Preparing for Mental Health Facilitation

Module 2
Key Points to • Early goals of the process include being
Unlock This reassuring and nonthreatening
Module • A good start to helping includes
providing specifics about the Mental
Health Facilitation process
• Help can be in many forms, including
providing a referral to a professional

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 2

 Like repairing a fine watch, as a MHF you:
Skill Development • Use words to explore feelings and solve
problems
• Time questions appropriately
• Communicate with empathy and patience

This takes practice!

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 3

The MHF Step 1: Get ready - prepare
Process Step 2: Learn about the person

Step 3: Learn about the problem

Step 4: Consider various solutions

Step 5: Help the person to achieve a solution or

connect the person to resources

Step 6: Follow up

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 4

 • Review all you know and believe about
Step 1: people, helping and your community
Get Ready - • Consider where you will be speaking with
the person
Prepare • Find a place with as much privacy and as
few distractions as possible
• Remind yourself of your role and which
MHF skills you might use in this situation
• Be compassionate, patient and dedicated

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 5

Early • What is it like to be the person seeking
help?
Considerations
• What are the person’s expectations?
• How long will we meet the first time?
• How many times might we need to
meet?
• What do we want to accomplish?
• What resources are available?

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 6

 • Explain what is likely to happen in the
Give Specifics mental health facilitation process
About MHF • Explain roles and limitations
• Discuss logistics (such as time, place)
• Discuss keeping conversations private
• Check to see if the person understands

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 7

Be • Recognize that both of you may be
Reassuring “uneasy” in the beginning

• Develop a welcoming, supportive

approach

• Be reassuring so that the person:

• Talks more freely
• Feels less scared
• Is more likely to return
• Can begin problem-solving
Module 2: Preparing for MHF 8
 • Sometimes you may be direct
Personal Style • “Let’s talk about what brought you here”

• Sometimes you may be indirect

• “It’s great to see you again”

Always pay attention to the person and

what seems to be best for that individual

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 9

 • Give the person clear direction about
A Good Beginning the MHF process
• The ways it works
• What might happen

• Help the person understand the

general process involved in mental
health facilitation

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 10

Step 2:
Learn About the •Listen, listen, listen!
Person
•Respond to the person’s story and
situation

•Continue to listen and respond as this will

lead to learn even more about the person
and the situation

•Listen, listen, listen!

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 11

Step 3: • Focus on what is most important to
Learn About the person

the Problem • Ask good questions to understand the

situation better
• Continue to sort things out with the
person
• Try to understand all aspects of the
problem

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 12

Step 4: • Define the situation (S)
• Find out what has been tried (T)
Consider Various • Determine the possibilities (P)
Solutions • Help the person make a choice (C)
Develop a plan of action
• Consider support sources:
• Working with the family and
community
• Using support systems such as faith
groups
• Finding traditional helping/healing
strategies
• Making a referral
Module 2: Preparing for MHF 13
 • Engage in problem-solving
Step 5: • STPC
Help Implement a • Define an action plan
Solution or Connect • Practice new behaviors
to Resources • Use your referral skills

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 14

 • Examine plans and progress
Step 6: • Check on referrals
Follow-up • Plan follow-up
• Say good-bye

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 15

If You Believe • Do not worry
You Cannot Help • Tell the person you cannot help in this
situation
• Help the person find help
• Refer to medical and psychosocial services

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 16

 Explore!
• What are three things I have heard today that I want to remember?
• What surprised me?
• What questions do I have?

Module 2: Preparing for MHF 17