Cognitive Thinking Foundation for Change

Helping individual become aware of their thinking patterns can empower them to take responsibility for their choices. Though many of our residents are intelligent and have learned right from wrong they still struggle to identify and use viable choices to managing their behaviors in a positive manner.

The cognitive intervention aspect of the program was designed to teach and persuade the residents to begin a new pattern of using realistic thinking before acting out.

The multidisciplinary approach promotes empowerment for the residents to take control of their own thoughts and feelings and create a new method of interacting with their peers, family and community. This intervention utilizes daily group therapy, treatment assignments, and programmatic structure to assist the youth in developing alternative patterns of problem solving and management of their mental health symptoms.

The following is a series of topics that the residents are empowered with to begin using a new pattern of thinking:

1. Open Channels - Receptive - Self-Critical - Disclosing
I am truthful - do not omit facts.
Communicate openly with others.

2. Personal Responsibility
Take ownership for choices and actions.
Do what I say I will do.

3. Self-Respect
Able to honestly accept my strengths and weaknesses.
Look for the good in others.
Honestly examine my destructive choices.

4. Daily Effort
Do whatever it takes to make responsible choices.
Meet obligations daily.

5. Commitment to Positive Performance
Commitment to family, friends, employer, and society.
Show empathy for others.
Associate with positive, healthy people.

6. Proactive Living
Set goals and objectives.
Base decisions on an examination of the facts.

7. Courage Over Fear
Meet challenges and fears head on - do not make excuses.
Trust others for help.

8. Power Through Interdependent Relationships
Work cooperatively with others.
Stop power struggles with people, places and things.

9. Humility
Have a genuine concern for others.

10. Interdependent Relationships
Acknowledge and respect others' feelings, rights and property.
Work to achieve cooperative relationships.