Support Sibling to Sibling
Sibling to Sibling:
Siblings of family members who have been diagnosed with a mental illness engage in this interactive, 10-week educational course.
The 2 hour class will meet for 10 consecutive weeks, and each week’s topic builds on the previous topics covered. Therefore, it is important that participants try to attend each class.
(If family members are in crisis and feel the need for support, we would encourage them to attend one of our Family Support Groups).
Sibling-to-Sibling course Goals
The following topics will be used as a guide to generate informative and supportive discussions regarding the effects of mental illness on the lives of the siblings of loved ones who have been diagnosed. Discussions will aim to be engaging, positive and strength building in focus. At the end of the course Siblings will feel a sense of hope, relief and encouragement.
- Siblings describe the illness that has been diagnosed -
Focus – the illness is not who my loved one is
- Siblings share the impact of the illness on the lives of their loved one/s
Focus – the illness takes a toll on my loved one
- Siblings share the impact of the illness on their own lives
Focus – the illness takes a toll on me
- Siblings share their own needs that are being neglected
Focus – I have needs that must be met in spite of the illness
- Siblings share coping and problem solving skills
Focus – I can build skills that I can use to help me cope with this illness
- Siblings discuss strength building
Focus – removing barriers and forgiveness
- Siblings discuss forming alliances to continue support in the future
Focus – keeping informed and engaged
- Siblings share visions of hope through new strategies
Focus – Group activity - help you help me break out to share and engage
- Siblings reconnect the past with the present
Focus – review the mental illness; accept the challenge; ‘make lemonade’
10. Sibling Social free association with group members
Focus – enforce the positive impact of supportive relationships and staying connected