It doesn't matter why a person would be referred to an adult or youth cognitive lifeskills class. ACCI's workbooks are good for anyone, whether they need restructuring or structuring. The workbooks employ a broad spectrum of self development and psychological disciplines. Every accountable person would highly benefit from this type of counseling.

The success or failure of a person is mostly dependent on cognitive skills, not physical skills. The main difference between happy, successful people and unhappy, unsuccessful people is their programming. Improve their subconscious thoughts and you will improve their behavior.

The workbooks point out, for example, that everyone is a $10 person. But because of poor scripting and subconscious programming, many believe they are $2 people. A $2 woman, for example, will seek out her comfort zone with $2 men. The problem with $2 men is that they are usually extremely abusive, demeaning, immature adult-children. Would a $2 thinking woman feel comfortable dating an $8 man?

A $2 thinking woman is just as good and deserving as an $8 thinking woman, but doesn't know it. The main goal of cognitive restructuring is to change distorted thoughts, increase confidence and self respect, and overcome self-defeating behaviors. The ACCI cognitive restructuring programs have the power to do this.

What organizations could use these programs?

Youth:

• Main stream high and middle schools
  
• Alternative and private schools
  
• Youth at risk
  
• Juvenile probation/corrections
  
• Family counseling agencies
  
• Mental health agencies
  
• Child protective agencies
  
• Youth drug and alcohol agencies
  
• Church groups
  
• Youth camps/ranches
  
• Anger management for youth
  
• Parents and families
  
• Any youth group, ages 13 to 18
  

Adult:

• Courts
  
• Adult probation and parole
  
• Adult education
  
• Community college
  
• Drug and alcohol agencies
  
• Private providers
  
• Workforce / welfare agencies
  
• Prisons / jails / boot camps
  
• Community based programs / churches
  
• Parents of juveniles
  
• School programs for parents
  
• Domestic violence / anger management
  
• Any adult group, age 18 and older
  
• Families / individuals

Note: People can exhibit a wide range of emotional problems, but the cause remains basically the same: incorrect programming and distorted thinking. ACCI's workbooks don't focus on symptoms of the disease, but the disease itself. Too many people are given drugs to medicate their hurts without dealing with the source of their hurts. ACCI's programs focus on overcoming the hurts so the disease can be cured.

Evaluations

Student, Beth, age 42,
Disorderly conduct, Lifeskills Offender Corrections for Home Study:
   "By doing this workbook, it had made me look at my life closer. It helped me recognize areas that I can improve on. The happiness quiz made me realize how good my life is. I am thankful everyday for life's blessings but it made me aware of areas that I hadn't paid much attention to before. I plan to react differently, stay in control. Don't put myself in that situation again."

Coach, mother of an 18-year-old,
Theft, Lifeskills Offender Corrections for Home Study:
  "I liked that this booklet was broken into units. Units 1, 5, 7, 8, and 9 really focused on Randy's life to help him make better choices in his life. How to become successful, wants and needs, right from wrong. Emotional needs and, as a family, the cost of crime."

Student, Ross, age 31,
Disorderly conduct & Domestic violence, Adult Substance Abuse Course for Home Study:
   "This workbook helped me a lot. Many of the people in stories and situations in the book, I could relate to. The people in the book, some were in worse situations than me and they found the strength to change the way they were living, so I can do the same thing."

Coach, friend of 31-year-old,
Adult Substance Abuse Course for Home Study:
   "I feel this program is good for everyone who takes it. It is well written and understandable. I also thought the comparison between "good" and "bad" was helpful, many people who were raised in unfortunate situations don't have the ambition to make a good life for themselves."