Our Holistic Approach
The covers of each section of our updated curriculum.
Earlier this year, we debuted an updated curriculum for our programs in our continued pursuit for flourishing for all. Our copyrighted 800-page curriculum is a one-of-a-kind resource that is revolutionizing the Untold experience for both our staff and clients. This incredible update was spearheaded by our U.S. Director of Programs, Chelsea Walker, LCSW, along with Lydiah Korir, Janet Manyara, Daniel Mulika, and Francis Odour from our East African team and in tandem with various experts in public health, therapy, social work, and theology. It emphasizes the connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual health and provides clients the practical tools and resources needed to meet their goals. This new curriculum is on track to be implemented in all 102 Untold centers by the end of 2023. Early evaluation and data analysis indicate the new curriculum has been well-received by counselors and clients alike.
“Learning my intrinsic value helped me to value myself and start to live bravely.” - Untold client
Why the update?
The number one resiliency factor when assessing a person’s ability to thrive is one safe, stable, nurturing relationship with a present and attuned caregiver. We often think of “caregiver” as a parent, referring to the relationship between a child and a parent or other adult. However, no matter how old we get, we never stop needing companionship and support. Anyone providing meaningful and authentic support to another individual can be characterized as a caregiver. Counselors are caregivers to their clients as they provide care, empathy, attention, kindness, and love throughout the duration of the program. As caregivers, our job is to be proactive and strategic in the way we serve those we care for. We aim to prevent harm and establish security and stability wherever we can.
The new curriculum has been reorganized to better meet the clients where they are—physically and emotionally— at each stage of the program. It also includes content, context, and tools to assist the counselor in supporting the client at any given point throughout the nine months. The content normalizes both the client’s and the counselor’s experience as they walk through this process together. It clarifies what is and is not the counselor’s role. It removes the weight of responsibility from the counselor while embracing and equipping the client to be their own agent of change through God’s grace.
“The curriculum is vivid and easy to implement because it enables one to prepare and even master the contents prior to delivery.” - Untold staff
What will it accomplish?
The brain heals in specific ways. We hope that this new structure will create a universal focus on the client and their needs, allowing the client to dictate the pace, flow, and growth as they engage in the material authentically. Rather than creating a document siloed into specific roles (health vs. spiritual), it aims to approach the client’s healing holistically—focusing on both physical healing and emotional healing (and how the two intersect) in each and every session. By approaching each session holistically, we hope to create a client-centric experience, remaining aware of the client’s experience as they interact with each phase of the program and apply the lessons to their lives.
Have more questions about our updated curriculum? Email Chelsea Walker, LCSW at chelsea@untold.org.