Joining A Group

[watundah]

I saw a Meetup group for a PTSD group. It is led by a therapist and is $20/week. I am meeting with the T on Monday to see if I'm a fit. I haven't had a chance to run this by my regular T but I am kind of thinking it may be a way to learn more, get more, see another perspective and maybe some insight as to how other therapists work.

I am curious if anyone here can tell me anything about their group experience.

I have social anxiety sometimes and think this may be a good place for me to stretch my limits.

 

[hodge]

Oh, wow, you are lucky to have a group near you. I looked into that before I found this place and the nearest one was 160 miles away, so I have no offline experience to share. And of course, then comes the issue of whether you'll feel comfortable with this particular group of people. If your therapist gives the go ahead, I say go for it and see how it goes. Good luck!

 

[Deleted member 12723]

If it works for you then go for it! Some groups are really good and some groups are really bad so trust your instincts and try it.

 

[hodge]

What Gizmo said. One of my best friends lives in a huge metro area and years ago was able to try out many codependent groups. A couple worked for her, others did not. You just have to go and see.

 

[watundah]

Thanks. I have been looking for something like this for a while.

He offers one free session.
I tried ACOA groups but don't care for the lack of cross talk, no therapist and am not a 12 step fan so there is nothing to lose by going once, at least.

 

[hodge]

What are ACOA groups?

I was a bit taken aback by the fact that he charges $20 a week, but if it's not a 12-step group, I guess that's the price you pay. And maybe it will be a good fit for you.

 

[watundah]

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Most here charge 50/session so it's a deal

 

[hodge]

Ah, okay.

Wow, $50 a session! Yes, definitely a deal. I think I would feel more comfortable in general with a therapist leading the group rather than the traditional 12-step groups.

 

[Justmehere]

I have done a couple of groups in a major city nearby. They have all had a particular focus - skills building, art therapy, etc. They were very valuable. $20 for a group lead by a trained therapist would be a low price for my area as well.

I suggest making sure the therapist sets and keeps clear boundaries for the group.

Good on you for having the courage to meet with the T and consider giving it a go!

 

[Lopezwhere'sthefire]

How do you go about finding a ptsd support group?

 

[KeepingTime]

I agree it could be a good thing. And those groups are hard to find, especially run by a T. I have done 2. One was a really big group and was not managed well...no clear goals or topics. I was young and it was very overwhelming for me. (I was 16 and not ready)
Another one I was in was smaller about 6 ppl and it was a really good experience.
Questions I would ask this T:
Size of the group
Is it open ended or is it a 6 week group?
Is there an clear outline of topics, goals etc n
Will it be a closed group. Meaning once it starts will t allow others to get in the group?
That can cause a disconnect among members. It's good to have the same ppl throughout the entire group. Because if such a personal topic and you build a repor with each other.

That was just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are other questions for me those were the big ones.

I also tried the 12 step type groups...it just really didn't fit the needs of SA

I hope this goes well for you! It's a big step and can really help conquer social anxiety because you are all starting off from the same place with common ground....and probably all scared to be there at first! :)

 

[Lifetraveller]

Hey Watundah,

My comment is not based on personal experience but rather on intuitive wariness.

I'll cut right to the chase. What happens if you get triggered or re-traumatized in that group? What happens if any one of the participants does? What recourse do you have?

I think you *all* (including your regular therapist, whom I'm assuming is a licensed professional) need to examine the fit here, and not just to see if *you* fit the *group*.

Also, I would definitely be asking why a therapist is running a Meet Up group for a people with a diagnosis. I mean, what are the motivations of that therapist? Perhaps I'm being hypervigilant here, but I find the situation suspect. I think there could be a negative reason why it only costs $20.

I think Meet Up groups are for socializing and not psychotherapy. I think there's a potentially harmful blurring of definitions and boundaries here, even if it's not intentional.

Please ask your regular therapist for help on this before you commit to anything.

I wish you well.