Your client's peer support group is causing harm. How can you guide them towards a healthier alternative?

Everyone's "story" and issues are different there is not a "one size fits all" unfortunately. Reaching out to a client or staff member periodically to check-in is great to open up dialog of their experience thus far. Observation is key also and the behaviors/attitudes they exhibit that you have witnessed or witnessed by others can be an important indicator. Personally I would recommend them to journal from the beginning prior to joining a group and continue this while in the group dynamic. If the trend so far has not seemed to help them I would ask what their expectations are and how we can meet these moving forward. I would have us brain storm other alternatives as in 1 on 1 sessions, or look into other forms of therapy for example equine.

People can outgrow their old identities and labels. We have seen this very often in a recovery setting, for example, where continuing to stay in conversation about being an "addict" or "alcoholic" can wind up being more harmful than helpful at some point. When this is the case, helping people to separate themselves from their past identities into the present, and also focus on who they want to be, allows them to join other groups that are more consistent with their present and future identities.

Feedback from self-help group members is always valid but subjective. Group norms vary widely, whether dealing with addiction, mental illness, or HIV. To address concerns effectively, we must understand the group's diverse challenges and accept that negative perceptions can be discussed openly without defining the group. Well-being often comes from exploring these perceptions. It's crucial to distinguish truly dangerous situations from discomfort, avoiding unilateral decisions on what’s harmful. Groups should ensure rules are followed and unhealthy behaviors are immediately addressed. Self-help groups are not always comfortable, and that’s part of the process.

If you’re leading or involved in a peer support group that’s causing harm, it’s crucial to address the situation quickly and constructively: ? Identify Harmful Behaviors -> Pay attention to any toxic interactions, unqualified advice, or reinforcement of negative patterns within the group. ? Acknowledge the Issue -> Understand and admit that the group might be causing harm. This is the first step in addressing the problem.

I suggest they immediately remove themselves from the group; we go through enough in our lives that we don't need to take on any unnecessary stressors. Then, I would suggest looking for other groups in the area or online and going to watch, sort of like they are taking applications, and see if one is the right fit. Next, they should speak to their therapist or a therapist to further discuss the feelings brought on and the damage done. We all need a safe place to go, which should be one of them. If it is not, then leave immediately. There is something out there for everyone, whether in person, online, or on the phone, such as conversations or apps.

From my perspective there are 2 folds to trigger Open Discussions ? Address the Group: Initiate an open dialogue about the issues. Highlight specific examples of harmful behaviors without blaming individuals. ? Encourage Sharing: Create a safe space where members can share their experiences and concerns about the group’s dynamics.

It may be challenging for the client to discuss this openly in the group, so an initial conversation one-to-one might be a great starting point. During this safe and confidential conversation the client may share anything they experience in the group, and we can guide them to a way forward, or coach them to discuss this in the group. Perhaps a conversation with the group facilitator might be a better approach for the client? Then the facilitator can guide the conversation in the group and together the group members can help the client and each other to change what is being experienced. Provided the client wishes to stay in the group.

Our self-help groups must be fundamentally safe, with clear rules reflecting this. Members should feel free AND SAFE to share even the most challenging situations. If a group fails, such as through discrimination, stigma, or exclusionary communication, these issues need to be discussed openly and viewed as opportunities for group growth. A common challenge in groups with special needs is difficulty accepting members with special / unique issues. It's crucial that our group embraces inclusivity, understanding, and accepting the diverse challenges its members face. We are there to encourage it!

Honestly is definitely the best policy and I think you must make the peers know that you are questioning their suggestions and they have or should be able to understand what you mean but I'm sure they also have some form of positive advice which you can pick up on and use as it can't all be negative but don't waste too much time with them if they're completely useless and enjoying a group which is more relevant to finding a proper mentor

Often, individuals attend a self-help group to find comfort and escape home stresses, without resolving them. Unresolved issues may surface in the group, which doesn't necessarily reflect poorly on the group itself. It's crucial for individuals to discern whether the discomfort stems from the group or from personal, unresolved situations. Group facilitators should be aware of this, and trained professionals in community care can offer insights into the group's benefits, challenges, and available alternatives. Staying in a group isn't always easy, but working through difficult dynamics can be empowering and foster growth.

Setting boundaries in a group setting is crucial for all clients to feel safe while enjoying their time. Keeping discussions set on helpful topics, avoiding taboo topics,. Preparing group rules and making sure everyone in the group is aware and following those rules.

One thing that I've found is your clients will know you by your energy. Working in the field I've learned when being clear upfront boundaries are set. But to offer elevation we both most maintain them.

You need to know what your clients require but the customer is always right and you can't tell the customer to do exactly as you say as that would come across as being rude and if I was a client I would feel offended. As a client I would expect the salesperson to hold my hand and guide me through the process without any confrontation as that would be unacceptable and would leave me looking for a new supplier

′Set Boundaries’ translates into ? Establish Guidelines: Define clear boundaries for what is and isn’t acceptable behavior within the group. This includes respecting different viewpoints, avoiding harmful language, and discouraging unsolicited advice. ? Promote Positive Interaction: Encourage behaviors that support a healthy group environment, such as empathy, active listening, and constructive feedback.

Setting boundaries are indeed crucial to any group. And having these boundaries set together with the group participants, there is more commitment and 'buy-in' of these boundaries. This sets the standard for the group as well as the group culture. Apart from the group boundaries, we also support clients with their personal boundaries, once we understand what they are. Having this conversation with the client, helps them to be present in the group and feel more safe and respected.

I work with mental health self-help groups, and I believe it's important for these groups to be fundamentally permeable. I encourage this approach. For example, someone living with psychosis should feel free to visit a group for people with bipolar disorder. A person with borderline personality disorder who doesn’t have transgenerational trauma should be able to visit a group exploring transgenerational traumas. Members of art therapy groups should also be familiar with all other groups. This way, we avoid stigmatizing each other as patients, and we don’t believe that one condition is ‘better’ than another; transitioning between groups becomes natural. Certainly peer support workers can facilitate movement between groups.

Gradual Transition means …. ? Reevaluate Group Structure: If needed, consider restructuring the group into smaller, more focused subgroups to better address individual needs. ? Regular Check-Ins: Implement regular check-ins to assess the group’s progress and make adjustments as necessary. ? Consider Reforming: If the group continues to be harmful despite these efforts, it may be necessary to disband or reform the group with a new approach.

It is so important to gradually transition from one group to the next. Not only are they learning to let go of one group, and it's safety and the members, they also let go of friendships, and this may be very challenging. We need to support them in this carefully and guide them in adapting into a new group, whilst we support them with the challenges they face at the same time.

A helpful approach has been to provide one-on-one peer support as they transition into new groups and away from familiar groups and familiar settings. The person may be hesitant at first but given time, their dependence upon me becomes less and less and they find acceptance and healing in their new environments... It happens all the time and is the way of the world.

In my experience it is so important to let the client know that we are with them on this journey. And that there are other support people around them who are there for anything they may need help with. Any changes in the support team, may cause more stress (or harm) and can slow down the ongoing recovery, or in this scenario, the transition to a new group.