Why Other Life Skills Programs Don't Work
It's simple.Other life skills programs don't reach a level where change can take place. Most programs (95%) stay near the surface and therefore have little chance of changing self defeating thoughts and behaviors.
What is at this level of change? Why is ACCI unique? First, we have the knowledge and understanding of how to use the basic human sciences to motivate people to change. Second and most important, we know how to take the material to a level that allows change to take place. The benefit of ACCI's cognitive restructuring programs is that they go where they are needed. Some people need an overhaul (restructuring), while others just need a few repairs (structuring).
In order for a counseling program of any kind to be effective, it must descend below the surface and operate at a level where people are validated, affirmed, understood and feel secure (trust). It cannot demean or create shame, but it must change negative behavior. It must operate in the cognitive - self awareness domain at the same time the affective domain in building self esteem.
A good example of a poorly written and ill conceived lifeskills program is disturbed by the US Department of Justice's National Institute of Corrections called, "Thinking for a Change." It is widely used in the criminal justice system in the US. It is so poorly written that it actually increases crime by occupying space of a program that could help. It is old, out-dated and lacks even the basic understanding of how to change deep seated criminal thinking and behavior.
It took ACCI many years of working with offenders to discover what we are using now. Students' evaluations and follow-up interviews with offenders who completed the workbook have validated our claim. That is, the majority had a significant cognitive experience which motivated them to make permanent positive changes in their lives.
Just like prescription drugs, most counseling programs mask the symptoms, while not addressing the cause. If you don't address the cause, the behavior will just keep repeating. As explained before, ACCI's programs are not perfect, but if you believe in rehabilitation/habitation, we are the closest thing to it!
Evaluation
ACCI Home Study referred by Judge Westfall, 5th District Court in Cedar City, UT.:
"I would really, really like to say thank you for the opportunity that I got to help Jerry (my boyfriend) do this packet and be his coach. It really helped him and I become closer, and be able to share more experiences together. I have done similar workbooks like this in my rehab class, but this workbook brought out a lot of my past that I haven't been able to work on, and now I can move on, with the help this book gave me. I have a lot of knowledge in most of the these areas but this book really opened my mind to things I haven't wanted to work on and now I really can. I was also wondering if it is at all possible if I could get one of these books to work on for just me. So that I can go on with my life, but to get my feelings on these subjects. I would be very willing to send you a money order and pay for it. If that is at all possible. I would be very grateful to have this packet to keep to help me in track. I have been in programs, groups, classes, rehab for pretty much 2 years. I have been in counseling since I was 14 or 15, till I was 17. I am 18 now. And I have never felt so much better than after helping Jerry with this. I would also like this packet to have a reminder to help me stay clean even longer. This has been my longest sobriety since about August until now (April). And I would like to remember how good the sober life is. I have never felt so good. And this packet has helped me greatly. And just please let me know if I can buy one from you or if I could get one some how. Thank you for the help already. I owe you so much. You have (with this packet) saved my life and --- me. Thank you so much.
Signed: The coach, Amanda
Note: We sent Amanda a life skills workbook of her own.
