Chicago Area, Us Support Group?

[Gloria]

I would host a retreat like I said because I am very involved with this retreat house. It used to be Al Capone's summer retreat and it's a big mansion on a lake. It's really inexpensive and really cool.

Just spoke to my therapist who specializes in PTSD and she said she would speak at the seminar. Besides going to so many of these retreats, I am also certified faciltator so I think I could do this. I know I would get a lot of my PTSD friends in the area to come but I probably do it until December/January. I could get a discount on using the retreat also.

 

[Gloria]

My brain is already thinking about this. In the retreats we watch a movie. I think the Color Purple would be my choice. We watch 30-45 minutes and then have group discussions. We could have discussions on what PTSD feels like and another on how we cope. Most of the time would be bonding through sharing meals and there is non-denom chapel for meditation. I'm coming up with all sorts of ideas because I've been going to ACOA retreats for 20 years but this one would be only for PTSD. Any other thoughts?

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Sounds good. I like where this is going. Totally willing to drive.

 

[Gloria]

One thing that I must be very upfront about. Here on the forum, we can discuss details of our trauma. But this can trigger people so there will be ground rules where no speciific details can be shared in group setting. If people would like to talk during free time (and there is plenty of time for meditation and socializing) it's okay but safety first for all of us.

 

[ClairBear226]

I'd love to get something going. My issue with a retreat, though, is I work every weekend (yep. EVERY). Unless it was during the week, I'd likely have a problem there. I'd be good with skyping, and meeting in person during the week might be doable. Did you guys realize we can go into the chat room here, and it's AV accesible? I've only tried it with one person, not several at a time, but it's a thought for how we could set this up and start getting to know each other.

 

[intothelight]

Clair,

I like that idea a lot. We could even use the calendar feature on this site to set a notice and see how many of us our interested.

Thoughts?

Deb

 

[ClairBear226]

I like the idea of getting to know each other on the chat line with AV (even without) and setting up a scheduled meeting of some sort for when to do it. Then maybe exploring Gloria's idea, or some other sort of meeting at a later date, once we know each other a bit.

Deb, do you know how many people the chatline can handle at a time in a private room? Especially with the AV. I know there's a slight delay on it, but no more than a few seconds when there are only two people.

I agree with Gloria about keeping the triggers in check. I don't know about you guys, but I can write about something a WHOLE lot easier than I can talk, and find written words less triggering than verbal too. If we're going to do this, I think it would be good to get to know each other a bit (maybe in a PC?) and proceed from there. What are your thoughts, guys?

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Agree with you Clair. :) Especially about written vs. talking. I can write and write about my trauma, but first sentence out of my mouth about it and I might start crying. Blah.

Getting to know each is good...and healthy I think.

Another thing...Isn't January sort a bad time to go north? So It's probably best for spring time?

 

[Martin Taylor]

I would also be interested if you find one. I'm in the Joliet area and my T said she didn't know of any.

I'm also around Joliet. So please count me in. How do we do this?

 

[ClairBear226]

Well... how about I set up a PC with everybody that's expressed an interest here so far, and we start with introductions? Get to know each other a bit? I think I've crossed paths with most of you at one time or another, but it would be nice to get to know each other a bit better. Give me a minute, and I'll jot down everybody that said they'd like to join us, and send a message on here.

 

[ClairBear226]

Okay, the private message is up, and we're making introductions, but m ore people are welcome. Looks like it's more "midwest" than Chicago per se, but that'll work great. We have Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee represented. How about Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, etc?

 

[Tiger Kitten]

I would be interested. I'm in Indiana