Guided Self-Determination
Empowering self and others
What is Guided Self-Determination (GSD)?
The GSD method is a set of reflective conversations between trained GSD communicators and a person with either an ongoing health issue or a difficult life situation, that help people to increase their motivation to improve their physical or mental health and manage life better.
During their GSD conversations, people are prompted to explore and express their personal challenges and experiences with their condition.
The GSD method is supported by extensive evidence-based research, particularly in Scandinavian countries. Click here to read GSD research articles.
Our team is currently working on the Medical Research Future Fund’s funded Consumer-Led Research: Guided Self-Determination: a codesigned self-management program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples living with type 2 diabetes.
“The traditional consult is where the client is coming to look for a solution from you and you need to provide that, and if asked ‘Are there any other concerns?’ clients can’t come up with anything.
But when you start using the GSD method, it opens up conversation and you get a totally different person and a lot of other questions come up and then clients become the solution-giver; they can solve their own problems”.
Regular one one one communication is important, this is why long before COVID, Professor Rasmussen and her team at Deakin University digitalised GSD conversations and training, so that everyone, independent of location could access GSD.
“It is about empowerment, about respect for the client; this is why it works so well…
You’re just walking along beside a person, holding their hand to tease out what their issues are and then helping them or offering them practical solutions; that’s why it’s been so well received.”
Where can GSD be applied?
Since 2005 the GSD method has been applied in the context of 20 long-term conditions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Australia.
The conditions vary, but include people going through divorce, cancer care, mental health problems, endometriosis and dialysis treatment. GSD has also been applied in engagement with families and for people with ongoing life issues.
Deakin University’s GSD training for Diabetes Educators has been endorsed by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association for 30 CPD Points.
We are currently working with other healthcare professional bodies to endorse GSD training as professional development.