NAMI Connection Recovery Support

Group

Facilitator TrainingIntroduction to the Model

Why Do We Need A Model?

• to help navigate around the predictable negative group dynamics which can torpedo a successful group process

• a support group can operate much like a personality with a will of its own, and that collective group willfulness can pull even the most experienced facilitator off course

Why do people go to a support group?To leave feeling better than when they came

To feel that they contributed as well as they were supported

To feel in a very real way that they have something in common with others.

What do they want at a support group?•A safe place

•To not be judged

•Boundaries that are enforced

•Capable Facilitators

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups

Have trained Facilitators who learn and use:Strategies, Structures, and Processes.

They are Capable Facilitators, not therapists!

A Capable Facilitator

•Asks group members to agree to share responsibility for maintaining the Group Guidelines

•Sustains clear membership boundaries

•Clarifies goals: that is, our Principles of Support

•Identifies the common issues of the group in a positive and optimistic manner

•Develops communication skills that encourage group participation.

Group Guidelines

Principles of Support

NAMI Connection Strategies, Structures and Group

Processes

The model that assures

an effective

support group meeting

NAMI Connection Model• 5 Strategies

– Communication skills that “AID US”• 4 Structures

– Agenda– Group Guidelines– Principles of Support– Emotional Stages

• 3 Group Processes– Hot Potatoes– Group Wisdom– Problem Solving

NAMI Connection Model• 5 Strategies

–Communication skills that “AID US”•Affirm• Inquire•Direct•Understand• Support

NAMI Connection Model•4 Structures

–Agenda–Group Guidelines–Principles of Support–Emotional Stages

NAMI Connection Model

•3 Group Processes–Hot Potatoes–Group Wisdom–Problem Solving

•Facilitators always use the Facilitator Guides

•Facilitators pay particular attention to the rule within the box on each Guide.

Rules in using the NAMI Connection model

AGENDA

Always start and stop on time

Always start Check In with the Facilitators

to model the 1-2 minute time limit.

GROUP GUIDELINES

Don’t scold: be directive

Always model respect for the member being disrespectful.

Remember, it’s normal for people to forget guidelines in support groups.

PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORTNever lecture or instruct the group

about principles

Get the group talking about these universals

Stages of Emotional Response

NEVER tell people where they areAlways ASK them what stage they think they

are in

Direct the group’s attention to what a person needs in that stage and

discuss how those needs can be met.

Hot PotatoesNever avoid a “Hot Topic”

when it comes up in a support group

“Own” a Hot Potato when it comes up in a support group.

Traumatic events need to be detoxified.

Group WisdomAlways ask members what they know

that is

CONSTRUCTIVE, PRACTICAL and HELPFUL

Group members assist each other

through their lived experience

Problem SolvingWhen doing problem solving, you must shift to a directive, leadership

style

Do not use it for adherence, insight or symptom-related problems.

Remember, as a capable Facilitator:

You are present

to help the group meet its needs,

not to have the group

help you meet yours.

What to expect at this trainingTo learn by doing

To make mistakes in the beginning; it’s part of the learning process

To put into practice in a very practical way the strategies, structures, and group processes outlined for you in this presentation.

To have fun!