Basic Principles for All Classes

Best Practices

• Make a “Thank You Sandwich.” That is, thank participants before each session and again after each session.
• Remain positive and gentle.
• Always respect confidentiality.
• Set aside blame.
• Turn questions to the group whenever possible.
• Keep the focus on participants, not on your personal story or outside life.
• Never make reference to religion or politics or poke fun at a participant, even jokingly.

Typical Sequence for Class Sessions

Participants will appreciate starting on time and cannot exceed the allotted time.

• Have an attendance sheet ready for participants to allow them to sign in as they arrive.
• Keep a scale in a private area of the office and encourage participants to weigh themselves before each session, if possible. A staffer may need to assist, and should remain encouraging regarding the results.
• Welcome the participants and thank them for participating.
• Invite participants, one by one, to describe their experiences during the previous week, with group problem-solving.
• Lecture/video
• Promote discussion and more group problem-solving.
• Thank participants for coming.