Course FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about our
introductory self-management course for people with CFS and fibromyalgia:
When does
class
start?
When
does it meet?
How much time
does it take?
Why
should I take the course?
Do
I need special software or computer skills?
Who created
the course?
Who
teaches
the class?
Do you offer any other classes or
groups?
What is
the CFIDS and Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program?
When does
class
start?
The course is offered
four times a year: January, March, June and September. For starting
dates of this year's classes, see the Schedule page.
When
does it meet?
The
course is an email discussion group using a list server, so it does not meet at a specific
time. Rather, you receive a lesson each week and respond at a time
convenient to you.
How much time
does it take?
You can spend as much or as little time as you want. The average is two or
three hours a week.
Why
should I takethe course?
Studies of self-management
classes such as ours have shown that participants learn how to reduce
their symptoms, mitigate the effects of negative emotions and feel
more in control of their lives. Also,
meeting others who share a
similar condition can counteract isolation and provide inspiration and support.
Do
I need special software or computer skills?
No.
All that is required is the ability to send and receive email.
Who created
the course?
The course was developed by Bruce Campbell, Ph.D., a recovered CFS
patient who before becoming ill worked on self-help programs for
chronic illness at the Stanford University Medical School. For more on
his background, see his biography.
Who
teaches the class?
Our course is taught by trained volunteer leaders, all of whom are
course graduates and either CFS or FM patients.
Do you offer any other classes or
groups?
We
offer three post-class
options for those seeking ongoing support and further training in
self-management after completing the course.
What is the CFIDS and Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program?
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We
were founded in 1998 and have
conducted
more than 190
self-management classes. Our program has been featured in articles
published in the CFIDS Chronicle and at the CFS/FM website at
About.com and at Fmaware.org . For more, see About
Us.
