The power of hearing a good story

—by Matthew K. Weiland and Paul M. Kubek

Cleveland, OH—The Center for Evidence-Based Practices (CEBP) at Case Western Reserve University is collecting audio recordings of service providers, consumers, and others telling stories of their experiences with evidence-based practices like Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) and Supported Employment (SE), as well as other service innovations and emerging best practices such as the Tobacco and Recovery (TR) model. We'll have our recording equipment set up at different events. We invite you to stop by and contribute to the project (look for the "Audio Project" banner, microphone, and people with headphones). Take 10 minutes. Answer 3 questions:

  • Think of someone you know—a consumer, a family member, a friend—who has received [IDDT/ SE/ TR] services: How has his or her life been positively changed by the approach?
  • How has [IDDT/ SE/ TR] changed the way you do your work?
  • What has been your biggest challenge with using or receiving [IDDT/ SE /TR]: How have you overcome that challenge?

Sample 1: Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment

Ohio SAMI CCOE Director of Consultation and Training Ric Kruszynski, MSSA, LISW, LICDC, tells a story that illustrates how 20 minutes of clinical supervision in the community with immediate feedback helped one team member refine her approach and find the tools she needed to help one woman's journey toward health, wellness, stable housing, and recovery. The Ohio SAMI CCOE is an initiative of the Center for Evidence-Based Practices (CEBP) at Case Western Reserve University.

Learn more on Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment.

Sample 2: Supported Employment

In "Every Journey Has a Story," Nicole Clevenger, BFA, shares her story of recovery and how it was helped dramatically by evidence-based Supported Employment / IPS services.

  • 15 original audio tracks
  • Audio CD and free.mp3 downloads
  • Also featuring Patrick Boyle, Mary Ann Hastings, Leslie Alloway, and Steve Shober
  • Take-home tips for SE teams

Sample 3: Tobacco and Recovery

The Shawnee Mental Health Center not only serves three of the poorest, most rural regions in Ohio—Lawrence, Scioto, and Adams counties—with mental health and tobacco recovery services, but it also lies in the heart of tobacco country, making the notion of kicking the habit seem less doable than flicking a cigarette butt across the Ohio River. Program Supervisor (and Inspector Gadget) Flash Phipps has some useful tips for helping consumers and service providers kick the tobacco habit.

Learn more on tobacco and recovery.

Sample 4: Motivational Interviewing

This audio CD provides an introduction to the spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based treatment designed for behavioral healthcare professionals to help people resolve their ambivalence about making meaningful personal changes in their lives. This CD features staff members of the Center for Evidence-Based Practices (CEBP) at Case Western Reserve University telling stories about MI from their experiences as direct-service providers, consultants, and trainers.

Learn more on motivational interviewing.

Sample 5: Center For Evidence-Based Practices

The Podcast Archives is a collection of conversations with people involved in the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and other services designed to improve quality-of-life for people diagnosed with severe mental illness and co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Discover the lessons they've learned along the way.

Support For The Audio Initiative

Special thanks to the following co-instructors of the podcasting class at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, which took place from October 2007 to May 2008:

Jerry Floersch, PhD
Associate Professor of Social Work
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Daniel Moulthrap
Program Host
Idea Stream | WVIZ & WCPN
NPR & PBS affiliates in Cleveland

• Financial support for he Mandel School's Podcasting class was provided by the following:
Mandel Foundation of Cleveland

• News and resources related to the Podcasting class:
Project Summary

News Center | Case Western Reserve


Matthew K. Weiland, MA, is senior writer, producer, and new-media specialist and Paul M. Kubek, MA, is director of communications at the Center for Evidence-Based Practices at Case Western Reserve University.