What is the Step Up Program?
Synapse recognises the challenges traditional Behaviour Change programs pose to men living with a cognitive impairment/brain injury, often undiagnosed.
Learning strategies must be adapted to assist with memory, emotional regulation and application of learning in day to day life and decisions.
The Step Up program will provide the men with tools, activities and mentoring to better reflect on their decisions and choices that impact behaviour. The program content is specifically tailored to improve insight, enable retention, recall and application of the learning.
Why Step Up?
• Trauma informed – respecting the persons story and experience of violence.
• Evidence based learning strategies – considers the impact of brain injury and cognitive impairment (identified or not) on impulse control, decision making, behaviour, memory, insight and more.
• Individualised – a blend of small group and one-on-one sessions, used to identify and respond to individual needs and goals.
• Safety planning – enhancing safety for partners and children.
Program outline
The Step Up program covers 4 modules (each module takes 6 weeks to complete):
• Violence, decision making and the brain
• Emotions & communication
• Relationship dynamics
• Power dynamics
Program duration:
• 3-week onboarding
• 24-week program
• Up to 15 hours post-program support
Delivery mode:
• in-person attendance
Group size:
• Up to 6 participants
Weekly session structure:
• 2 x 1.5 hour group sessions
• 1 x 1 hour individual session