Group Therapy Advice

[Slimemold]

A person that I love has PTSD and often wishes they could talk to someone who understands their experiences. I know that I cannot provide the understanding that they so wish but they refuse to go to group therapy citing it as being "fruity" (no doubt to the media's portrayal). I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on ways to help my loved one find someone who understands, therapists for the most part do not count, or how to gently steer them towards group therapy. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

 

[deer_in_headlights]

Hi Slimemold,

(I love your name! :D )

Actually, a trauma therapist who specalizes in PTSD counts for everything. Group therapy would be a way distant second.
Building a support network of understanding carers is important, and that's what you can do best.

There is a great deal of information and resources here, along with sufferers and carers, who can give you guidance and assistance. I would recommend that you talk with people here and dive into the articles, and read the threads. The better educated you are about PTSD, the better you can help your loved one.

Your loved one is also most welcome to become a member here! We can encourage and be of help - but, even more than quitting smoking, etc... your loved one has to want to do therapy. You can give help, information, resources... yet that person must want to heal, must want therapy.. or they just won't do the excruciatingly difficult (but rewarding and healing) work to get well.

Please, please don't push group therapy as the first course of action. Being in a private safe environment with a good trauma therapist is so important, as most breaththroughs occur in the privacy of a therapist's office. Group is good, but as a first step? I wouldn't recommend it.

Please make yourself at home, Slimemold. There is a lot to learn, and a great deal of support here, for you and your loved one.
Warmest greetings!
(I tend toward an affection for Staph aureus, etc... myself; formerly in Greeber research :D )
Deer

 

[Slimemold]

Thanks for the advice! I'll do my best. I am just trying to help as much as I can. You guys are great!

 

[cat]

Hi slimemold

welcome to the forum, I'm pleased you are finding it supportive for you as well as your loved one.

I agree with Deer, for me finding a trauma specialist has turned my life around and after building a good therapeutic relationship with her & 2yrs of therapy, I finally feel strong enough to join group therapy. I went for the first time last week & hearing them talk helped me to understand the value of it. they too have the same feelings of hope & helplessness, guilt, shame etc as i have & i'm sure that when i feel confident i will be able to share my experience & it will help me too.
Making the decision to go into therapy has to come from your loved one when they are ready to heal & face the barriers that pstd give us. Until then, just listen & dont feel you arent doing enough to help, you dont need to understand just being there will be enough.
Take care

 

[lostinlife67]

After 21/2 years of individual therapy I decided that maybe trying group therapy would help me understand that I am not alone, so recently finished an 8 week group therapy, it was helpful.

Really hope your loved one finds it in him/her self to seek help. Finding in yourself to do the work therapy requires is a big step.

Hope your loved ones takes it.

 

[opalsf]

Hi..I have been in a group for 13 years...meets once a week...run by a Psychologist and a therapist...very knowledgable...safe environment....it has been my saving grace....as an incest survivor talking with other survivors has helped me feel so validated...not alone...not crazy...One on one therapy of course is essential with someone trained but having this group of women to count on each week has been invaluable. Unfortunately these groups are far and few between...I live in Boca Raton Fl so if anyone is interested in this type of group let me know and I will post the info.... Anyway getting back to Slimemolds post---try to encourage your friend to find a group that is safe and professional...talking to others with the same issues helps so much!!!! Suz

 

[SweetDude]

Hi Suz,
I'm in Boca and an incest survivor also. I was looking at The Center for Group Counselling website and I don't think "women's issues" quite covers my problems. Googled incest survivor group counselling boca raton and found your post. I would appreciate it if you could post the info. Thanks Ang