Dear Colleague,
I write to you about a research study I am conducting to see if your organization would like to participate, and if so, we would like to obtain your permission for participation.
My name is Amy Krentzman, and I am an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Campus.
I study addiction recovery, and I have developed a journaling practice designed to improve positive mood and wellbeing in early recovery so that recovery is more rewarding and long lasting. While the journaling has been developed for people with addictions, it can be useful to any client who has basic literacy skills (the ability to write short bullet-pointed lists) and who would benefit from a reflective practice designed to improve mood, outlook, and wellbeing.
About Positive Recovery Journaling (PRJ) Groups
- PRJ groups are 8 one-hour sessions, ideally with the same people attending each time
- Can be conducted online or in-person
- Counselors would receive all the materials they need to support their success including:
- A 4.5 hour free training
- At least one coaching session as PRJ sessions get underway with the option of receiving more coaching support
- A PRJ journal for themselves
- A box of up to 10 PRJ journals for clients
- PowerPoint slides to guide each PRJ session
- A treatment manual
- Other materials as needed
- Counselors would receive CEUs and a gift card to thank them for their time
- Preparation time for each PRJ session we expect would be 15-30 minutes
- After each PRJ session, the counselor completes a brief questionnaire taking 5-10 minutes
- After your counselor completes the 4.5-hour training, we provide the counselor with the option to either start using PRJ with clients or not—depending on their clinical judgement and the best interest of their clients.
- Counselors will be in the best position to make this determination after they have completed the 4.5 hour training.
Thank you for your kind consideration!
Sincerely,
Amy Krentzman