OBJECTIVE IV
Understand and Promote the Concept of "No We-They Dichotomy"
Estimated time for delivery: 1 hour, 30 minutes TRAINER NOTE
The professional-peer relationship in a peer-led treatment program is different than in more traditional mental health settings. While the professional is expected to impart his/her specialized expertise in the service of the treatment program and particular peers, he/she must also be careful to not reinforce status differentials to encourage peers to view themselves as "less than".
CONTENT
The TC milieu does not tolerate a "we-they dichotomy" between professional staff and recovering peers. Although some individuals may know more than others in certain areas, e.g. professional expertise, and thereby be expected to contribute from this knowledge base each community member is expected to maintain an attitude of respect for all other members. Both staff and peers work collaboratively in promoting the concepts of personal growth.
A common challenge that faces all people, whether mental health practitioner or person coping with mental illness and chemical addiction, is the conflict between short-term gratification and long-term well-being. In the case of the dually diagnosed individuals targeted for our treatment program, this conflict is manifested as "I need the drugs now... I need relief" vs. long-term goals of stability in housing, family functioning, etc.
Staff may be less aware that they too face such conflicts in their own life. For example, any person who has attempted to make any significant behavioral change (e.g., losing weight, embarking on an exercise regimen, attempting to quit smoking) has faced this battle between short- and long-term comfort.
The ability to forego short-term gratification in the service of long-term needs is an essential coping skill common to all. Such an understanding helps to destigmatize the individuals seeking treatment for chemical addiction in underscoring common properties involved in all behavioral change. The trainer presents a 30 minute lecture concerning the "no we-they dichotomy".
EXERCISE
The following exercise explores experiences in habit change of the staff trainees, with emphasis on setbacks that occurred along the way. Heightening attention of staff to their own setbacks and relapses is important in promoting empathy towards the peers' struggle with chemical addiction. This exercise is conducted in the large group. The facilitatorasks the group: "Think about the last time you tried to change your behavior. Did you succeed the first time? What challenges did you face? Where there any setbacks? Describe."
SUMMARYBy the end of this segment trainees should be more aware of their own conflicts in initiating and maintaining behavioral change and be more empathic to the struggles faced by persons in recovery.
Summarize the section by noting the following:
The TC model places a great emphasis on sharing an attitude of humility towards behavioral change, regardless of professional discipline. Objective IV promoted this common attitude by challenging trainees to explore their own difficulties as they have attempted to introduce habit change into their own lives (e.g., quit smoking, start exercising, etc.).
Following Objective IV, trainees will have developed a greater humility about the struggle to effect positive habit change in their own life. With a greater appreciation of the accomplishment that peers make in the course of recovery, our next step in training is Objective V, an understanding of the upward mobility and privilege system.
