Time to Think
Evolving from the Choices Program, Time to Think is offered to service high-risk youth.
Gender specific groups are constructed with two concurrent male classes divided into age groups 12-15 & 15-18, both running for 14 weeks.
Referrals are accepted through court processes, parents/guardians or self-referrals from the community. For information regarding referrals for Time to Think, please contact (519)850-3777.
Referrals attend an intake meeting (all youth under the age of 16 are interviewed with their parent(s) or guardian(s). Interview facilitators provide program explanation, expectations and any specific challenges that may affect the youth's success in the program.
Class sessions focus on modifying impulsive, egocentric, illogical and rigid thinking of participants by teaching them to:
- Stop and think before acting
- Consider consequences of their behavior
- Conceptualize alternative ways of responding to interpersonal problems
- Consider the impact of their behavior on other people
The exercises that are presented throughout the 1.5 hour sessions include structured group activities, role playing, thinking games, puzzles, problem solving and group discussions.
The group atmosphere permits comfort and trust and facilitates greater learning and growth.
Teaching styles are supportive, non-threatening and encourage a high degree of group participation and responsibility.
The Seven Interrelated Modules of Time To Think
Problem Solving
- The importance of recognizing and identifying problems lead to better solutions
The Management of Emotions
- Understanding personal anger cues, internal/external triggers, and effectively dealing with anger
Creative Thinking
- Considering the positive rather than merely the negative in situations and encouraging more thought before arriving at a solution.
Values Enhancement
- Clear definition of the concept of values, how values are acquired and stressing the importance of having a concrete set of values
Critical Reasoning
- Examining the manipulation of information and one-sided arguments. Introduces various problem-solving techniques.
Skills in Review
- Recap of entire program in preparation for exam
Review and Graduation
- Review the skills developed in earlier sessions and to practice implementing positive solutions when faced with simulated problems.
