Counsellors found that, at 15 to 20 participants, the resulting therapy groups were too large to serve individual client needs. Some clients would dominate the group process. Others, reluctant to address their problems, were able to avoid notice and got little benefit from the sessions. The revised workshop continues to be offered four times a year. During the introductory session, facilitators take a more client-centred approach by inviting participants to identify their needs and issues.
Facilitators illustrate concepts using examples from the group.
This makes instruction very concrete, and means the group immediately moves into working on their own issues. After the second session, participants are asked to complete a worksheet that helps to determine their readiness for change. The worksheet is modeled on Prochaska and Diclemente's Stages of Change. A video shown during the session explains the concept behind the worksheet. Participants are asked to complete the worksheet and return it to the office within three days.