Table 1 Session’s descriptions

Session 1 (First Week)

Phase 1 (Engaging the Group)

Introduction

Main Objectives, Approaches, Expectations

Group Guidelines

Eliciting Goals

To foster positive and collaborative setting to enhance dialogue about positive behavioural change

Open Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summary (OARS) were used to promote engagement and establish group communication.

1 h

Phase 2 (Exploring Perspectives)

Lifestyles and Habits

Ambivalence

Exploring Values

To help participants in reframing their stressors within a broader context of their lives through the process of examining their habits, core values, lifestyle, ambivalence

OARS, evoking change talk were utilized to support participant’s reflection on their motivations, and their ambivalence.

Session 2 (Second Week)

Phase 3 (Broadening Perspectives)

Develop Discrepancy

Decisional Balances

Looking towards the future

Strengths & Success Stories

To assist in broadening participant’s perspectives to guide them in envisioning a brighter future

OARS, decisional balance exercises, developing discrepancy were applied to assist in identifying the contrast between their current behaviours and desired outcomes

1 h

Session 3 (Third Week)

Phase 4 (Moving into Action)

Importance and Confidence Review

Change Planning

Strengthening Commitment to Change

Dealing with Challenges and Setbacks

To facilitate in defining, working on and carrying out changes that participants view could improve their lives

OARS, goal setting, importance and confidence rulers were used to empower participants and enhance self-efficacy to make positive changes.

1 h