Creative Approach
The groups use a CBT-informed framework delivered in a non-judgmental, welcoming environment. Participants engage in:
- Interactive exercises (e.g., breathing techniques, mindfulness)
- Peer sharing to normalize experiences
- Practical tools for emotional regulation
- Take-home resources to reinforce learning (to name but a few; self-care wheel, emotions wheel, optical illusions and fact or opinion quiz)
- Examples like photography. A patient took pictures up close and then a wider shot to showcase the 'Focus' skill. She then tasked a member of staff with figuring out the pictures. This enabled her to reinforce her learning and knowledge about how needs to take a step back and different perspective. The same patient also has created a creative values tree to demonstrate her most important values, drawn a life jacket and included her current coping strategies as well as writing in more each week. This intervention is an ongoing piece of work and due to the patient young age of 17, we have decided to complete the Decider Skills over a longer period of time to allow creative learning.
This creative blend of structure and informality helps participants feel safe while learning and practicing new skills.
Recent Feedback Highlights
Positive Impact
- “Very informative and beneficial.”
- “Amazing, very helpful.”
- “Really good—a good reminder of CBT and good for coping skills.”
- “Very positive. Welcoming.”
- “Fantastic, very enjoyable and helpful.”
What Participants Liked Best
- Listening to others’ experiences
- Learning coping strategies
- Feeling safe and not judged
- Receiving practical resources
- Small group size (e.g., “only four of us”)
Challenges & Suggestions
- Initial anxiety: “Walking in on the first day” and “Not the first week—anxious.”
- Desire for longer sessions: “Make it two hours long,” “Longer than four weeks,”
- Need for more practice time: “Mindfulness, relaxation, breathing techniques.”
Skill Acquisition
- Most participants strongly agreed they learned new skills applicable to daily life.
- Skills included mindfulness, relaxation, breathing, and emotional regulation.
Group Environment
- Participants consistently felt:
- Welcomed
- Able to share openly
- Understood
- Safe to express themselves
Conclusion
The Decider Skills groups are a cornerstone of our Life Skills programme, offering transformative experiences through practical, peer-supported learning. The feedback highlights both the effectiveness and the potential for growth - particularly in extending session length and increasing opportunities for skill practice.