Facilitator Training Introduction to the Model

1. Facilitator TrainingIntroduction to the Model

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. 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

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

5. NAMI Family Support Groups Are led by trained facilitators, using: • Strategies • Structures • Processes They are capable facilitators, not therapists!

6. 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

7. Group Guidelines

8. Principles of Support

9. NAMI Family Support Group strategies, structures and group processes This model assures an effective support group meeting.

10. NAMI Family Support Group 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

11. Five strategies Communication skills that AID US • Affirm • Inquire • Direct • Understand • Support

12. Four structures • Agenda • Group Guidelines • Principles of Support • Emotional Stages

13. Three group processes • Hot Potatoes • Group Wisdom • Problem Solving

14. Rules when using the NAMI Family Support Group model • Facilitators always use the Facilitator Guides • Facilitators pay close attention to the steps and cardinal rules on each guide

15. Agenda • Always start and stop on time • Always start Check In with the facilitators to model the 1 to 2 minute time limit

16. 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

17. Principles of Support • Never lecture or instruct the group about principles • Get the group talking about these universals

18. Emotional Stages • Never tell a participant where they are • Always ask them what stage they think they are in • Direct the group’s attention to what the participant needs in that stage and discuss how those needs can be met

19. Hot Potatoes • Never avoid discussing a traumatic event when it comes up in a support group • Traumatic events need to be detoxified • The NAMI Family Support Group process for handling these hot topics is called Hot Potatoes

20. Group Wisdom • Group Wisdom is a process through which participants share resources and knowledge gained from past experiences • Always ask members what they know that is constructive, practical and helpful

21. Problem Solving • When doing Problem Solving, you will shift to a directive leadership style • Do not use the Problem Solving Process for illness-related symptoms or non-responsiveness to medications

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

23. What to expect at this training • To learn by doing • To make mistakes; it’s part of the learning process • To practice the strategies, structures, and group processes outlined for you in this presentation • To have fun!