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Restore, a life-changing ministry of the YMCA!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Restore's relationship with the YMCA?
We are a YMCA program. Restore's staff are all employees of the YMCA, and much of our funding comes through the YMCA.
What kinds of life controlling issues do you address?
Depression, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues, loss/grief issues, alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, low self-esteem, sexual compulsivity/pornography, or just people who have lost their way in life and feel something is missing. Life has not turned out as they hoped and they have lost their dreams or a sense of purpose for living.
How do Restore programs work?
Restore classes and curriculum help individuals in four different ways. 1.) Change can be overwhelming. The Journey to Freedom manual prepares people for the process of change - teaching them how to develop tools and overcome obstacles. 2.) Power to Choose uses a Christ-centered 12-step process - proven to be the most powerful life transforming tool known to man - to free us from the bondage of any type of life controlling issue. The individual takes a searching look inside, and develops a transforming relationship with God. 3.) After an individual looks at him/her self, it's time to tackle relationships in Love is a Choice. Healing begins to occur in every aspect of a person's life. 4.) The work in Tracks I and II help people excavate their life-controlling issues - ready for a fresh start. The material used in Track III is designed to provide that fresh start in spirit, mind, and body. Lifelong health and happiness is yours to claim.
How is your program different from AA, NA, OA, and SA?
There are three main differences: First, we are specific in the recognition of Christ as the higher Power. Second, we address all types of life-controlling issues, from 'hard' addictions such as substance abuse, to less obvious challenges such as loneliness and depression. Third, we facilitate work/support groups with curriculum, whereas these other programs are not curriculum based.
Do you incorporate a 'sponsor' or 'buddy' system into your program? How does that work?
Each participant is assigned an accountability partner who they check in with each week. Additionally, each group's facilitator helps serve as a 'sponsor' for the members of their group.
I've never had a 'hard' addiction, such as alcohol, sex or drugs. Am I going to feel out of place?
Our program is for everyone. As a matter of fact, the majority of our participants do not have so-called hard addictions like alcohol and drugs.
I'm not sure what my issues really are - I just know I'm lonely and unhappy. How would your program help someone like me?
Great question. At Restore we have a saying that 'discovery leads to recovery.' Journey to Freedom is a perfect place to explore with God all the different aspects of your life. Restore's program provides a safe group of people who will walk with you as you process all that has happened in your life and find out how you got to be where you are. It is very healing to just stop and take the time to discover how your life has turned out the way it has and to learn why you've responded to it as you have.
Why are your sessions held in churches?
We meet in churches because they have the type of space necessary to facilitate breaking out into small groups.
I'm not into 'religious' organizations. Am I going to be comfortable at Restore?
We are not a religious program. We are a spiritual program that is safe for people who are at different places in their journey of faith.
I'm not a Christian. Am I going to feel pressured to convert to Christianity?
We do not have an agenda to try and convert participants to Christianity. Our sole purpose is to take people through our group work. To love them and encourage them wherever they are in their life. We want people to feel comfortable in our groups no matter what they believe. We are a Christian organization and we use Christ as our higher power in our program but we are open to anyone of any faith.
I'm a little wary of Christian organizations because they often seem judgmental. Am I going to feel welcome at Restore?
We are a safe place for anyone and welcome all regardless of their beliefs or issue.
I am a church leader who is struggling with some really private issues. How 'safe' is your program when it comes to confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the heart of our program. What is said here stays here. Protecting each participant's anonymity outside of the group is paramount to the success of our program.
What happens in a typical session?
In a typical session we talk about the topic we've have been studying, and share what has been going on in our lives that week. We celebrate our victories and we discuss our slip-ups so that we can grow from them. We focus on our growth and the solution, rather than focusing on the problems. In a typical group we discuss accountability around our 'start up' behaviors and our 'stop behaviors,' again focusing on our healing. This is the key difference between our groups and typical support groups where people normally focus only on the struggle. This is also why we are a workgroup with a lot of accountability versus just a support group.
What will be required of me to complete the program?
The only requirement is to show up at the meetings. To really benefit from the journey, however, you would want to fully engage in the process by reading your material and processing the information covered.
What if I'm not in a place where I'm ready to open up to complete strangers? Should I wait to join the program?
Absolutely not. Each participant discloses at his or her own pace. You don't have to share if you don't want to. The more you are willing to open up, however, the more you will gain from the program. The most important thing is just to get started, and not let your fear of sharing with others be the hindrance that keeps you away.
How different will I be at the end of the program?
That all depends on how much you fully engage in the process. Some people really apply themselves and make the program a focus period of their life, and they benefit tremendously. And then there are those who don't read material but just show up and they still benefit, but probably not as much. You will benefit at the level at which you engage in the process.
What kind of things will I learn?
You will learn many things, including boundaries, accountability, humility, honesty, and vulnerability, all of which are foundations for growth and healing. Most of all, you are going to learn a life transforming process, which, when consistently applied to your issue, will help you continue to grow and heal for the rest of your life. This is the key to the success of our program.
Will your program 'cure' me of my life-controlling issues?
For many of us, we will struggle with our issues for life. To say we are 'cured' is setting ourselves up for failure. It is not perfection, but rather steps toward progress that we learn. It is all about growth.
How can I register?
Call our office, (615) 297-6529 and you can register anytime.
Can I talk with someone from Restore before committing to join the program?
Yes, we encourage that. Just call our office and make an appointment for a free assessment with one of our staff. In addition to discussing group placement, our counseling center provides one free assessment to everyone. (615-565-6281)
What is Restore's relationship with the YMCA?
We are a YMCA program. Restore's staff are all employees of the YMCA, and much of our funding comes through the YMCA.
What kinds of life controlling issues do you address?
Depression, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues, loss/grief issues, alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, low self-esteem, sexual compulsivity/pornography, or just people who have lost their way in life and feel something is missing. Life has not turned out as they hoped and they have lost their dreams or a sense of purpose for living.
How do Restore programs work?
Restore classes and curriculum help individuals in four different ways. 1.) Change can be overwhelming. The Journey to Freedom manual prepares people for the process of change - teaching them how to develop tools and overcome obstacles. 2.) Power to Choose uses a Christ-centered 12-step process - proven to be the most powerful life transforming tool known to man - to free us from the bondage of any type of life controlling issue. The individual takes a searching look inside, and develops a transforming relationship with God. 3.) After an individual looks at him/her self, it's time to tackle relationships in Love is a Choice. Healing begins to occur in every aspect of a person's life. 4.) The work in Tracks I and II help people excavate their life-controlling issues - ready for a fresh start. The material used in Track III is designed to provide that fresh start in spirit, mind, and body. Lifelong health and happiness is yours to claim.
How is your program different from AA, NA, OA, and SA?
There are three main differences: First, we are specific in the recognition of Christ as the higher Power. Second, we address all types of life-controlling issues, from 'hard' addictions such as substance abuse, to less obvious challenges such as loneliness and depression. Third, we facilitate work/support groups with curriculum, whereas these other programs are not curriculum based.
Do you incorporate a 'sponsor' or 'buddy' system into your program? How does that work?
Each participant is assigned an accountability partner who they check in with each week. Additionally, each group's facilitator helps serve as a 'sponsor' for the members of their group.
I've never had a 'hard' addiction, such as alcohol, sex or drugs. Am I going to feel out of place?
Our program is for everyone. As a matter of fact, the majority of our participants do not have so-called hard addictions like alcohol and drugs.
I'm not sure what my issues really are - I just know I'm lonely and unhappy. How would your program help someone like me?
Great question. At Restore we have a saying that 'discovery leads to recovery.' Journey to Freedom is a perfect place to explore with God all the different aspects of your life. Restore's program provides a safe group of people who will walk with you as you process all that has happened in your life and find out how you got to be where you are. It is very healing to just stop and take the time to discover how your life has turned out the way it has and to learn why you've responded to it as you have.
Why are your sessions held in churches?
We meet in churches because they have the type of space necessary to facilitate breaking out into small groups.
I'm not into 'religious' organizations. Am I going to be comfortable at Restore?
We are not a religious program. We are a spiritual program that is safe for people who are at different places in their journey of faith.
I'm not a Christian. Am I going to feel pressured to convert to Christianity?
We do not have an agenda to try and convert participants to Christianity. Our sole purpose is to take people through our group work. To love them and encourage them wherever they are in their life. We want people to feel comfortable in our groups no matter what they believe. We are a Christian organization and we use Christ as our higher power in our program but we are open to anyone of any faith.
I'm a little wary of Christian organizations because they often seem judgmental. Am I going to feel welcome at Restore?
We are a safe place for anyone and welcome all regardless of their beliefs or issue.
I am a church leader who is struggling with some really private issues. How 'safe' is your program when it comes to confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the heart of our program. What is said here stays here. Protecting each participant's anonymity outside of the group is paramount to the success of our program.
What happens in a typical session?
In a typical session we talk about the topic we've have been studying, and share what has been going on in our lives that week. We celebrate our victories and we discuss our slip-ups so that we can grow from them. We focus on our growth and the solution, rather than focusing on the problems. In a typical group we discuss accountability around our 'start up' behaviors and our 'stop behaviors,' again focusing on our healing. This is the key difference between our groups and typical support groups where people normally focus only on the struggle. This is also why we are a workgroup with a lot of accountability versus just a support group.
What will be required of me to complete the program?
The only requirement is to show up at the meetings. To really benefit from the journey, however, you would want to fully engage in the process by reading your material and processing the information covered.
What if I'm not in a place where I'm ready to open up to complete strangers? Should I wait to join the program?
Absolutely not. Each participant discloses at his or her own pace. You don't have to share if you don't want to. The more you are willing to open up, however, the more you will gain from the program. The most important thing is just to get started, and not let your fear of sharing with others be the hindrance that keeps you away.
How different will I be at the end of the program?
That all depends on how much you fully engage in the process. Some people really apply themselves and make the program a focus period of their life, and they benefit tremendously. And then there are those who don't read material but just show up and they still benefit, but probably not as much. You will benefit at the level at which you engage in the process.
What kind of things will I learn?
You will learn many things, including boundaries, accountability, humility, honesty, and vulnerability, all of which are foundations for growth and healing. Most of all, you are going to learn a life transforming process, which, when consistently applied to your issue, will help you continue to grow and heal for the rest of your life. This is the key to the success of our program.
Will your program 'cure' me of my life-controlling issues?
For many of us, we will struggle with our issues for life. To say we are 'cured' is setting ourselves up for failure. It is not perfection, but rather steps toward progress that we learn. It is all about growth.
How can I register?
Call our office, (615) 297-6529 and you can register anytime.
Can I talk with someone from Restore before committing to join the program?
Yes, we encourage that. Just call our office and make an appointment for a free assessment with one of our staff. In addition to discussing group placement, our counseling center provides one free assessment to everyone. (615-565-6281)
©2008 The YMCA of Middle Tennessee