CHOICES
Stressed by dating, sex, relationships or disclosure?
Living with HIV/AIDS can add unique stressors to life. Our five-week CHOICES (Choosing Healthy Options & Improving Communication EffectivenesS) program equips HIV+ men with coping skills to handle some of those challenges. We meet in small groups to discuss how to build healthy relationships, negotiate safer sex, lower stress and disclose HIV-status to family, friends and sex partners.
“CHOICES helped un-shame the experience of disclosure for me,” says one recent graduate. “I really think it can help HIV+ men discard the fear and negative self-image of having HIV. I think that initiating disclosure when you like who you are is a better emotional experience. These guys helped me feel better about myself and my community.”
These fun, interactive sessions use modern movie clips to launch small group discussions each week. We provide group members a time and space to share common experiences and learn new skills from one another.
The PALS Project offers CHOICES groups both in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean CHOICES will make me disclose my HIV status to family, friends or sex partners?
No. We don’t tell people that they should disclose; that’s not our purpose. Instead, we focus on developing decision-making and problem-solving skills. We provide a safe environment to discuss how to make informed decisions about sexual behaviors and disclosure.
What happens during a meeting?
During each meeting, you and other members will sit in a circle with two facilitators and share common experiences. Sessions involve both the practice of coping skills and motivational feedback from your peers and the facilitators. Each meeting will involve fun, interactive role-playing. You’ll find the atmosphere positive, engaging and creative.
I’ve heard the meetings involve all kinds of movie “clips.” What’s that about?
During each session you’ll view several short clips from popular movies. These modern movie clips serve as a “launching pad” for role-play and small group discussions. We’ll relate the clips to times when disclosure or safer sex decisions could be made. You can think about, discuss and act out how you might do things differently than the movie characters.
What kinds of coping skills will we discuss?
- Awareness: ability to read and understand your surroundings and yourself
- Triggers and Barriers: ability to recognize events and situations that can encourage or discourage you from doing something
- Problem-solving: ability to think of possible plans to achieve the short-term and long-term results you want, including overcoming any problems and barriers
- Decision making: ability to weight the pros and cons of two options and to choose an option that will work best for you
- Action: ability to act on the option you chose and to communicate your decision to others
How can I take part?
Contact the PALS Project today! Talk with a CHOICES facilitator about how the program might benefit you. If you decide you want to participate, a facilitator will help you complete a survey. Then you’ll be able to join a small group of 7 to 12 guys who share a similar background.
We offer groups both in English and Spanish. If you need help with transportation, let the facilitators know when you sign up.
When are meetings held?
Groups meet for two hours each session. Meeting times vary, so ask the facilitator about the current schedule when you call.
CHOICES Program
PALS Project
The Pride Center
2040 N. Dixie Hwy
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954.463.9005