Jen, often you will find little subtle improvements in simple things during the course, but overall, chances are they will get worse, and remain that way for a few months after the course, until they put all the pieces together and use what they now know to help themselves get on with life.

The course often goes up and down. During the week you might be ok, then the few days off you will crash and go to shit, often then not wanting to go back, but you must force yourself. Then, the group talks about all the downs they just had, nuts them out and pulls them apart, then gets on with the rest of the week. The first day back each week is usually the most significant, because that is where people learn about their downs over the rest days, and how to help themselves maintain them, what thoughts went through their heads, etc etc...