trauma informed support groups. objectives understand the need for trauma informed support groups...
TRANSCRIPT
Trauma Informed Support Groups
Objectives
• Understand the need for trauma informed support groups for survivors of trauma
• Begin to develop a framework for the development and management of support groups
• Apply trauma informed principles to group facilitation that will provide safety, consistency, and self-awareness.
• Have a tool box that will enhance the experience of the group members.
A Brief Review of the Brain and Trauma
The Impact of Trauma is determined by:
• The event itself (magnitude, understandable, natural, man-made, personal, long term or short term, the relationship with the perpetrator).
• Who the survivor was at the time of the event (age, gender, culture, ability to cope, mental health, perceived control of the situation)
• Social climate at the time of the event (supportive, society view of the event, available help)
Triggers
• More reminders of past danger.
• Brain is more sensitive to danger.
• Thinking brain automatically shuts off in the face of triggers.
• Past and present danger become confused.
Common Triggers
• Reminders of past events.• Lack of power/control.• Conflict in relationships.• Separation or loss.• Transitions and routine/schedule
disruption. • Feelings of vulnerability or rejection.• Feeling threatened or attacked.• Loneliness.• Sensory overload.
Purpose
Because trauma may inhibit connection, the healing needs to happen within relationships.
Peer support provides the experience as well as the understanding of what healthy connection with others is.
Philosophy
• Present focused• Hope-driven• Not a replacement for therapy• Capitalizes on the strengths of the
individual• Provides encouragement
Self Reflection
When have you had a hard time holding hope for yourself or someone else?
What labels do you use to identify yourself?How have others labeled you?How do these labels affect the way you see
yourself?Three Strengths.Three Weaknesses.Which was easier?What do you do that makes you feel good
about yourself?
Trauma Informed Framework
•Safety
•Consistency
•Self-Awareness
Safety
• In environment
• In relationships
• Within self
Consistency
No Surprises
Self Awareness
• Focus is in the present
• Able to manage environment
• Aware of boundaries
Boundaries
Boundaries are limits drawn by each of us to define our
separateness, while helping to uphold our basic rights.
Self Reflection
What boundaries are you able to hold firm?
What boundaries are hard for you?What needs in your life are you able to
meet and feel good about meeting?What needs in your life make you feel
shy or ashamed?What needs do you meet at the expense
of your boundaries?
Group Development and Management
Group Norms and Expectations
• Safety• Respect• Confidentiality• Consistency• Boundaries
Decisions
• What type of group?• Open or closed?• Time of day?• Number of members?• Location?• How will info about the group be given to
the public?• How will new members be introduced to
the group?• Who will conduct the meet and greet
interview?
Referral Process
Safety
Consistency
Self Awareness
Meet & Greet
Safety
Consistency
Self Awareness
Trigger Safety Plan
Identify and Strategize
Follow up
Have a plan for what to do when a person does not show up for a group session and discuss it during the initial meet and greet and/or incorporate into group guidelines.
Group Process
• Leading
• Following
• Observing
• Acceptance of self and others
RICH
• Respect
• Information
• Connection
• Hope
Powers of Observation
• Step 1 – Observe outside source (the issue or person of focus)
• Step 2 – Observe inside yourself• Step 3 – Observe others’ responses
Have a plan with your co-facilitator to address any challenges.
Acceptance of Self and Others
• Respect for and acceptance of others’ means of coping
• Letting a person know that moving past the pain does not mean that what happened to her was okay
• Identify strengths• Validate the past while staying in the
present
Symptoms are skills and adaptations.
Self Reflection
Think about a “symptom” and identify how it could help you adapt.
Example:Symptom: AvoidanceAdaptive Value: It helps me adapt by
protecting me from things that bring up overwhelming feelings of sadness.
Tools
– You– Books– Agenda– Format– Wrap-ups– Humor– Creativity
Helpful Hints for Facilitators
How do I address someone who is suddenly explosive in her disclosure of
trauma?
• Observe, interrupt, and describe• Validate feelings for both the person
and the group• Discuss the feelings that have been
brought up.• See coping with flashbacks handout
What do I do if a group member tells the group she is
suicidal?• Don’t jump to conclusions• Check in with your feelings• Check in with the group and let
them describe their feelings• Ask the individual how it feels to
hear that feedback from the group.• Give permission for people to feel
their feelings
Suicidal member continued -
• Ask the individual if she feels comfortable remaining in group or would like to talk to a facilitator in private.
• After the group is over, assess the needs and explore options for and with member
• Accept the limitations of your role• Seek supervision.
What do I do if a group member is too dominating?
• Observe and describe without judgment.
• Ask the person how they feel when they are quiet and listening.
• Let the group share their own examples of how being quiet and listening can be a challenge.
When do I draw the line on self disclosure as the
facilitator?• Do I have peace about sharing this part of
my life?• Is there a part of me that is hesitant?• Am I disclosing for my own needs or the
needs of the group?• How will my disclosure affect the
members of the group?• How will this info about me help to
promote hope in the lives of the group members?
• Am I feeling pressure to disclose? Does this feel like a choice?
Facilitators Role Model:
• Boundaries• Communication skills• Healthy relationships• Being in the moment and feeling the
feelings• Consistency and Respect
Helpful Handouts
– Helpful responses to self-injury– Coping with Flashbacks– Low Impact Debriefing
Peer Supervision
Healthy debriefingExchange of useful tools and materialsSkill buildingManaging of vicarious trauma
Self Reflection
Write your own summary of things you want to keep in mind. Think about the material we’ve covered and the issues that stand out most clearly in your mind. Collect your thoughts, revisit sections and make notes of your feelings and ideas.
