselorscall the belief-expectation cycle.

1. Hurtful experiences begin the cycle of forming our…

2. Beliefs which lead to….

3. Expectations arising from these beliefs.

4. Which in turn effects the way we Behave in life situations, which influences the behavior of others around us…

5. Which then leads to Experiences that confirm and further perpetuate our beliefs.

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Transformational Life Project

Levels of the Belief System

(Automatic Thoughts)

The situation itself does not dictate your response; but your perception of the event or situation dictates the response.

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Transformational Life Project

Levels of the Belief System

Assumptions (Rules & Attitudes)

Assumptions operate as rules that govern our daily behaviors and expectations.

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Transformational Life Project

Clusters of Core Beliefs

Conforming

Compulsivity

Controlling

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Transformational Life Project

DOZ B&R Home by 5 St.Joseph0

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Client TotalSuccessDNC

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Transformational Life Project

Federal Reserve Quarterly 2009, Market Wise Magazine

Core Beliefs Program Shapes Attitudes about Money

“As part of its HomeBuy5 financial education program, Virginia SupportiveHousing (VSH) augments FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum with a novel training program on attitudes about money. VSH incorporated the Core Beliefs training into HomeBuy5 in 2004, after it became clear that financial literacy and even one-on-one counseling sessions were not sufficient for clients to meet their personal and financial goals. The program identifies deep-seeded beliefs about money that act as barriers to financial stability. According to Salathia Johnson, the program’s director, “We added Core Beliefs after we noticed a pattern of clients sabotaging themselves just as their goal was in sight in the last year.” Clients include low-wage earners, families with young children and individuals or families living in shelters or transitional housing or are at risk of becoming homeless.”

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Transformational Life Project

Federal Reserve Quarterly 2009, Market Wise Magazine

Core Beliefs Program Shapes Attitudes about Money

“Core Beliefs helps clients adopt new beliefs and behaviors to rebuild credit, balance their monthly budgets, eliminate outstanding debt and accumulate savings. Clients examine past choices that did not serve their best financial interests even when they had sufficient information to understand the long-term consequences. Some Core Beliefs clients are also eligible for their savings accumulated during the training period to be matched at a rate of $2 to $1 for the first $2,000 saved. The curriculum requires clients to commit to five years of training and savings toward the purchase of a home. Since adding the Core Beliefs component, most clients are now able to reach their financial goals within three years of starting HomeBuy5, rather than five.”

To learn more about Core Beliefs, contact Salathia Johnson at (804) 836-1054 or [email protected].

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Transformational Life Project

Benefits of TLP Group Intervention

1. Cost effective.

2. Can diffuse transference and attenuate ego regression that otherwise may prolong or complicate treatment.

3. Provide social supports and facilitates the development of interpersonal skills.

4. Offers opportunities for acquiring new information, coping skills and self-expectations.

5. Provides feedback from peers.

6. Mutual identification and mirroring in the group are powerful therapeutic factors.

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Light of the World Group

Contact information:

EmailJames [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Offices11 Mountain Avenue, Suite 204 3105 West Marshall Street, Suite

109Bloomfield, CT 06002 Richmond, VA 23230(860) 372-8636 (804) 615-3757

Mailing Address Mailing AddressP.O. Box 1012 P.O. Box 5105Hartford,CT06143 Richmond, VA 23220

Light of the World Group © 2009