Personal Development Seminars (PDS)

Behavior Intervention and awareness classes

for court involved defendants

live classes professionally facilitated with zoom

Agency Referral Forms

Phone Registration

1-800-775-3230

Self-Registration Online

PDS WEB CLASSES

Programs offered by Personal Development Seminars (PDS), are suitable referral resource interventions for all misdemeanor and most felony offenses.

Participants are frequently referred to our programs by Judges, Prosecutors, Probation, Parole, Family Protective Services, Private Attorneys, and other agencies and officials committed to help bring about positive change in the Participant.

The class process allows class Participants to connect to their intrinsic motivation for making positive change, and aids them in exploring and resolving their ambivalence about making or keeping needed changes in attitude and behavior with specific regards to illegal behavior.

The positive and interactive group process is highly effective in helping the Participants to recognize the need for and benefits of behavior change and evoking strong commitment to behavior change. Each class usually involves 8 to 10 hours of participation which combines the workbook work, before, during, and after the facilitated class sessions.

PDS classes incorporate multiple Evidence-Based behavior change practices including The Change Companies’ trade-marked Interactive Journaling®, the principles of Motivational Interviewing (Miller, Rollnick, et. al), and effective cognitive strategies based on the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Model (Hayes et. al). The PDS Web Class, professionally facilitated using Zoom, allows participants to attend our live, and interactive class via the internet on their computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone from their home or other appropriate space. Each class utilizes a structured journaling curriculum PDS developed in collaboration with The Change Companies ™. Class journals to be used in the web class are mailed or emailed by PDS, or downloaded by the Participants who use our online Self Registration process.

Theft Intervention

The PDS Theft Intervention Web Class is conducted live by PDS Facilitators using the Zoom video conferencing platform. The class is designed to reduce the repeat offenses of shoplifting, or other theft offenses. The program is suitable for a pre-trial diversion or as a condition of probation. Class Participants examine where they are, how they got there, and where they want to go in life.

Feelings of stress and desperation can greatly impair one’s ability to make reasonable choices, and can lead to emotional reaction instead of logical response in problem-solving efforts. Unwanted emotions can also lead to avoidance behaviors. Poor stress management and avoidance behaviors are often significant factors for people who have engaged in criminal behavior.

Core class topics addressing these issues involve the study of strategies and skills for improving their responses to stress, identifying thinking patterns that lead to unworkable choices and learning tools for increasing workable choices and connecting choices with personal values. PDS Class Facilitators also guide Participants in exploring personal behaviors with a focus on positives changes in their activities, habits, and surroundings. Through the class discussions and journaling exercises, Participants develop their plan for change.

Class Content Includes:

Why Am I Here?, Life is About Choices, Unworkable Choice Process, Awareness Skills for Workable Choices

Understanding Theft: ·Reasons People Steal · The Ripple Effect of Theft ·Planning and Budgeting · Stress and Decision Making · Stress Reduction Mindfulness Skills · Strategies For Increasing Awareness

My Motivation for Change, Positive Effects of Change, Setting SMART Goals, Planning for Success, Managing Alcohol & Drugs, Managing High-Risk Situations, Building a Support Network, Recognizing Strengths and Abilities , Developing a Change Plan

Violence Intervention

The PDS Violence Intervention Web Class is conducted live by PDS Facilitators using the Zoom video conferencing platform. This class, often referred to as an anger management program, has been highly effective in reducing repeat offenses. This class is a suitable referral resource for Terroristic Threat, Family Violence, Resisting Arrest, Assault, Weapons, Harassment, Probation Violation, Criminal Trespass, and other aggressive offenses.

Feelings of stress and frustration can lead to emotional, impulsive reactions instead of logical responses in difficult situations. Dysfunctional handling of unwanted emotions can also lead to avoidance behaviors that involve the use of force, control, verbal abuse, and violence. Poor stress management and avoidance behaviors are often significant factors for people who have engaged in criminal behavior.

Core class topics addressing these issues involve the study of strategies and skills for improving their responses to stress, identifying thinking patterns that lead to unworkable choices and learning tools for increasing workable choices and connecting choices with personal values. PDS Class Facilitators also guide Participants in exploring personal behaviors with a focus on positives changes in their activities, habits, and surroundings. Participants consider changes they need to make and keep as they develop their change plan for a life free from violence or aggression related behavior.

Class Content Includes:

Why Am I Here?, Life is About Choices, Unworkable Choice Process, Awareness Skills for Workable Choices

Violence Intervention: ·Expressions of Emotion ·What Are My Hot Spots ·Sticky Story of Judgment ·Look for the Hidden Should ·A Strategy To Use Today: Time-Outs ·Stress and Decision Making ·Stress Reduction Mindfulness Skills ·Strategies For Increasing Awareness

Marijuana Awareness

The PDS Marijuana Awareness Web Class is conducted live by PDS Facilitators using the Zoom video conferencing platform. This class is designed for marijuana / THC users and challenges the individual to examine their thinking and approach to life in general and specifically about the behavior that resulted in their involvement in the Courts. This “Readiness to Change” style program is a suitable referral resource for: Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Probation Violation, positive UA’s and other marijuana related offenses.

Users of illicit substances frequently state that their use is a coping method (self-medication) for addressing their feelings of stress and anxiety. Poor stress management and emotional avoidance behaviors are often significant factors for people who have engaged in the use of Marijuana and other forms of THC.

Class Content Includes:

Why Am I Here?, Life is About Choices, Unworkable Choice Process, Awareness Skills for Workable Choices

Marijuana Awareness: ·What’s the Impact?[of Marijuana Use] ·Consider My Consequences ·Lead By Example·Stress and Decision Making ·Stress Reduction Mindfulness Skills ·Urge Surfing ·Strategies For Increasing Awareness

Readiness To Change (Pathways To Change)

The PDS Readiness To Change Web Class is conducted live by PDS Facilitators using the Zoom video conferencing platform. The objective of this class is to help move the offender toward a change in thinking regarding their approach to life in general and specifically the behavior that resulted in the entry into the criminal justice system.

The Readiness to Change content is the core curriculum for ALL PDS classes (Theft, Violence, etc.) and helps participants create foundational skills to address their unworkable choices. However, it is also used as a more general cognitive change class when it is paired with the PDS Pathways To Change journal, and is a suitable referral resource for all Misdemeanor and most Felony defendants. It is frequently used as a referral resource for offenses such as Fictitious Driver’s License (Fake ID), Fail to ID, Criminal Trespass, Failure to Stop and Render Aid, Criminal Mischief, Probation Violation, and other offenses.

Core class topics involve the study of strategies and skills for improving their responses to stress, identifying thinking patterns that lead to unworkable choices and learning tools for increasing workable choices and connecting choices with personal values. PDS Class Facilitators also guide Participants in exploring personal behaviors with a focus on positives changes in their activities, habits, and surroundings. Through the class discussions and journaling exercises, Participants develop their plan for change.

Class Content Includes:

Why Am I Here?, Life is About Choices, Unworkable Choice Process, Awareness Skills for Workable Choices

Pathways: ·Three Big Steps Toward Change ·Consider My Consequences ·Lead By Example ·Stress and Decision Making ·Stress Reduction Mindfulness Skills ·Urge Surfing ·Strategies For Increasing Awareness

Alcohol & Drug Awareness

The PDS Alcohol and Drug Awareness Web Class is conducted live by PDS Facilitators using the Zoom video conferencing platform. This class is designed for those whose alcohol and/or drug use is a significant factor in their illegal behavior. Class participants are challenged to examine their thinking and approach to life in general and specifically about the substance use that resulted in their involvement in the Courts. This “Readiness to Change” style program is a suitable referral resource for: Occupational DL, Reckless Driving (Alc. or drugs Involved), Sale or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, Positive UA, and Other Intoxication Involved Offenses.

Those who misuse alcohol and other drugs frequently state that their use is a coping method [self-medication] for addressing their feelings of stress and anxiety and/or other unwanted thoughts and feelings. Poor stress management and emotional avoidance behaviors are often significant factors for people who have engaged in the use of substance abuse resulting in criminal behaviors.

Class Content Includes:

Why Am I Here?, Life is About Choices, Unworkable Choice Process, Awareness Skills for Workable Choices

Alcohol & Drug Awareness Journal: ·Categories of Drugs and the Effects of Drug Use ·Consider My Consequences ·Stress and Decision Making ·Stress Reduction Mindfulness Skills ·Urge Surfing ·Strategies For Increasing Awareness

Driving Behavior Program (DWLI Class)

The PDS Driving Behavior Web Class is conducted live by PDS Facilitators using the Zoom video conferencing platform. The objective of this class is to help move the offender toward a change in thinking regarding their approach to life in general and specifically the attitudes and actions that resulted in their loss of driving privileges and entry into the criminal justice system.

The class helps the offender identify their needed behavior and prioritize taking action toward fulfilling the state’s requirements for a valid driver’s license and compliance with their referring Court’s conditions for successful program completion. Suitable referral resource for Driving while license invalid or suspended, Road Racing, Reckless Aggressive Driving, and some non-assaultive Road Rage cases.

Class Content Includes:

Why Am I Here?, Life is About Choices, Unworkable Choice Process, Awareness Skills for Workable Choices

Driving Behavior: · Driving: A Right or A Privilege? · Offense Can Be Costly · My Not-So-Obvious Consequences ·Stress and Decision Making ·Stress Reduction Mindfulness Skills ·Urge Surfing ·Strategies For Increasing Awareness

Web Class Referral Form Download Page link

pds Web classes:

What makes the pds web class an effective intervention - part 1

pds Targets psychological Flexibility

What is Psychological flexibility?

Staying connected to the present moment
Being open to experiencing thoughts and feelings that show up, wanted or unwanted
Engaging in action that honors our values

Psychological flexibility is a core concept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), developed by Steven C. Hayes.

Psychological flexibility helps support the regulation of emotions and offers us a path to take actions that are more consciously connected to our values ("Toward Moves")

The psychologically flexible person, tends to make choices based on their values - who and what is important for living a full and meaningful life - instead of reacting to the short-term uncomfortable emotions they experience.

we get hooked by sticky thoughts/feelings & stories

Humans tend to get stuck on or hooked by their inner experiences of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. At PDS we call these "sticky thoughts and stories" and we discuss in each class our tendency to judge uncomfortable inner experiences as bad or negative. We explore how these judgements can compel us to seek relief or escape that can result in behaviors we call "Away Moves". While Away Moves are helpful if facing real danger, like fleeing a burning house, not all Away Moves are "Workable" for keeping us connected to our values. It is the "Unworkable Choices" to move away from unwanted emotions that tend to be problematic.

In part 2 we'll look at some Awareness Tools/Strategies that PDS participants learn for Getting Unhooked (building psychological flexibility).

Live, interactive Web Classes for Offenders

Professionally facilitated via Zoom

Classes conducted on weekdays and weekends

Home Study Course offered for those unable to participate in a web class

pds Web class curriculum

All PDS classes feature structured journaling that includes cognitive skills lessons to aid behavior change and development of a personal Change Plan.

Class journals are available in paper (mailed) or digital download (requires a computer or tablet and some computer skill. CAN NOT be downloaded to smartphone).

What makes the pds web class an effective intervention part2

Self-awareness is at the center of psychological flexibility. As one becomes aware of how they respond to various external and internal experience, they can start to change their behavior. According to Psychologists Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund, "Self-awareness is the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions do or don't align with your internal standards. If you're highly self-aware, you can objectively evaluate yourself, manage your emotions, align your behavior with your values, and understand correctly how others perceive you."

PDS Web Class and Home Study Course Participants are shown “Awareness Tools” that they can learn to use for improving their self-awareness, especially in regards to identifying troubling situations and the Sticky Thoughts and Stories they have about their situations that tend to “Hook” or hijack their mental focus and can lead them to make “Unworkable Choices”. These Awareness Tools for making workable choices compliment the Participants’ efforts toward making and keeping positive changes. The tools incorporate key aspects found in the core for developing psychological flexibility presented in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy model (ACT):

PDS Awareness Tools (The six core psychological flexibility processes from ACT):

Getting Unhooked from Thoughts (Cognitive diffusion & Self-as-Context) Coming to realize that thoughts are merely words or pictures inside our head and working to not be “stuck” to our thoughts. A thought or feeling may or may not be true but it’s definitely not a command we have to obey and it’s not a threat to us. When we’ve defused a thought, we’re not taking that thought so seriously and as one learns to defuse unhelpful thoughts, such as self-limiting beliefs and harsh self-criticisms, thoughts and feelings will have much less control over their behavior.

Reconnecting with the Present (Being Present) Connecting fully with whatever is happening right here, right now; focusing on and engaging in whatever we're doing or experiencing. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we are deeply connected with the present moment. It is by accessing the present moment that we create the ability for acceptance. We can begin to see thoughts for what they really are - thoughts, not actual “reality.”

Making Room for What Shows Up (Acceptance) Making room for unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and sensations instead of struggling to push them away or immediately seeking relief. As we open up to and make space for these uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, our acceptance helps us further defuse from the discomforting thoughts and feelings so that we find they bother us much less, and they "move on" much more rapidly, instead of "hanging around" and disturbing us. Acceptance does not mean putting up with or just tolerating life circumstance. It is about acknowledging the thoughts and feelings we are experiencing right here and now. It does not mean giving up or just gritting our teeth and bearing it. Acceptance allows us to take action more effectively toward making changes within our control and knowing when change is not in our control.

Embracing Values (Values & Committed action) Values are reflections of what is most important to us and what we hold in our hearts - what sort of person we want to be, what is significant and meaningful to us, and what we want to stand for in this life. Setting our values and connecting with them is an essential step for making life meaningful. Our values provide direction for our lives and motivate us to make important changes when needed. Rather than taking action just to evade discomfort, embracing our values enables us to set goals and take action in service of our highest vision of who we want to be and what we want to achieve in this life; thriving instead of just surviving.

PDS is a Texas owned and operated company, in business since 1991 as a service provider for Courts, Prosecutors, Probation and Parole agencies. We provide offender Behavior Change Intervention Courses for Court involved defendants, suitable for Pretrial Diversion, Probation, and Parole conditions.

What do we do? - Our purpose is to serve as a local referral resource for Criminal Justice agencies in their pursuit to protect our communities through the use of effective behavior change interventions. Our live programs help our Class Participants make and keep significant pro-social changes in their behavior.

We know that positive behavior change is possible and highly probable when understood and approached correctly. Our purpose is to help our Class Participants make and keep significant, positive, values-driven change in their behavior and attitude and to serve Criminal Justice Agencies in their pursuit to protect our communities through the use of effective behavior change interventions.

We are a Texas owned and operated company, in business since 1991 as a service provider for Courts, Prosecutors, Probation and Parole agencies. We provide offender Behavior Change Interventions for Court involved defendants.

PDS offender intervention programs are 8 to 10- hour, one-day, positive, yet intensive experiences that utilizes a unique and exclusively licensed curriculum developed in collaboration with The Change Companies ™, the nation’s leading publisher of Evidence-Based behavior change curriculums.

Personal Development Seminars (PDS)

1-800-775-3220