There has been increasing concern about the harm done by this legal drug; with growing media interest in its health and social impact. There are common misunderstandings around what constitutes ‘problem drinking’ and what just ‘social lubrication’ is. This course aims to raise awareness of the important issues and to consider what the recent, evidence based interventions can do to actively involve people who have or may develop problems with alcohol.

This one day course is aimed at those who need to have a working knowledge of how to use a person centred, collaborative approach to helping clients understand alcohol, its effects and the treatment options available. It will centre on skills to engage clients towards change and to help prevent relapse.

Course content

• The social context of alcohol and potential harms
• Physical and psychological effects (including problems associated with withdrawal)
• Types of problem drinking
• Skills and strategies for opportunistic brief interventions, dealing with ambivalence and resistance
• Principles of assessment and assessment tools
• Models of treatment (Abstinence & Harm Reduction)
• Medical interventions and signposting

To Book: Contact Junaid Zico

Dual Diagnosis is a new label for an old issue; that is people who have mental health problems and also use or are dependent upon drugs/alcohol. This one-day introductory course will enable participants to understand the often confused and contested debate around dual diagnosis and the difficulties involved in trying to access services. It will also focus on best practice when working with clients who have complex needs.

Course content:

• Identifying the connection between drugs, alcohol and mental health
• Recognising the challenges of effective inter-agency working
• Increasing participants confidence when working with complex needs
• Drugs and mental health – concepts/definitions/interactions
• Categories of mental health problems
• Problems associated with Dual Diagnosis
• Department of Health Guidelines and Good Practice

To book Contact Junaid Zico

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is now a key psychological approach being used to help people in a range of settings. It uses evidence based skills that enable people to learn how thoughts, feelings and behaviours are linked, and the patterns that can create emotional problems. It allows people to develop an understanding of how powerful changes can come about through a step by step process by using CBT.

This 3 day experiential training programme is aimed at providing workers with a practical understanding of this increasingly influential approach to client work. Understanding and using CBT can help clients to overcome unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and contribute to their recovery and empowerment.

This programme is offered as a complete training package, participants are required to attend all sessions.

Course Content

Day 1: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-The Spirit and Principles

• What CBT is and how it can help people learn better coping skills
• Vicious cycles that perpetuate problems and keep people stuck
• Guided Discovery to help people identify and challenge negative thoughts
• A range of interventions that can increase confidence
• The role of CBT in helping people help themselves

Day 2: The Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Part 1

• Principles of “needs” and “wants” assessment
• Using a structured approach: anxiety, depression, cravings and compulsive behaviours, including problematic drug/alcohol use.
• Behavioural experiments that encourage change in real life; putting the “B” in CBT
• Risk assessment and appropriate referrals

Day 3: The Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Part 2

• Rising above thoughts as a new coping strategy
• Overcoming barriers by Acceptance and Compassion focus
• Mindfulness and Tolerating Distress
• Imagery and Metaphors/ story telling in CBT

Dates: Mondays 6th, 13th & 20th July 2015

To book: Contact Junaid Zico. Phone: 07725 642419 Email: Junaid@Mindful-monkey.com

Dementia is a syndrome of diseases with related symptoms, associated with an on-going decline of the normal functioning of the brain and its abilities. Dementia is a common problem and numbers are expected to rise as life expectancy increases. Usually dementia affects people who are over 65, chances increasing with age. Dementia is not, however, an inevitable part of ageing nor is it a problem limited to the elderly as, in some forms, it can affect much younger people.

Although the causes of dementia are relatively unknown, the effects are profound. The changes in the brain slowly lead to problems controlling emotions, with memory loss and confusion. People’s personality and behaviour can alter, reducing their ability to carry out everyday activities for themselves. This one day course is designed for anyone working with people experiencing dementia who would like to add to their knowledge and learn the latest skills for Person Centred Care.

Course Content:

• The common types of dementia including, Alzheimer’s, vascular and alcohol related and the associated symptoms
• The less common forms of neurological diseases that lead to dementia
• Possible causes and strategies that may prevent dementia
• Good practice, (including NICE guidelines) and a Person Centred Approach and “feelings based” care
• The part nutrition and complementary therapies may play in helping people to be comfortable
• Treatments that can help people to cope better with their symptoms and improve their quality of life
• Strategies for helping people maintain their identity by making them feel safe and help them develop and keep daily routines
• Strategies for communicating with people with memory difficulties

To book: Contact Junaid Zico. Phone: 07725 642419 Email: Junaid@Mindful-monkey.com

This 3 day integrated training programme is aimed at providing workers with a deeper understanding of Mental Health issues and skills for working with clients.

This course will introduce participants to contemporary, evidence based, best practice in Mental Health work and;

• Increase knowledge and skills
• Build confidence
• Deepen understanding and values
• Show evidence of continual professional development (CPD)

This programme is offered as a complete training package, participants are required to attend all sessions.

DAY ONE

Signs and symptoms of the major mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, bi-polar and personality disorders:

• To identify and understand the nature of different mental health issues, the impact on people, their families and carers
• To develop an awareness of the treatment modalities available and how to access them, including referral pathways and the role of professionals

DAY TWO

Principles of a good needs assessment:

• How to involve clients in a collaborative and dynamic process and communication skills for recognising the Biological-Psychological-Social aspects of a holistic approach to initial and on-going assessment
• The importance of risk assessment and principles of good practise, personal safety, self-harm and suicidal ideation
•  Setting and maintaining professional boundaries, ethics and confidentiality

DAY THREE

Promoting change, client engagement and wellness plans:

• To develop confidence in communication skills with those experiencing emotional distress
• To understand client involvement and a range of goal setting skills appropriate to specific needs
• The importance of purposeful activity and social skills training
• The principles of informed consent, capacity and the Mental Health Act (1983 and 2008 Amendments)
• Clinical supervision and professional development
• Cultural Competence
• Introduction to useful websites and further reading

Dates: Wednesdays 1st,  8th and 15th October

To Book: Contact Junaid Zico

Anger is a powerful emotion, but it is a natural feeling. Everyone feels angry at times, yet for some it can become a habit that starts controlling their lives. Where anger becomes a problem it can lead to breakdown in communication and relationships. It can then also impact, negatively, on physical and psychological well being.

The aim of this one day course is to equip workers with a range of practical skills to assist those clients who have problems understanding and managing their own anger.

Course objectives and contents:

• Exploring anger and anger problems.
• Cognitive aspects of angry thoughts and triggers.
• Recognising the early signs and tips for preventing anger.
• Constructive ways of expressing discontent/frustration.
• Responding to and releasing anger once it arises.

To book Contact Junaid Zico