Warning: This
activity is not an introductory group therapy activity or an ice breaker.
Rather, this activity should be done in a group that is a safe environment for all
group members and the group should be prepared to be supportive and open with
one another as sensitive topics will be discussed
Background: Sometimes
group therapy is used to share, discuss, and process various personal stories
and experiences that may have been traumatic or hurtful. However, for this
exercise, the purpose is to retell some challenging personal experiences however
doing so while ending on a positive note by emphasizing gains made in spite of
these adversities.
Directions: Group
members should take turns selecting a topic from the list below and then tell a
story of a personal challenge based on that topic. However before telling the
story, make sure of the following:
Make sure that you are comfortable enough to share this story right now in this group. If you are not ready to share an experience, then there is no pressure to do so right now. Choose a topic and a story that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to share at this time.
Be prepared to end your telling of the
story with the positive ending including gains you have made in spite of your
struggles.
Further points to review as a group before starting this activity and discussion:
Everyone
should agree to listen, pay attention, support one another without criticism or
judgement. It is critically important that people listen to one another when
discussing sensitive topics
The point
of this exercise is not to tell war stories “I had it worse that you did” –
Everyone’s experience is unique and there should be no comparison or ranking of
who had it the hardest. No one should feel afraid to be judged by their story
The point
of this exercise is not to say it was a “good thing” that certain experiences
happened. Rather, the point is to focus on good things that are now being experienced
in life today, in spite of these past negative experiences.
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