Class participant

The app, MyMoments EDI©, allows the user to alter images and create pictures that

reflect their experience of the past, and their vision for the future. The initial images

come from any source – the internet, personal photos and drawings or photographs

taken that reflect the story being told. The images are imported into the app and the

user can then change the colors, brightness and contrast. Textures and effects can be

added. The images can be flipped, framed and captioned. Users can accept or erase

changes throughout the process.

Peer-to-Peer is a free11-week recovery-focused

educational program for adults wishing to establish

and maintain their wellness. The primary goal of the

program is helping participants learn to recognize

the power of their shared experience as a tool to

further their recovery. The primary techniques are

brainstorming, DBT, mindfulness, self-exploration

and storytelling. Class members discover their

communalities, their strengths and their talents.

Participants set new goals with confidence in the

probability of recovery on their own terms.

In the safe and respectful environment of a Peer-

to-Peer class the participants have the

opportunity to relate the highs and lows they’ve

lived through. They may reveal their experience

with the feelings of anger and hopelessness that

can come as a result of trauma. They can express

the feelings of joy and hope that come with

recovery. Listeners get a real sense of how these

events can impact the way in which a person’s

life can unfold. Through the use of a simple app,

members of a Peer-to-Peer class have the

opportunity of telling their stories in words and

in pictures.

“Sharing the images with my loved ones helps them understand me more than they already do… One of the images I shared with my son made him cry - which he never does. So that’s how powerful these images can be."

For more information please contact Judi Maguire 617-580-8541 jmaguire@namimass.org

There is no wrong way to do anything and because the images

are ultimately a photograph they always look good. Even

reluctant class members are amazed by the stunning images

that they are able to create.

MyMoments EDI© is very easy to learn and works on an Apple©

iPod, iPad or iPhone. In our classes we lend participants an

iPad for the duration of the program.

“I barely have the words to describe the difference

that it (MyMoments EDI©) made for participants,

as well as for me on a personal level. Whether or

not people claimed to be creative or visual, the use

of photographs that they could manipulate in

extremely unique ways and caption, just opened

up a whole new medium for self-exploration and

even communication with others. It was

absolutely fabulous and user friendly to boot!!”

Peer Mentor

Discussion

Impact of Mental Health Issues

Communality

Focusing on experiences of joy

Spirituality

Physical health and mental health

Do I disclose?

Storytelling

Experiences and Inspiration with Expressive Digital Imagery

Moving Forward

Another look at stages of recovery,

Empowerment

Advocacy

Opportunities

Celebration

The Peer-to-Peer Curriculum

Class Orientation

Icebreaker

Ground rules

Discussion on course values

The Recovery Journey

Stages of recovery

The experience of trauma

Stigma

Culture

Recovery Tools

Creative visualization

Mindfulness

Relapse prevention

The role of acceptance in recovery

Understanding emotions

Recognizing feelings, thoughts and physical

sensations

Decision Making

Coming out of isolation

Recognizing Triggers

Working with Providers

Surviving a Hospital Stay

The NAMI Connection recovery support group, for adults living with

mental illness, provides a place that offers respect, understanding,

encouragement, and hope.

The support groups are run by people living with mental illness

themselves. Connection support groups are held

throughout Massachusetts.

Connections groups are free of charge, and open to anyone with a

mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. You do not need to be a

member of NAMI to attend.

We have groups in Acton, Agawam, Acton, Boston, Brockton,

Easthampton, Everett, Fitchburg, Gardner, Gloucester, Haverhill,

Dorchester, Lynn, Orleans, Quincy, Roxbury, Somerville, Taunton

Winchester

Days and times can be found on our website – namimass.org

If you would like to discuss the NAMI Connection program please contact

Judi Maguire at 617-580-8541 jmaguire@namimass.org

Other NAMI Programs

In Our Own Voice (“IOOV”) is a free presentation given by

two people living with mental illness about their journey with

their disorders. The hour-long talk is appropriate for family

members, friends, professionals, lay audiences and other

people living with mental illness. It includes a videotape,

personal testimony, discussion and enriches the audience’s

understanding of how people with these serious disorders

cope with the reality of their illnesses while recovering and

reclaiming productive lives. IOOV is presented to any type of

group: students, law enforcement officials, educators,

providers, faith community members, politicians, professionals,

inmates, and interested civic groups. All presentations are

offered free of charge

Please contact Eliza Williamson, Director, In Our Own Voice, 617-580-

8541, ewilliamson@namimass.org, if you would like to arrange for a

presentation for your group or find out how to become an In Our

Own Voice presenter

We welcome family members, friends and other caregivers caring for persons with mental illness who share

common problems which arise from mental illnesses. NAMI Family Support Groups around the state can

provide understanding, comfort, hope and help for family members, friends and other caregivers. We

provide a secure nonjudgmental environment where caregivers can discuss concerns and benefit from the

collective knowledge and experience from one another.

To find the class closest to your area call the NAMI Mass office at 617-580-8541 or email Ilya Cherkasov

icherkasov@namimass.org.

Family-to-Family is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of

individuals with severe mental illnesses that discusses the clinical

treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills

that family members need to cope effectively. Family-to-Family

offers resources, insights, coping skills, and genuine support for

families. Our volunteer teachers equip the class participants with

the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system.

The programs are taught by family members; people who have

lived the journey and can relate on a personal level to those

seeking knowledge and comfort.

DeFamilia a Familia es un programa de educación para familiares

y amigos de personas que tienen enfermedades mentales severas.

If you’re interested in taking a class, please contact the Director of Family

Programs, Ilya Cherkasov at 617-580-8541. Interested in becoming a

Family-to-Family Teacher? Contact Ilya at 617-580-8541 A list of classes can

be found on our website – namimass.org.

NAMI Basics is a 6 week education

program for parents and caregivers of

children and adolescents living with

emotional and behavioral issues. NAMI

Basics is taught by understanding

teachers who are parents or

caregivers of children with similar

issues. Taking NAMI Basics will give you

the tools you will need to help you

make the best decisions possible for

the care of your child. You will learn

communication tips, how to problem-

solve and the skills to help you cope

with the emotional impact of caring

for your challenging child. You will find

out about the IEP process, insurance,

benefits, diagnoses and treatment.

The course consists of six classes, each

lasting for 2 ½ hours. Classes may be

offered weekly for six consecutive

weeks, or may be offered twice per

week for three weeks to

accommodate hectic schedules. This

program is FREE to participants.

If you’re interested in taking a class, please

contact the Director of Family Programs,

Ilya Cherkasov at 617-580-8541

The NAMI Massachusetts

Criminal Justice Diversion

Project (CJDP) aims to prevent

the unnecessary arrest and

detention of individuals with

mental illness. The CJDP

supports police departments

and other first responders in

engaging with individuals

experiencing mental health

crisis, and fosters connections

between law enforcement,

behavioral health providers,

and other community

stakeholders. The CJDP is

working to develop a statewide

strategy to make high quality

training on mental illness

accessible to police

departments in all 351 cities

and towns in Massachusetts.

To learn more about what you can

do to help local law enforcement

respond more safely and

effectively to individuals with

mental illness, please contact June

Binney, Criminal Justice Project

Director at (617) 580-8541.

Allies for Student Mental Health

Allies for Student Mental Health

Allies for Student Mental Health is a two-hour professional development

program designed to help K-12 teachers, parents and school staff work

as allies to identify and understand mental health conditions that can

have significant impact on students’ academic success and overall

well-being.

Allies for Student Mental Health addresses a range of mental health

conditions. It provides practical, solutions-oriented information,

including: Signs and symptoms, resources, classroom strategies and

accommodations, strengthening alliance with families, and

understanding stigma and empathy

The program is presented by a panel of engaging speakers with

uniquely relevant expertise and perspectives: a young

adult challenged by mental health issues as a student speaks about

his/her experience in school, a teacher offers personal classroom

experiences, pedagogical strategies, and resources/tools for

educators and a parent shares the struggles and successes as his/her

child progressed through the school system and tips for

communicating with families.

Allies for Student Mental Health improves the ability to recognize signs

and symptoms of common youth mental health conditions. Allies for

Student Mental Health creates an awareness of resources, tools and

strategies available to teachers, parents and staff and increased

success for vulnerable students

For more information on the “Allies for Student Mental Health” program and to

schedule a presentation, please contact Eliza Williamson, Director, In Our Own

Voice, 617-580-8541, ewilliamson@namimass.org,

Navigating the mental healthcare system can be complicated—we help individuals and

families affected by mental health issues find their way.

The NAMI Mass Compass is operated by peers and family members who have dealt with these

issues first hand. Navigators are available to answer a wide range of questions and refer to

NAMI support & education programs and other community resources.

Common Questions & Topics Include…

Where to find support (Peer and Family)

How to access treatment

Employment Issues Police & Legal System

Housing programs & questions Managing financial stress

NAMI Education Programs Substance Use

Discharge Rights Transportation

Insurance Issues & Questions Benefits

Youth & Transition and much more!

Please call us at (617) 704-NAMI (6264) or toll free, (800) 370-9085 Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm or

email compass@namimass.org and a NAMI Mass Compass Navigator will email or call you

back with more information.

Assessment of EDI to Enhance Inpatient Treatment

Gosnold on Cape Cod: Cataumet Study

“To see the quiet people put the most deep, meaningful picture on their slide show that you would’ve

never thought would come out of that person. To see people blossom throughout the program. Once

they’re on their second slideshow, they’re talking. They’re describing themselves. It was great. People

were sitting up straighter that were hunched over when they first came in.”- Patient in study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of incorporating EDI as a technique for improving existing therapeutic programs within the Cataumet rehabilitation program at Gosnold on Cape Cod, an addiction treatment services provider. This feasibility assessment is the first study to examine the utilization patterns and patient experience of participants’ therapeutic use of Expressive Digital Imagery (EDI). Results of the mixed methods pilot suggest that EDI can feasibly be incorporated as a technique to enhance current, valid treatment approaches (Figure 1). Future research is planned to determine how EDI may impact outcomes by addressing patient self-efficacy amongst other targets on the causal pathway.

SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS Evident in both surveys and focus groups, participants felt strongly that EDI had contributed to their recovery experience and outlook by enabling self-expression, generating new insights and establishing connection with others. Using images to discuss their feelings enabled individuals to take responsibility for their thoughts and feelings in a distinct way which was less threatening than more traditional verbal therapies. EDI users reported that this process of engagement contributed to increased self- esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Participants of varied demographic background and levels of technological familiarity indicated EDI was easy to learn and equally as many indicated it was user-friendly. A number of participants indicated they wanted broader options for altering imagery and captions to enhance their use experience.

Table 1. Representative Illustration of Participant Responses by Domain

Self- Expression

“Sometimes I find it hard to put into words how I feel about something but with using images to help describe how you feel I think it begins to help me open up.”

Establishing Connection

“You associate that picture with the way they feel. .. if someone says yeah, I was so sad when I was using. That only does so much. When someone can show me the utter despair and bankruptcy of—emotional bankruptcy, I can relate to that a lot more than just saying I drank or I drugged and it sucked and I was sad. The seeing it, and the processing it as it relates to yourself…It’s not an abstract idea. It’s right there.”

Self-Discovery

“People took all different sorts of meaning from a photo, and meaning that I didn’t even prescribe to the photo originally. Just showing that photo, I even gained something from my own photo that I hadn’t originally gained to begin with.”

Verbalizing Vulnerabilities

“I don’t wanna talk about my feelings with someone, but I’ll talk about a picture and the caption that I wrote. Then eventually the feelings come out... it’s safer.”

Focus on Recovery

“It was a great new way to express my thoughts and emotions more creatively. It helped to emphasize some goals that I never realized I had.”

METHODS

An independent mixed methods program evaluation was conducted to assess the feasibility of implementing and evaluating Expressive Digital Imagery (EDI) within the context of an inpatient SUD treatment program. Four focus groups (n=29) and interviews (n=60) provided in-depth and nuanced insight into the patient experiences and allowed follow up queries related to emergent themes (Table 1). Survey data added dimension to the focus groups (Table 2). The study design is illustrated in Figure 1.

Table 2. Relevant Contributions of EDI to Patient Treatment Experience

Self-Expression

98% were able to express how they felt with EDI*

100% agreed EDI helped them to express themselves*

93% indicated EDI helped them to describe their thoughts and feelings to others*

73% felt more comfortable discussing difficult topics when the conversation focused on EDI images*

92% felt they are able to share something through their images they are otherwise uncomfortable sharing^

Self-Discovery

90% felt EDI helped them to realize new insights about themselves they were previously unaware of^

80% felt receiving feedback from others helped them to express new insights/feelings previously unknown*

85% felt discussing other peoples’ images helped them to express new insights and feelings about themselves*

Self-Esteem and Sense of Self

97% felt a sense of accomplishment when creating an image*

98% felt proud of the images they created*

95% felt understood by others when sharing their EDI images*

95% felt creative when they use EDI*

Self-Efficacy and Readiness to Change

88% felt EDI helped them to be more clear about the challenges they are facing*

90% indicated using EDI helped them to feel optimistic about their recovery*

93% felt EDI helped them to engage in the program and their treatment*

90% felt EDI helped them to discover things about themselves which impact their recovery*

88% felt EDI contributed to their ability to understand what they have to do to be successful in their recovery*

Program Experience

98% enjoyed using EDI*

98% have received support and validation from others when sharing their EDI images^

93% liked sharing the images they created with EDI*

97% felt that when someone shared an image, they could relate to them*

92% indicated that seeing other peoples’ images helped them to understand their own thoughts and feelings*

*Responses included Agree and Strongly Agree; ^Responses included Sometimes, Often, Always

Consented participants were eligible to participate in focus groups and/or complete the individual survey after reaching minimum of 21 days enrollment in the program. All focus groups were held at Cataumet and were approximately 60-90 minutes in length. Patients were recruited during a 4 month period and eligible for participation after 21 days of treatment with the EDI technique.

Figure 1. Study Design for Pilot Feasibility Assessment of EDI

FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

This research offers insight into the role of EDI as part of an existing treatment program.

The pilot study produced actionable suggestions for the development of innovative, technology-based, patient centered self-management interventions, including application of self-expressive digital imagery.

Results from this assessment can advance the design and development of future research on these important issues.

New England Research Institutes 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 March 2017

A strategic partnership between NAMI Mass and the

EDI Institute promoting recovery and resilience

through expressive imagery created on mobile devices

Created by a NAMI Peer-to-Peer participant

expressing a new direction in her life.

“My images contain the

essence of my heart and soul… I

had one of my best healing

experiences by participating.”

- NAMI Peer-to-Peer

Participant

I barely have the words to describe

the difference that the imagery

made for me. It opened up a whole

new medium for self- exploration

and communication.” -

- NAMI Peer-to-Peer Facilitator

Judi Maguire Director of NAMI Mass Peer-to-Peer jmaguire@namimass.org

Steven Koppel Founder, EDI Institute

steven.koppel@ediinstitute.org

NAMI Massachusetts Schrafft’s Center Suite 1M17 529, Main Street, Boston, MA 02129