Get Started Running Life Skills IQ Groups

Life Skills IQ (LSIQ) is an effective group therapy approach. By using this approach, trained professionals assist participants to learn about mental health conditions, reduce mental health symptoms, and teach coping strategies in a group setting. LSIQ groups empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their symptoms, foster self-awareness, and enhance overall well-being.  

LSIQ groups focus on using the LSIQ Process to teach clients how to identify needed life skills, unlearn ineffective life skills, and learn more effective life skills. Participants then learn ways to implement their new life skills that foster hope and lead to enhanced well-being. LSIQ groups can be used to support people with mental health disorders,  substance abuse, and other life challenges. 

Group settings allow clients to explore how to learn and activate enhanced life skills. LSIQ groups help individuals develop coping skills, transform personal and global challenges into triumphs, and foster a sense of hopefulness. 

• Group activities offer a platform for skill development in a supportive environment. 
• By utilizing the activities in the reproducible workbooks and discussion cards, participants can practice skills while receiving feedback and support from the facilitator and other group members. 
• The LSIQ group setting is an ideal forum for increasing positivity and a powerful backdrop for creating significant hope and resilience. 
• Life Skills IQ can be enhanced to help counteract the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with mental health issues such as depression,  anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, and personality disorders.   

In the midst of an abundance of modern psychosocial stressors (including economic issues, post pandemic  concerns, health challenges,  mental health concerns of kids and adults,  safety concerns, etc.), the lifeskills approach can help people prevent, treat, and recover from many mental health problems, including a wide range of DSM-V diagnostic concerns, including:      

     - depression      

     - anxiety      

     - complex PTSD      

     - pain management      

     -health concerns      

     - economic issues      

     - school and teen stress      

     - relationship difficulties      

     - personality disorders   

The Life Skills IQ group approach may be used in school settings, outpatient programs, substance abuse treatment centers, and inpatient psychiatric facilities. The books include  strategies for staying hopeful:      

•     after-school traumas      
•     during times of depression      
•     during relationship challenges      
•     during economic difficulties   

I. Choose The Type of Group you want to conduct...

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of individuals with similar experiences or challenges work together under the guidance of a trained therapist. There are various types of group therapy, each  with its own focus and goals: 

Psychoeducational Groups: Focus on providing information and education about a specific condition or issue, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use. 

 Skills Development Groups: Aim to teach individuals coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and other tools to improve their well-being.
 

Support Groups: Offer a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, connect with others, and receive emotional support.
 

Relapse Prevention Groups: Focus on helping individuals maintain recovery from substance use disorders or other challenging behaviors.

Peer Support Groups: Led by peers who have similar experiences, providing emotional support and sharing coping strategies.

Self-Help Groups: Run by volunteers or members with shared challenges, offering support and guidance.

Set The Stage in several ways:

The following group arrangements are recommended for facilitators conducting group sessions using the card deck.

Room Set-Up

Most facilitators prefer a circular group setting so that participants can see one another and feel equally valued.

Number of participants

The recommended group size is no more than 15 participants. If there are more people in the group, the facilitator can use multiple deck sets and break the participants into smaller groups. Smaller groups allow for greater exploration of the meaning in your life topics. 

Getting Started

At the beginning of each session, facilitators should clarify the session goals and provide feedback to group participants at the end of each session. 

Facilitator Participation

Facilitators find that participating in the group process can help participants see that many people have similar situations and issues. 

All of John's reproducible materials have five sections. The cardsets contain fifty cards representing each section of the matching workbook. The number on the bottom right-hand corner of each card corresponds to the page number in the Discover Meaning in Your Life Workbook. Cards should be shuffled and mixed to avoid repetition of topics. Continue around the group until all players have had at least one turn. 

In your first group therapy session, the facilitator will introduce themselves, establish ground rules for a safe environment, and begin with a round-robin or icebreaker for introductions. You'll learn about the group's goals, and the focus will be on building rapport and trust. You are encouraged to participate at your own pace and are not pressured to share more than you are comfortable with.   

Things to Discuss with Participants

Before beginning the group, facilitators should emphasize the following to the group participants: 

●  This group is a safe and comfortable place in which you can discover new ways to create more meaning in your life and improve your mood by increasing your sense of hope.

● In this group, you will gain insight into how to create goals for your future.

● It is essential to support others and receive support from others.

● All participants need to treat each other with respect. 

●  Information shared in the group is confidential and should not be discussed elsewhere. What’s said in this room stays in this room.

●  When mentioning another person in response to a card, use a code name instead of a name. When discussing Lakisha, she may be referred to as a  GTP (Great Tennis Player).

● You are not required to respond to a specific card if you are uncomfortable responding to that card. You may choose another card. 

 Facilitators can begin the first session with this "basic" information:

• Introductions: The session will begin with introductions, during which members will share their names and provide some information about themselves. 
• Ground Rules: The facilitator will outline the group's expectations, such as confidentiality, respectful communication, and appropriate behavior. 
• Goal Setting: You will discuss the overall purpose of the group and individual goals you hope to achieve. 
• Icebreakers & Warm-ups: Activities or discussions may be used to ease tension and build comfort among members. 
• Skill-Building Exercises: Some sessions may include exercises to develop emotional regulation, communication, and other life skills. 
• Support & Feedback: Members will learn to offer supportive listening and constructive feedback to one another. 
• Closing: The session will conclude with reflections on what was discussed, future intentions, or key takeaways.