Has Anyone Tried "seeking Safety Groups"

[Blondie362]

I don't know whether this is just being rolled out in the UK, but my local Mental health sector have started a seeking safety group, for people who have PTSD it was devised by a doctor who suffered with PTSD
Lisa M. Najavits, PhD ( she has written a book called seeking safety)

The course is for people who either through PTSD or substance abuse needed to approach their problems in a place of safety. I have been on this course for a couple of months and its been a comfort to meet others who suffer, and gives you plenty of ways to try and help yourself to stay safe- its all women in my group. The group is very well mediated and facilitated with strict boudaries of discussion, its about moving forward not staying in the past, which for me is the biggest problem, not being able to let go of anger and think about a future.

Apparently because of the recent Saville allegations in the UK, its caused a huge spike in victims of abuse coming out and needing help, and the demand for this group has increased to the point there is now a waiting list, if you haven't heard of it ask your Doctor or mental health coordinator & see if there is one in your area, I have a feeling as the writer is from the USA, this may be ongoing in States already. But the book is really good, and the course runs along side it.

Kate x

 

[stephanie44]

That sounds great and I am so glad you have found this group! I tried a short-term PTSD group last year and got a lot out of it.

 

[Flyaway]

That sounds great- I would love to be apart of something like that!

 

[wicked child]

No men ?

 

[maddog]

Sounds really interesting, especially as I've read the book and have found it to be extremely helpful and validating. I was wondering if you could share a little more about how the groups run? What is their general structure and content (without breaching confidentiality of course)? Is it a facilitated group?

I attend a group trauma therapy programme and find it helpful, but am interested in the nature and format of other groups.

Maddog

 

[DMerish]

No men ?

I just did a quick internet search. The info I found impressed me. It's being offered mainly on the east coast of USA and in California, but a few other spots as well. But unfortunately, not where I am. The UK is making it available to some in, or having been in, the military.

WC - Why don't you search for Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, go to her website, then send an email asking where in the UK it may be offered publically?

 

[Blondie362]

The group is well facilitated, and there has to be strict boundaries, what is said in the room stays in the room ( as you would expect) no past traumas in detail to be discussed as this could be of course a catalyst to start flashbacks for others, everyone knows why they are there so its dealing with things like coping techniques, anger management, relationships and support, you have a check in time at the beginning, how your week was etc what support you have sought, and and a check out time at the end to say what you got from the session, and the facilitators make sure everyone has phone numbers within the MH sector should there be a crisis, also personal friendships out of a mediated group are discouraged as of course it could be people discussing past histories and triggering each other off, in an unsafe environment without structure and mediation that could be a massive step back in recovery.

There are always two qualified people facilitating the group, so should someone get upset they can get up and leave the group to take time out, and the session can carry on, but what I have found is that group members instantly recognise the fear and anxiety of others and encourage and support that person to ride through their emotion at that time.

Its all about Trust both in the facilitators & fellow members and reading the information they give you to take home, you also make a commitment to yourself for the next week, something simple like .. I am going to eat a meal today- or walk to the end of your garden or open the front door etc.., ( if you suffer with agoraphobia) something that is achievable and not an unobtainable goal.
At this stage our group is for women as some of the members struggle with issues surrounding men from the past, and it would make them feel unsafe discussing certain topics within the course, maybe this model will roll out for men if there is a need voiced by male clients, - I really hope so.
Hope that helps.
Katye.

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

Personally my issue would be with people with any kind of substance abuse or alcoholism. People with addictions terrify me more than men. I know not all men are abusive, but that is not my opinion of drug addicts and alcoholics at the very least they pose a potential risk and I don't think it is reasonable to tell me broadly speaking they are safe people - ergo no trust. This is my main problem with group sessions in general.

 

[Blondie362]

But you have to remember what drives a person to be using substances, many times its from trauma from the past to block it out.

 

[maddog]

Thanks for the description Katye, it sounds like a very useful and well-run group and I'm glad you are finding it beneficial.

Maddog

 

[wicked child]

WC - Why don't you search for Lisa M. Najavits, PhD

OK Drew I'll do that