Coping Circle
Introduction: This
exercise is an interesting and interactive way to discuss a wide variety of
coping skills as a group. The expected outcome of this exercise is for group
members to help one another by sharing how to use various coping strategies
while learning about new skills for areas where one may be lacking and need
improvement. This is done through an open interchange of ideas as a group. This
group can be done in person or virtually through telehealth. Also, this group
can be done repeatedly over time because when clients come up with new problems
to discuss, the outcome of using this group format changes from one time to the
next.
Directions: First,
everyone list a few stressors in their life to potentially discuss. Two or
three is good for each person, but if someone is struggling, they should be
able to try to contribute at least one. In person, the group leader can track
the list of stressors on the board to make a master list. Done virtually over
telehealth, everyone should message their ideas to the rest of the group using
the chat feature. Everyone then can access the list by viewing the group chat
box on telehealth
There are
two recommendations for coming up with stressors to discuss:
Be specific – For
example, don’t just say “Anger”, but instead elaborate specifically about what
makes you angry, for example “Dealing with anger and frustration when my
parents constantly nag me and make false accusations about me”
Format the
wording of your stressor so that the group is prepared to discuss coping
skills. Some suggested phrases for stressors are:
Coping with ______(Stressor)
Dealing with______
Handling_____
Finding ways to _____
Getting help for _____
Learning to cope with _____
(Etc.)
The
counselor/group leader and others in attendance (co-facilitators/interns, etc.)
should be invited to add to the list as well with some of their own ideas which
will help the list grow so there are plenty of choices
Next, after
everyone in the group has added at least 1 to 3 stressors to discuss to the
overall group list, the group should begin discussing these issues in the
following manner:
Everyone in
the group is encouraged to participate and take their turn when it comes
around. Start with a volunteer who is willing to go first. When it is someone’s
turn, that person should review the overall group stressor list carefully and
choose one that he or she feels proficient at using in their own life. Keep in
mind what it means to be proficient. (Review this as a group)
Proficient – adj –
Skilled, advanced, competent
If someone
is proficient in an area, then he or she should be able to explain it in simple
terms so that others can understand it. Einstein said it well with the
following quote:
Once the
group member who has their turn has chosen a stressor to discuss, the floor is
theirs and that person should be given a few minutes to explain how they cope
with that stressor by describing what skills and supports they use and how they
use them personally. Again, be specific and everyone should do their best to
explain the coping skills that they use for the stressor in a way that others
in the group can learn.
The counselor/group
leader has the right of “Counselor Redirection” – This would only be
necessary if someone gives unhealthy or unsafe advice to the rest of the group.
An example of something unsafe: “I cope with work stress by drinking a pint of
vodka then get on my motorcycle and go 100mph down the highway – The adrenaline
really helps me get my mind off of things”. Another example of an inappropriate
answer: “I deal with my emotions when my family is getting on my case by going
out and either picking a fight with the first person who looks at me funny and
beating them to a pulp or by randomly vandalizing peoples cars or houses”
Finally, it
would be helpful if someone played the role of “tracker” by keeping track of
some of the coping skills and supports discussed by the group. Also, it would
be helpful to note which areas no one picked as areas of proficiency as
possible areas for future group education
When enough
people have had a turn sharing in the Coping Circle the group can process the
following discussion questions at the end as a group:
First, the
person who was tracking coping skills and supports discussed by the group
should review the list with the group so the group can again get an overview of
all the good skills everyone is already using effectively. Then answer the
following questions as a group with everyone encouraged to share and
participate:
How did it feel to share your expertise when it was your turn?
Did one of your personal stressors get picked as an area of
discussion? If yes, what do you think about the feedback and advice given for
that stressor? What did you appreciate?
What are some coping skills that you heard about today from anyone
else in the group, that you may like to give a try yourself in the future?
Finally, what stressors did not get picked by the group. Discuss
as a group how perhaps some of these areas can be future topics of education
and discussion for the group
FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS EXERCISE
CLICK HERE
For more group activities like this
visit Taking the Escalator
www.takingtheescalator.com
