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Curriculum Spotlight: Cognitive Life Skills

Posted on by Teresa Stimpert
19
May

In today’s digital-first world, many cognitive behavioral programs have shifted online—often prioritizing convenience over connection. At NCTI, we take a different approach. Our Cognitive Life Skills curriculum is built around facilitator-led, interactive learning that keeps people engaged through in-person conversations, reflective journaling, and hands-on activities.

Why Interactive Learning Still Matters

Since 1981, NCTI has been developing cognitive-behavioral curricula and training for professionals in the justice system. At the heart of our approach is a philosophy called the Building Blocks for Behavioral Change—a framework grounded in research and shaped by decades of experience.

Rather than relying solely on digital content, our program creates space for people to learn in ways that feel personal, practical, and relevant to their real-life experiences.

And the science backs it up. Research published in Scientific American highlights that writing by hand—an essential part of our curriculum—leads to better memory retention and deeper learning than typing. When participants write by hand, they’re more likely to absorb information, reflect meaningfully, and build lasting understanding. These are exactly the kinds of cognitive shifts that support long-term behavior change.

A Thoughtful Approach to Change

The Cognitive Life Skills curriculum is designed with intention. We use a method called the Funnel Approach to Curriculum Design, guiding participants from broad conversations to specific behavioral commitments. This structure helps individuals:

  • Explore their personal experiences in a safe, supportive environment
  • Connect new ideas to their everyday lives
  • Practice new ways of thinking and problem-solving
  • Build confidence in making long-term changes

By creating a path from awareness to action, the curriculum encourages meaningful growth, no matter where someone is starting.

Focusing on What Really Matters

Research has shown that mindset—the way someone thinks about themselves and the world—is one of the strongest predictors of future success (Andrews & Bonta, 2010). That’s why our curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills that support long-term change. Participants are encouraged to:

  • Reflect honestly on where they are in life
  • Understand how their thoughts and attitudes influence behavior
  • Strengthen emotional regulation and self-control
  • Set meaningful, goal-oriented plans
  • Practice everyday life skills that support healthy choices

Building Connection with Real Colors®

A powerful part of the program is the integration of Real Colors®, a personality tool based on the work of Jung, Keirsey, and Bates. Real Colors helps participants and facilitators understand themselves and one another, creating a shared language that strengthens group connection.

Used early in the curriculum, Real Colors helps participants:

  • Recognize and appreciate personality differences
  • Communicate more effectively
  • Build empathy and teamwork within the group

This insight sets the tone for deeper learning and more respectful, open dialogue.

Learning That Sticks – Even Between Sessions

Personal change doesn’t only happen in a classroom. To support learning over time, participants use a Personal Awareness Journal. This journal offers space to reflect on what they’re learning, apply concepts in daily life, and prepare for the next session.

The act of handwriting in the journal reinforces cognitive development and reflection. As the Scientific American article explains, handwriting activates areas of the brain involved in learning and memory—helping participants process new information more effectively.

Facilitators use the journal to stay connected to each person’s progress, fostering trust, accountability, and growth. Each journal entry becomes a starting point for rich, motivating conversations.

Flexible, Accessible, and Research-Aligned

CLS is a more generalized curriculum that’s intentionally designed to be non-offense-specific. It is a flexible, “catch-all” option that allows agencies or departments to run effective group sessions even when participant numbers don’t support an offense-specific track. This is especially valuable for mid-sized or smaller departments with insufficient referrals in one offense type to form a group.

The Cognitive Life Skills curriculum is available in two formats to support different levels of need:

  • 30-hour version for individuals assessed at medium risk
  • 42-hour version for individuals assessed at high risk

Both versions are offered in English and Spanish to better serve diverse communities.

Facilitators Who Make a Difference

To lead this curriculum, facilitators complete a Crossroads Certification. This training not only prepares them to deliver Cognitive Life Skills, but also unlocks access to additional programs like Anger Management, Theft, and more.

Facilitators play a key role in creating safe, respectful, and engaging learning spaces—helping individuals build insight, shift perspectives, and discover new possibilities.

Real Change Starts with a Mindset Shift

When we support people in exploring their values, understanding their attitudes, and developing new tools for everyday life, we open the door to real, lasting change.

Want to learn more? Contact us at info@ncti.org to request a sample of the Cognitive Life Skills curriculum. Let’s work together to support transformation in your community—one person at a time.

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