Comments from the Center for Cognition and Recovery's
CET Graduates, Group Members, Coaches, Agency Administrators, and Families
Attendance and graduation rates for CET groups across all sites are between 85-90%. Much of the attendance success can be attributed to how much participants value the program.
"Our 52 year old son who has schizophrenia has been a PLAN of North Texas client since 1994 and has benefited greatly from the various services. He graduated from CET last week with a renewed self confidence. In fact he said: “This is the first time I feel I really graduated.” (He has high school and collage diplomas.)
My wife and I have noticed he is able to focus his attention in conversations and respond in a knowledgeable way. He has increased social contacts, continued his independent studies of religious history and written several reports on his studies. He has also made progress in accepting his disability.
The PLAN of North Texas membership and staff are very glad that we started the program. We will have three classes of 10 students each, starting in October."
-Bob Ploger
“The reason I like going to CET is because they treat me like I have a brain.” (JFSA CET Graduate)
“CET was invaluable, I learned to laugh again and it brought out the happy side of me.”
“I come to CET to improve my social skills. Since I have been coming to CET, I speak better. I am able to have conversations easier. I try to use it in my everyday life. I hope to continue to get better.” (JFSA CET graduate)
“Before CET I’d sit in my apartment, unable to interact socially and industrially. I isolated myself and felt alienated from the rest of the community. I was not willing (afraid) to participate in any activities. After CET, I’m willing and not afraid to participate in some community events constructively and I interact socially.” (PLAN of SW Ohio CET graduate)
“CET has helped me understand how my disorder affects me and particularly the brain and my disorder. With this understanding, I have been able to handle my [illness] and no longer experience psychosis on a day to day basis. I definitely think CET has helped me return to work (as a telemarketer for Cincinnati Symphony). My quality of life has definitely improved with the help of the psycho-educational lectures and group interaction at CET. …….” (PLAN of SW Ohio CET graduate)
B. has reported that he did not think he’d be able to work full time and is surprised he has the stamina. He states “I just keep getting happier and happier.” (PLAN of NE Ohio CET graduate)
“We’ve witnessed what we believe is BT’s increase in confidence and self-esteem. These have penetrated many aspects of BT’s life, including work, family relationships, financial management and social encounters. For example, BT has been successful in the same position at work for almost three years, and twice in the past year has received an award for being Employee of the Month…..” (sibling of PLAN of NE Ohio CET graduate)
“Before CET P. was the picture of impoverishment. Now he is so much more comfortable in social settings and makes eye contact and actually speaks sentences. His family has also told me that they are noticing that now he participates in their activities and interactions.” (CET Coach from PLAN N TX)
“(in CET) I get to use my head some and it allows me to talk in a group setting and meet people.” (PLAN N TX group member)
"Learning how to be a CET Coach has been the best clinical experience.” Stacy Martz, Ph. D., Executive Director, PLAN of SW Ohio.
“We feel that we got our son back after he went through CET.” Marty and Gerry Conway, parents of PLAN Member Neil.
"If we could, we would have CET groups on each of the units at North Coast Behavioral Health, Northfield Campus.” Douglas Smith, MD, Medical Director and Kevin Smith, Ph. D., Director of Psychology. (Ohio Department of Mental Health)
“CET is the best treatment intervention I have seen in over 30 years as a psychiatric social worker; it really transformers lives.” Ray Gonzalez, ACSW, LISW-S, Executive Director of the Center for Cognition and Recovery.