1. Reaching for a Good Life
Karen M Nielsen, PhD, RSW (Clinical) Ann Marie Dewhurst, PhD, R. Psych Claire Johnson, MSW Jill Storcer, M.A

2. Our Need
A program that :
Allowed for ongoing evaluation of client and program
Practiced-based evidence & theory
Focused on client-centred change
Positive in orientation
Respectful of clinical need & process
Inclusive

3. We Planned a Therapeutic Group Program for men
Non-criminal population
Self-referrals
People who are expressing a need for help now.
Organic/flexible – the program content changes based upon the clinical and risk-related needs of men currently in the program
Theoretical foundation was the Good Lives Model

4. Unacceptable behaviour is a result of a poorly defined Good Life Plan
The Good Lives Model
Unacceptable behaviour is a result of a poorly defined Good Life Plan
Living a good life depends on:
Well defined individual goals
internal conditions (skills and capabilities)
external conditions (opportunities and supports).

5. Understanding Abuse from a GLM View
Abusive behaviour is a result of a poorly defined Good Life Plan.
Ward and Brown (2004) describe four major types of difficulties that support abusive behaviour:
Problems with the means used to achieve goals
A lack of scope within a good lives plan
The presence of conflict among goals, ill defined goals
A lack of the necessary skills to adjust to changing circumstances (e.g. impulsive decision making).

6. Reaching for a Good Life Goals: 10 GL Factors
Knowledge
Excellence
Decision-Making
Inner Peace
Relationship
Community
Spirituality
Happiness
Creativity
Description
Taking Care of Self
Regular exercise, healthy diet, taking care of health issues, getting enough sleep, in a comfortable living situation; balance in work, home & play; healthy sex life.
Desire to Learn
Asks questions; attends school or training to increase ability; seeks to increase self-awareness & social skills, desire to learn for fun.
To go above & beyond
Desire to do something to the best of one’s ability at school, work, leisure, or self-improvement activities; wanting to do better at work or play;
The desire to set one’s own goals,
Make decisions, & be independent; includes money management assertiveness skills, problem-solving ability & generally being responsible.
Aware of one’s emotional state
able to manage difficult feelings in a good way.
able to identify other’s emotional states & respond appropriately
Desire to develop close,,
relationships
spouse, children, friends, other family); able to connect emotionally; engages in social activities.
To be involved in community
to belong to a group with similar interests & values, being able to rely on others for support; activities, having positive friends.
Desire to discover meaning or purpose in life
living according to morals & values that support life purpose; reflecting on values; maybe engaging in a faith community.
Being satisfied with life;
engaging in activities that bring value and satisfaction to life
Desire to do new & different things;
to be productive; engaging in hobbies, art, parenting, music, etc.

7. The Program Design

8. Reaching for a Good Life
Continuous Intake/Orientation
Weekly
No appointment
Assessment
Individual Interview
Psychotherapeutic group process
16 weeks
Four modules
Post-group exit interviews
Reaching Higher

9. Risk Assessment
HCR 20 – assesses risk for violence
SARA – assesses risk for domestic violence
SAPROF – (Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for violence risk) assesses protective factors for violence. Developed as a companion to the HCR-20

10. SAPROF
Internal Factors: Intelligence, Secure attachment in childhood, Empathy, Coping, Self-control
  Motivational Factors Work, Leisure activities, Financial management, Motivation for treatment, Attitudes towards authority, Life goals, Medication
External Factors Social network, Intimate Relationship, Professional care, Living circumstances, External control

11. Four Modules
Self-awareness and self-management skills
Emotional Communication
Values and moral decision making
Consciousness raising regarding power in relationships

12. In Closing
We are encouraged that a Good Lives approach is appropriate for men dealing with family violence.
Our preliminary findings both qualitative and quantitative, suggest using the GLM as a a framework for working with men who are abusive in intimate relationships, is important in developing violence free lives.

13. Contact Us