Facilitator Training Group Dynamics and Cues and Remedies

1. Facilitator TrainingGroup Dynamics and Cues and Remedies

2. Why do we need a model? To help the facilitator avoid the negative group dynamics that can limit the success of a support group. • A support group can operate with a will of its own and take the group down an unproductive path • Sometimes a group can pull even the most experienced facilitator off course

3. Group dynamics What is a group? Two or more people interacting with each other. 2 = Dyad 3 = Trio 10 - 15 = Work Group 20 - 150 = Audience 200 - 1000 = Crowd

4. Group dynamics • NAMI Connection groups are peer working groups of 10 to 15 people • Ideally, support groups should be maintained at this size

5. What are group dynamics? • Groups act and react as individuals do • Groups have many of the same dynamic (interactive) problems as individuals • If you understand how individuals react in certain circumstances, you can explain problems that arise in groups

6. Dynamic issues in groups • Leadership • Boundaries • Rules • Goals • Subject matter

7. Problems caused by negative group dynamics in support groups

8. Problems in group dynamics • Related to leadership • Related to group boundaries • Related to observing group rules • Related to group goals • Related to the group subject – mental illness

9. Problems related toleadership

10. Problems related to group boundaries

11. Problems related to observing group rules

12. Problems related to group goals

13. Problemsrelated to thegroup subject – mental illness

14. What is the remedy for these problems? • A capable leader • Clear boundaries • Stating and enforcing rules of relationship • Clarifying goals and purposes • Identifying the “common cause” in a positive and optimistic manner

15. Problem dynamics • Challenges to leadership • Negative group dynamics start to rule

16. Why do people go to a support group? • To leave feeling better than when they came • To feel that they contributed and that they were supported • To feel that they have something in common with others

17. What do they want at a support group? • A safe place • To not be judged • Boundaries that are enforced • Capable facilitators

18. Encouraging a group to do its own work

19. You are present to help the group meet its needs, not to have the group help you meet yours.

20. A well-functioning support group • Has a skilled facilitator • Does its own work • Involves as many group members as possible • Encourages self-enforced observation of behavior guidelines

21. A well-functioning support group • Allows group members to feel they have contributed • Provides strategies • Connects participants to resources and services • Helps members feel they have benefited from attending

22. Strategies, structures and group processes This model ensures an effective support group meeting.

23. What facilitators need to know • How to recognize cues indicating that there is a problem in group dynamics • Which structure or group process to use to remedy the problem • How to shift the group from where they are to where they need to go

24. Cues and remedies • Each structure and group process exists to remedy a particular set of common negative support group dynamics • Each strategy is designed to help shift the group smoothly and naturally

25. Identifying negative dynamics – cues and possible remedies – structure or process

26. Dynamics and remedies When you hear this cue: • Someone taking too long during Check In Move to this structure: Agenda • 1 to 2 minute time limit for Check In

27. When you get this cue: • A “downer” meeting needs to be closed on a positive note Move to this structure: Agenda • Closing

28. When you get this cue: • People can’t stay in the present Move to this structure: Group Guidelines • Keep it in the here and now

29. When you get this cue: • The group or a group member is negative or hopeless Move to this structure:Principles of Support • A principle can represent something we all can strive for

30. When you get this cue: • Someone expresses intense feelings – emotional stage reactions of feeling overwhelmed, anger, grief Move to this structure: Emotional Stages • Acknowledge that strong emotions fall within the predictable stages of emotional response

31. When you get this cue: • Someone relates a traumatic event – violence, commitment, arrest, restraint, or traumatic loss Move to this process: Hot Potatoes • A step-by-step way to address traumatic events and close the discussion of the trauma on a positive note

32. When you get this cue: • A basic issue or question can be clarified by the group Move to this process: Group Wisdom • Provide basic information or helpful and constructive ideas to a group member; share coping suggestions

33. When you get this cue: • A discouraged person needs new options to solve a long-standing problem Move to this process: Problem Solving • Moves person away from what doesn’t work by offering new/different options to approach the problem

34. NAMI Connection facilitators • Take charge when shifting the group and then step back to let the group do its own work • Shouldn’t sound or act like therapists • Provide a safe, nurturing place

35. What is the primary danger for facilitators of a structured support group model?

36. Notusing the model structures and processes

37. Remember, as a capable facilitator, you are present to help the group meet its needs, not have the group help you meet yours.