Group Meetings Without Psych Present

[Mark JT]

Being a member of the Emergency Services I am putting together a group where members can meet that have PTSD or have recovered from it, or are just interested in helping etc. I have got a bit of pushback from various areas saying it is not a good idea without having a psych there in case someone gets severely triggered.

I have explained that the purpose of the group is to show the members that are struggling that they are not alone and they have support. The members who don't really want to talk about it don't have to, we can just talk about the footy or cricket or travel etc. If they want to listen to other members stories then great as they get something out of it to help their recovery.

Whats peoples thoughts in here? Doing the right thing or not? I believe that I am and the purpose of not having a psych there is because some members with PTSD will not attend as they feel they will be being analysed and I want them at ease to make it feel like a non judgmental safe place to be.

 

[digger]

I think as long as you're clear with people from the get go that it's peer support only, then I don't see why it needs to be a problem.

 

[Mark JT]

Thanks Digger and yep that has been made very clear. I think that i am potentially stepping on some toes of people who's job is to support but not doing such a good job at it.

 

[GWhizz]

Just wondering have you gotten expressions of interest from ptsd sufferers? I think if you can prove that there are ppl wishing to sign up to it knowing full well there won't be a psych present then that's a good start. Also, there would probably have to be some sort of disclaimer/contract for members to agree to certain terms - ie don't use it as a therapy setting etc. I would imagine that's the main concern - if ppl started doing that it may lead to unexpected trigger scenarios requiring skilled professional input.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Uhm Nami meetings in America don't have a professional present. It's ALL peer to peer. Maybe bring this up?

 

[Seasounds]

From what I know about 'support groups', it will work best if there is a designated person to facilitate the group. (Otherwise, the most dominant and anxious attendant will naturally become the leader.)

This person doesn't have to have any degrees, but they need to know group facilitation guidelines and they need to be able to graciously and courageously enforce them. (Offering people equal time to talk, if they want; interrupting discussions that are traumatic for some group members to hear; making arrangements to open and close the meeting; beijg able to help the group agree on how the group will run ( e.g. 3 minutes of talking for each person, no interrupting, speaking in "I"statements instead of "you" statements; having the agreement that if anyone is suicidal that the facilities calls 911.)

12 step groups have a good model of a peer based support group.

Those are my thoughts; hope they helped.

 

[joeylittle]

Having a structure often can make a big difference to people as well; since it will be up to you to provide that, here are some things that might help:

This is a really great overview on creating and facilitating peer support groups - it's very nicely written and quite thorough: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/enhancing-support/peer-support-groups/main

This is a big list of links compiled by the National Health Care for the Homeless counsel - it's a bit out of date, but has a whole bunch of articles that are good for skimming: Link Removed

This is a kind of 'boiled down' template for peer support facilitation skills. It is geared toward the military (comes from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs), but much of the ground it covers would be relevant for any peer support group: http://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn1/docs...rt_Group_Facilitation_Skills_Presentation.pdf

And this is a bunch of links to research, articles, and help guides for issues specifically related to Emergency Personnel: Link Removed.

This link (last one, I promise :)) is to an article about a peer support officer training program in Queensland. No clue where you are at - I just got excited because it was in your country at least. Link Removed

That website - emsworld - looks pretty fantastic, as a resource overall.

Personally, I tend to think that anyone who really wants to start a peer support group is probably qualified to run it, in terms of leadership, empathy, and communication skills. Just make sure you've got enough resources for you, so you're not left at a loss.

 

[Friday]

Peer to Peer support can be amazing, even unparalleled, although it does have inherant problems the benefits usually far outweigh the risk. Here, we're P2P. Millions, if not hundreds of millions, in AA & other 12step groups (& AA started out with just 2 alcoholics in a kitchen!). To totally steal a line from them: Sharing Experience, Strength, & Hope.

 

[Mark JT]

Thanks all very much for the replies. In my mind i'm thinking that it wont be a traditional group therapy set up where we all talk about our experiences etc rather a group where we just hang out. One matter that I found when first diagnosed was that i felt so alone and just spending time with family and friends and not even talking about was so helpful. Clearly though the talk may well gravitate towards our experiences so the advice on here is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think it could be good to find people who understand because if a symptom pops up, they aren't going to look at you like you have 3 heads! In a group of non-PTSD people, I know I am always self-conscious and worrying that I will do something that will make me stand out. You could organize monthly get togethers and do things like go to a coffee shop and chat about whatever, go on a hike, do something away from crowds and noise! Sometimes the best support is just by someone being there, right? Its not necessary to feel support by talking about THE issue!

 

[TonyG]

@Mark JT
What state and what city, I would come along if it's close, I am in Sydney

 

[TonyG]

Thanks all very much for the replies. In my mind i'm thinking that it wont be a traditional group therap...

I can see the benefit of what you are saying