Thank you for your interest in starting an Attitudinal Healing Group or Center in your community!
Please read through the FAQ below. If you have any questions, contact us via phone at (877) 244-3392 ex. 702 or email us. If you feel you meet the requirements for starting a Group or Center, please fill out our Intake Form.
Starting a Group or Center FAQ
What are the first steps to start an Attitudinal Healing Group in my community?
PRACTICE ATTITUDINAL HEALING IN YOUR OWN LIFE
1) The first step is to become familiar with the concepts and Principles of Attitudinal Healing and begin practicing them in your own life. If you are not already familiar with the concepts, practices and Principles of Attitudinal Healing we recommend you start with the following:
PRACTICE ATTITUDINAL HEALING WITH OTHERS
2) If possible, participate in an Attitudinal Healing workshop or attend an established AH support group as a participant.
3) If an established group or workshop is not available after you have become familiar with AH and have begun to apply and practice the Principles in your own life, we recommend you find one or more friends to practice with you.
4) The Mini Course for Life is a good tool for practicing AH with others. We suggest you and your friend(s) meet on a regular basis, either by phone or in person, to discuss the Mini Course lessons and support each other to integrate Attitudinal Healing into your lives and relationships.
5) Use the Guidelines for AH Support Groups to help create a safe environment for sharing with each other.
LEARN THE ATTITUDINAL HEALING PEER SUPPORT MODEL
6) Whenever possible, the best way to become familiar with the Attitudinal Healing peer support model is to attend an AH group, workshop or Facilitator training. (Click here for a list of active AH centers and groups.)
7) If a workshop or training is not available in your area, contact the Attitudinal Healing International office to speak with the Communications Coordinator and request basic Group Facilitation materials. Phone: (877) 244-3392 x702 or click here to email.
8) Carefully review the materials and contact the AHI office with questions. AHI staff or volunteer mentors are available to support you in taking the next steps to establish a support group in your community.
PRACTICE THE AH PEER SUPPORT MODEL
9) Using the Principles, Group Guidelines and recommended Support Group procedures, practice the AH Peer Support model with a few friends for several weeks.
10) Schedule a phone call with an AHI staff member or volunteer mentor to discuss your questions and/or concerns after completing several support group sessions.
1) The first step is to become familiar with the concepts and Principles of Attitudinal Healing and begin practicing them in your own life. If you are not already familiar with the concepts, practices and Principles of Attitudinal Healing we recommend you start with the following:
- Read at least one of Dr Jampolsky’s books, beginning with Love is Letting Go of Fear or Teach Only Love
- Download and read the Principles of Attitudinal Healing, the Definition of the AH Principles by Patsy Robinson, and other free materials from the AHI downloads page
- Browse and listen to AH podcasts and YouTube videos available through the AHI website
PRACTICE ATTITUDINAL HEALING WITH OTHERS
2) If possible, participate in an Attitudinal Healing workshop or attend an established AH support group as a participant.
3) If an established group or workshop is not available after you have become familiar with AH and have begun to apply and practice the Principles in your own life, we recommend you find one or more friends to practice with you.
4) The Mini Course for Life is a good tool for practicing AH with others. We suggest you and your friend(s) meet on a regular basis, either by phone or in person, to discuss the Mini Course lessons and support each other to integrate Attitudinal Healing into your lives and relationships.
5) Use the Guidelines for AH Support Groups to help create a safe environment for sharing with each other.
LEARN THE ATTITUDINAL HEALING PEER SUPPORT MODEL
6) Whenever possible, the best way to become familiar with the Attitudinal Healing peer support model is to attend an AH group, workshop or Facilitator training. (Click here for a list of active AH centers and groups.)
7) If a workshop or training is not available in your area, contact the Attitudinal Healing International office to speak with the Communications Coordinator and request basic Group Facilitation materials. Phone: (877) 244-3392 x702 or click here to email.
8) Carefully review the materials and contact the AHI office with questions. AHI staff or volunteer mentors are available to support you in taking the next steps to establish a support group in your community.
PRACTICE THE AH PEER SUPPORT MODEL
9) Using the Principles, Group Guidelines and recommended Support Group procedures, practice the AH Peer Support model with a few friends for several weeks.
10) Schedule a phone call with an AHI staff member or volunteer mentor to discuss your questions and/or concerns after completing several support group sessions.
When I am familiar with Attitudinal Healing and/or have completed a Facilitator Training, how do I start my first group?
PLANNING YOUR SUPPORT GROUP
- Enroll at least one co-facilitator to work with you.
- Based on the needs of your community and your own inner guidance, decide what type of Attitudinal Healing support group you want to offer (e.g. focused group for a particular population such as people with serious illness or caregivers, or a general support group open to anyone). The type of group will determine the best ways to publicize the group.
- Decide on practical issues such as location, start date, frequency, day/time, duration etc.
- Provide the details of your plan and contact information to the Attitudinal Healing International office so your group can be posted on the AHI calendar and listed on the AHI website.
- Publicize the group (see suggestions in the next section).
- Please keep in mind that all AH support groups are offered free of charge. While you may request voluntary donations, you may not charge a fee for Attitudinal Healing support groups.
How can I let people know about my group?
The answer to this question will depend on several factors, including where you are located, your personal network and what types of Attitudinal Healing groups you offer. Here are some general suggestions:
- Submit all details about your group, including contact information, to the AHI office to be posted on the AHI website
- Establish a website or blog, promote on social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and post to them regularly
- Prepare fliers (print and email versions) with a brief description of Attitudinal Healing and details about your specific group(s).
- Develop a list of potentially interested organizations such as:
- Community Centers
- Unity, Unitarian and other churches or synagogues
- Hospital Social Workers
- Senior Assisted Living facilities
- Course in Miracles Groups (ACIM)
- Therapists & Counselors
- University Disabled Student Centers
- Hospice
- Distribute fliers, making as much personal contact as possible. If you distribute primarily via email, make follow-up phone calls afterwards
- Investigate community organizations who invite guest speakers to their meetings (e.g., Rotary Club, Lions Club etc.) and offer to speak to their group.
- Join and participate in networks of social services and other non-profit organizations in your community
- Submit your group meetings to local newspaper and online event calendars
- Create public service announcements and submit them to local media outlets
- Offer an “Introduction to Attitudinal Healing” presentation in your community
How can I orient my group and/or participants new to Attitudinal Healing?
Intake Procedure: If at all possible, we strongly recommend establishing an intake procedure for new group participants. The intake is most commonly conducted by phone or email when someone inquires about the group. In addition to providing basic information such as date, time and location to callers, the responder should be prepared to briefly explain the concepts of Attitudinal Healing as well as the purpose and structure of the support group. Normally there is also an intake questionnaire to collect name, contact information and any special needs from the new group member. This information is then passed on to the group facilitator.
As a follow-up, mail or email the caller some or all of the following:
Intake for Drop-in Participants: If you do not have an intake procedure, we suggest asking new group members to arrive at least 15 minutes early to their first meeting to meet with a volunteer or facilitator for a brief on-site intake. Make hand-outs available at each group meeting.
Orientation Session: Some Attitudinal Healing Groups/Centers offer Introductory Orientation Sessions on a regular basis (monthly, quarterly or annually as appropriate). An orientation session is especially important before starting a new AH support group. We suggest structuring the orientation session to include interaction among the participants. The orientation session could include:
As a follow-up, mail or email the caller some or all of the following:
- Confirmation of Date, time and location of the support group
- The AH Principles and Group Guidelines
- Brief history and description of Attitudinal Healing
- Contact information for the facilitator or office staff (as appropriate)
- Links to your website (or your AHI group page)
- Links to AHI website podcasts and videos
- Any other information about your group or AH that you think is important
Intake for Drop-in Participants: If you do not have an intake procedure, we suggest asking new group members to arrive at least 15 minutes early to their first meeting to meet with a volunteer or facilitator for a brief on-site intake. Make hand-outs available at each group meeting.
Orientation Session: Some Attitudinal Healing Groups/Centers offer Introductory Orientation Sessions on a regular basis (monthly, quarterly or annually as appropriate). An orientation session is especially important before starting a new AH support group. We suggest structuring the orientation session to include interaction among the participants. The orientation session could include:
- Brief history of Attitudinal Healing
- Definition of AH and basic concepts
- Description of the purpose of AH groups
- Explanation and discussion of AH Principles
- Review of Group Guidelines
- Overview of group structure/procedure
- Q&A Session
What is my group’s relationship to Attitudinal Healing International?
Each Attitudinal Healing Center is an independent, autonomous organization. Together with AHI, all Attitudinal Healing Groups and Centers create a matrix of inspiration and support for each other.
AHI provides education, organizational guidance, mentoring and communication resources, but does not exert any control over these autonomous centers and groups, and does not provide direct financial support.
Since its beginning in 1975, Attitudinal Healing has spread in a very "organic" manner, without promotion or marketing. New Groups and Centers emerge whenever and wherever an individual or group of people learn about Attitudinal Healing and have the desire to create an AH program in their community. If you and/or your organization wish to become an active member of the AH community, please contact the AHI office. Phone: (877) 244-3392 x702 or click here to email.
AHI provides education, organizational guidance, mentoring and communication resources, but does not exert any control over these autonomous centers and groups, and does not provide direct financial support.
Since its beginning in 1975, Attitudinal Healing has spread in a very "organic" manner, without promotion or marketing. New Groups and Centers emerge whenever and wherever an individual or group of people learn about Attitudinal Healing and have the desire to create an AH program in their community. If you and/or your organization wish to become an active member of the AH community, please contact the AHI office. Phone: (877) 244-3392 x702 or click here to email.
What kind of support may I request from Attitudinal Healing International?
AHI provides a website and communications network for all programs and projects around the world that are based on Attitudinal Healing. The AHI website provides a broad range of informational and educational materials including podcasts, videos and downloadable printed materials. You are encouraged to use these resources freely and to share them with your group members.
Upon request, AHI offers:
If you are offering Attitudinal Healing support groups or other programs based on Attitudinal Healing, you may request a presence on the AHI website. You may then be listed as an AH resource, receive referrals and may submit activities to be posted on the AHI calendar.
Upon request, AHI offers:
- Organizational guidance
- Mentoring for new and established centers and groups
- On-site Attitudinal Healing workshops and Facilitator Training
- Specialized AH program curricula
- On-line trainings and workshops
- Referrals to AH groups and events
If you are offering Attitudinal Healing support groups or other programs based on Attitudinal Healing, you may request a presence on the AHI website. You may then be listed as an AH resource, receive referrals and may submit activities to be posted on the AHI calendar.
What are the requirements for starting an Attitudinal Healing Center?
Attitudinal Healing International makes a distinction between locations where only support groups are offered and locations where there is an established Attitudinal Healing Center. In addition to offering AH support groups and other programs based on Attitudinal Healing, an Attitudinal Healing Center also:
- Demonstrates sustainability by offering support groups or other Attitudinal Healing programs for a period of one or more years
- Offers Attitudinal Healing Facilitator Training Programs
- Has a Board of Directors or other governing body
- Meets local requirements for being an NGO or Non-Profit organization
How do I host an Attitudinal Healing training or workshop in my community?
One of the roles of Attitudinal Healing International is providing experienced Attitudinal Healing trainers to conduct Attitudinal Healing workshops and Facilitator Trainings worldwide. If you want to host a workshop or training in your community, please contact the AHI office and speak with the International Communications Coordinator. Phone: (877) 244-3392 x702 or click here to email.
Hosting organizations are responsible for all workshop/training expenses including:
The hosting organization may determine the tuition for the training based on their expenses and desired income. The hosting organization agrees to share any net profits, after expenses, with Attitudinal Healing International (60% to host and 40% to AHI).
Hosting organizations are responsible for all workshop/training expenses including:
- Venue Rental
- A/V Equipment
- Printed Materials
- Travel, Lodging and meals for Trainers
- Trainer Fees
- Interpreter Fees (if applicable)
The hosting organization may determine the tuition for the training based on their expenses and desired income. The hosting organization agrees to share any net profits, after expenses, with Attitudinal Healing International (60% to host and 40% to AHI).
