Methodology & Approach

Exclusive class material from The Change Companies bringing together Evidence-Based behavior change practices including Interactive Journaling®, the principles of Motivational Interviewing (Miller, Rollnick, et. al), the stages and processes of change from the Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska, et. al) and effective strategies found in the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive-Behavioral Model (Hayes et. al).

PDS offender intervention programs are eight- hour, one-day, positive, yet intensive experiences that utilizes a unique and exclusively licensed curriculum developed in collaboration with The Change Companies ™, the nation’s leading publisher of Evidence-Based behavior change curriculums.

Our methodology:
Our intervention model incorporates four specific evidence-based behavior change models:

Motivational Interviewing Model (MI) (Miller, Rollnick, et. al), a style of communication used by the Facilitator that moves our Participant towards change in a manner that does not inadvertently create roadblocks to the Behavior Change process. It’s a person-centered, goal-oriented method of using questions and statements strategically to help people think and talk in a positive direction reducing resistance while eliciting and strengthening intrinsic motivation for positive change. Years of collaboration with Michael D. Clark, MSW, Director of Great Lakes Training Inc. and The Center for Strength-Based Strategies, has shaped and enhanced our dedication to MI and other Strength-Based Practises in Behavior Change.

Interactive Journaling® The Change Companies' trade-marked process of Interactive Journaling® is a structured and experiential writing process that motivates and guides participants toward positive life changes. The behavior change process is enhanced by engaging the participant in a structured exploration of their reasons to make and keep positive changes.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Model (ACT) (Steven Hays PhD., et.al.), a 3rd generation cognitive behavioral model adapted by PDS for our psycho-educational interventions. Participants are led through exercises designed to help them take a new perspective on their thoughts and feelings. The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. ACT takes the view that “unworkable” choices and problem behaviors tend to arise from ongoing efforts to avoid discomfort, while “workable” choices are born from increased acceptance of “what is” while also taking actions towards values-driven goals. Learn More about ACT