Self-management refers to taking action to regain control over our mental health through daily behaviours that diminish symptoms, help prevent relapses and improve well-being. A self-management approach does not replace conventional treatment, but can be a very effective complement to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

A self-management workshop is a group based psychoeducational intervention. Each workshop is composed of 10 to 16 participants and lasts 10 to 12 weeks, with a 2.5-hour meeting each week. Participants complete exercises and reflections at home, engage in group discussions in the workshop, and have access to resources (organized by topic).

• Anyone 18 years of age or older living with anxiety, depression or bipolarity. No diagnosis is required, except for the Living with Bipolarity workshop.
• The intensity of symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe.
• To participate, an individual must find that the signs and manifestations of their anxiety, depression or bipolarity sufficiently affect their well-being and functioning to justify spending a total of 25 hours in a group workshop.

We recommend starting off a group when there are 10 to 16 participants, in order to be able to reproduce the desired group effect even if a few participants withdraw along the way.

The training is seven hours long and introduces the concepts and fundamentals of self-management support for mental health. The approach is theoretical and lecture-based, but also includes role-play scenarios drawn from the self-management workshops.

OPQ

This continuing education course, titled “Supporting Self-Management and Regaining Control Over Mental Health Through a Group Intervention for Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder” (7 hours), is recognized by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ Recognition No.: RA07253-25 OTSTCFQ).

OTSTCFQ

This training also constitutes a continuing education activity recognized by the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). It is consistent with the Order’s professional values, including professional rigor, social justice, respect, dignity, integrity, collaboration, and self-determination. OTSTCFQ members may keep their certificate of participation to report these 7 hours in their continuing education record.

We want to ensure that the workshop is offered as originally designed, regardless of where it is held in Quebec or by which organization. The self-management workshops have undergone rigorous content validation by a committee of experts.

You can cancel free of charge up to 1 week before the training. For shorter notice, credit can be given for future training. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, psychoeducators, occupational therapists, nurses, and trained workers can lead our self-management workshops, and co-facilitation by a professional and a certified peer supporter may also be appropriate. Facilitators must have at least one year of experience working with a clientele that has mental health issues; a university degree in helping relationships and/or equivalent (recognized Pairs Aidants Réseau training); sufficient knowledge of anxiety, depression, and bipolarity; the skills required for group intervention and facilitation; a plan to offer Relief self-management workshops; and be connected with a recognized partner of our workshops (as staff, volunteer, consultant, or peer supporter). Please consult the recommended profile for details.

Co-facilitation is recommended and is standard practice for most programs involving recurrent mental-health group interventions. Among other things, co-facilitation helps to manage difficult situations within the group.