Support GroupsSatwant SinghNurse Consultant in CBT & MH

AimsUnderstand the principles of support groups

Role of ground rules and setting appropriate rules

Practice of running groups and setting good practice

Maintaining of safety of groups

Dealing with difficulties that may arise

Containing the group

Support for the facilitator

Group workWhat are groups and what is the function of the

groups?

GroupsTypes

Treatment groups

Support groups

Open

Close

Treatment groups Formal

Structured

Specific treatment outcomes

Facilitated by a therapist

Has a start and end date

Evaluated- outcomes

Limited number of people attending

Support groups Formal

Informal

Less structured

Different aims and objectives- more of a supportive role

Not leaning towards treatment

Facilitated by group member/sufferer/volunteer

On going no time limit

No limit to numbers

What are the key ingredients in setting up a group?List the key ingredients in setting up a group?

What are ground rules and how do you develop them?Brain storming exercise

Ground rulesCrucial

They help set the scene e.g. starting and ending time

Provides structure of the group Provides a context to the group e.g. sufferers

only Provide rules to govern the group e.g. disruptive

behaviour, alcohol, drug taking the group Provides a framework for all members of the

group to work in Maintains safety of the group

Ground rules continuedConfidentiality

Respecting others, value their views and what they have

Mutual trust

Starting and ending time

Membership

Responsibilities and roles

Issues relating to child protection, abuse etc

Setting good practiceAims and objectives of group- what, why and

what is it to achieve

Ground rules- provides a structure to work within and need to be developed with the group

Appropriate environment, time and safe

Access

Frequency

Setting up good practiceSit in other groups

To observe and learn Support and developing support network Networking

Have a co facilitator Provides support Cover And help to deal with difficult situations

Have a good knowledge of the subject area

What difficulties may ariseIn small groups discuss what difficulties that may arise and how will you deal with them?

Difficulties that may ariseBreach of confidentiality

Abusive behaviour

Disrespect to members of the group

Alcohol and drug related

Not adhering to boundaries

Criminal activities and damage e.g. theft, damage to property

Feeling stuck not knowing how to respond etc

Containing the groupNeed to have the skills in containing the group

Involves working to the aims and objectives Keeping in on track and not deviating Ensuring that the group is not about reassurance

but normalisation Recognising patterns that are emerging Negotiating difficulties that arise

Inappropriate behaviour Inappropriate material for the group

How do you develop the skills to contain the group?Consider how would you develop these skills?

Support for the facilitator Do go and sit in and observe other groups

Ensure that there is a co-facilitator

Develop a network with other group facilitators e.g. OCD groups

Have regular peer supervision sessions

Have regular contact with OCD action to be aware of any updates etc

List of local services, other groups, treatment centres

Resources e.g. reading materials etc

Take awayReflecting on this session- I would like you to spend a few minutes and feedback what would you take away from this group?