Recovery Workshops and Support Groups

Power of Peers (POP Program)

Power of Peers (POP) behavioral health program links Peers with Natural Supports upon discharge from Crisis Stabilization Units.

The average length of admittance to a Baker Act receiving facility or crisis unit is between three and five days. There are many circumstances that lead to an individual arriving on a unit but little time to address environments or relational issues that contribute to admittance. A five-day stay may be appropriate for prescription management or detoxification, but this length of stay becomes problematic when the individual lacks resources to provide an effective transition from the facility back to the community.

The facility is able to connect the person served with behavioral health specialists, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, and therapists, but many persons served are lacking in fundamental human connection in the community.

Some return to circumstances so difficult to manage that they become overwhelmed and return to a state that calls for duplicated efforts, usually to similar effect. This can quickly become a habit for an individual seeking solutions from acute care environments: first, because there seems to be little else to do, then because that environment becomes what the individual understands as help.

Sometimes, what is necessary for the individual is to find a place where they feel accepted. Making contact with an individual leaving a crisis unit is a powerful way of saying “You are not alone.” The connection begun in a place of assessment and evaluation and has the potential to become a natural support, a place to develop trust and rapport. Power of Peers engages with folks on the unit independent of clinical staff but attend treatment team meetings and communicate with staff, always with the consent of the individual being served.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Support Groups for people with behavioral disorders follow a common theme and purpose. All groups operate under the guidance of a trained facilitator.

Everyone is provided the opportunity to speak. All attendees are encouraged to share their issues and experiences relating to the groups focus.

Support groups offer opportunities for sharing stories and giving members the opportunity to hear what has worked for others along the road to recovery.

We do not offer therapy, although attending groups tends to have a therapeutic effect. We do not offer advice but rather encourage people to take what is right for them and leave what is not.

Regardless of diagnosis, we invite all members to attend any group they wish with the understanding the facilitator has the option to guide the discussion.

BEYOND ADDICTION

Beyond Addiction is a peer-led, peer-focused support group focused on attaining and maintain sobriety from various addictions. Beyond Addiction takes a whole health approach by examining lifestyle, triggers, self-care, prevention, and possibility aside from the addiction or substance misuse. This group is focused on healing and sustainable choices to work through addiction(s) and beyond.

The Seth Line 

It is said that we live as long as we are remembered. Gail and Chuck Stambaugh have assured a legacy for their son Seth and an asset for our community through the Seth Line, created in his memory to provide a supportive listener for people facing the challenges of living with behavioral illnesses.

Even during periods of hospitalization, Seth was never far from his caring family. With their support and love, the entire family helped Seth to realize strengths that helped him to move into the community. Shortly after Seth’s passing, the Stambaugh’s were introduced to the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida by community advocate and EPIC honoree Jack Kuhn who sensed that a “match” was possible. How right he was. Gail and Chuck embraced the concept of a warm line to offer the same support that Seth himself enjoyed through family and community friendships.

Establishing the warm line was just the first step in the Stambaugh’s efforts. From the line’s inception, they took active roles, pursuing funding, giving generously of themselves, helping to motivate volunteers, and serving weekly as Seth Line phone listeners. Gail and Chuck Stambaugh represent family values in the best possible way, not just for their immediate family but for the extended family that they have adopted and embraced. They are our family and we are proud to celebrate them.

It's My Life

It’s My Life is an evidence-based, life-coach led program, originally developed by MHA national. This program is a goal-oriented program to combat isolation for those with mental illness. In this course, participants will learn how to identify barriers and create actionable goals to lead fulfilling, sociable lives. “It’s My Life,” is all about empowering individuals with mental health issues to take control of their lives and defy isolation.

Mental Health Matters

Mental Health Matters is a peer-led, peer-focused group on how to manage and maintain mental wellness. Topics vary between personal growth, mental health awareness, self-directed strategies and habits, as well as common sense solutions to achieving and sustaining a mentally healthy lifestyle. “Mental Health Matters” is all about looking at what “matters” in our lives and the considerations that surround our mental well-being.

B4Stage4

B4Stage4 is a Mental Health America initiative to acknowledge and address the early warning signs of mental health issues. We understand that preventative care is imperative care in cases of many diseases and chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Likewise, preventative care is essential for mental health issues. This group explores different avenues to preventative care, before mental health issues hit stage 4 and become emergencies.

Acquiring Tools for Recovery

Depression and Anxiety Support

#Tools2Thrive

While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. MHA’s Tools 2 Thrive series provides information, tips, and practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with.

 

#4Mind4Body

Our whole health approach includes nurturing the body as well as the mind. Mindful Movement is a yoga course specifically designed for those with mental health concerns and who hope to improve their physicality in a peaceful environment. This meditative fitness group helps participants center themselves, improve their flexibility, and build strength. Our group is typically led by a real yoga instructor and accommodates those with physical restrictions. Join us for Mindful Movement to begin or continue your health journey.

Evidence Based Recovery Workshops

WHAM
(Whole Health Action Management)

Learn the 10 health and resiliency factors and develop your own whole health goals and plans while taking a close look at current patterns, interests, and strengths in each of these 10 factors.

WRAP
(Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

A workshop developed to prevent a crisis with plans and activities in place to explore needs and develop a strategy to quickly and effectively handle crisis and receive services from designated healthcare providers, friends, and family.

It’s My Life

It’s My Life is an evidence-based, life-coach led program, originally developed by MHA national. This program is a goal-oriented program to combat isolation for those with mental illness. In this course, participants will learn how to identify barriers and create actionable goals to lead fulfilling, sociable lives. “It’s My Life,” is all about empowering individuals with mental health issues to take control of their lives and defy isolation.