The Invitation to Change (ITC)
Professional & Compassionate
Our Approach: Where Science Meets Compassion
The Invitation to Change is our cornerstone – holistic helping framework grounded in science and kindness. Tailored for families, loved ones, and the professionals supporting them, ITC revolves around three main pillars: understanding, awareness, and action. At the core is practice, acknowleding that true behavioral change requires ongoing commitment and learning. In the Understanding phase, caregivers gain insights into the reasons behind their loved one’s behaviors, fostering empathy and opening doors to positive change. The Awareness section focuses on three parts i.e self-awareness, willingness and self compassion which are essentail elements for cargivers navigating the challenging journey of supporting a loved one struggling with substance use. The Action segment equips caregivers with effective communication skills and behavior tools, emphasizing collaboration and positive reinforcement.
Change is a journey—walk it with us.
Our Activities
We believe that understanding your loved one’s behaviors is the first step toward positive change. Debunking stigmatizing labels, we emphasize that behaviors make sense to the individual struggling and they serve a purpose to them even though to us ,it may not seem to be. This approach recognises that one size does not fit all, and that ambivalence is a natural part of the change process hence inviting empathy and kindness in the journey of supporting individuals with substance use.
Self awareness is key. Acknowleding your thoughts, feelings and values is integral to navigating the challenges of supporting a loved one. Through cultivating willingness and self compassion, ITC aims to help you embrace the vulnerability that comes with caring for someone going through a difficult journey.
Communication and behavior are the tools of action. Equipping you with effective comunication skills and behavior tools, we empower you to be a positive force for change. Recognising and rewarding positive change and setting respectful limits form the basis of our action-oriented strategy.
At the heart of ITC is the emphasis on practice. Whatever section is on the wheel requires practice. Just like learning a new language or sport takes practice , behavioral change in addiction recovery requires patience and perseverance. Recognizing that behavior changes with consistent practice is key, YAF encourages participants to approach the strategies as they would in any new skill- with practice, patience, compassion, consistency and a readiness to learn. By incorporating these practical elements, participants are better equipped to support their loved ones on the path to recovery.
YAF’s collaboration with CMC: Foundation for Change is unlocking new possibilities in the fight against substance use disorders. Together, they are extending the reach of evidence-based strategies like CRAFT, MI, and ACT particularly through the ITC training that is conducted by CMC: Foundation for Change, across borders- impacting communities in Uganda, Zambia, and the African Diaspora.
The partnership’s primary goal is to support families affected by substance use. By implementing ITC support groups and training professionals, YAF and CMC: FFC aim to create awareness and traction for progressive, evidence-based strategies in both treatment communities and homes. These efforts are breaking barriers, reducing stigma and fostering a culture of compassion that supports addiction recovery.
Recognizing the vital role played by healthcare professionals like therapists, counselors, psychiatrists etc. YAF ensures that those offering support to individuals battling substance use receive the necessary resources and training. Through the tailored approach of the ITC approach, regular support groups and continuous training, YAF is equipping professionals with the tools needed to provide effective and compassionate care towards families and individuals supporting sobriety.
