Read first: Below are
some “complete the sentence” discussion points for group therapy to get the
group to start discussing potentially traumatic and/or challenging memories, situations,
and feelings. Due to the sensitive nature of these topics, this activity should
only be done if the everyone in the group is prepared to keep things 100%
safe and respectful. Also, the group facilitator(s) should also feel
prepared and qualified to guide the group in the discussion of some difficult
topics and provide support as needed. Otherwise, seek supervision first
before using this worksheet
Also: It
would be a good idea to have a group discussion prior to starting,
making sure the group environment is a safe and respectful for
this exercise. Some guidelines to discuss with the group:
Ø Everyone
should listen to the person speaking. It can be hurtful when someone shares
sensitive personal information while others in the group interrupt or ignore
the speaker. Listen respectfully
Ø Laughing,
noises or negative comments about another person’s pain also is hurtful and
should not be a part of this group in any way.
Ø When
listening, focus on two things:
o
Empathy – Try to understand what the person sharing went through
(or is going through) and:
o
No Judgement – We all have done things we may feel ashamed of. It is important
that people in the group can share some of these things without fear of being
judged by others in the group
Ø Finally,
due to the potentially triggering nature of some of the discussions that may
arise about trauma, hurt, emotional pain, etc., everyone should have some
coping skills prepared. Some basic considerations:
o
If someone sharing looks like they are getting upset or overly
anxious it may be a good idea to pause the sharing and check in with that
person to see if they feel okay to continue, otherwise it is okay to stop
o
If any topic feels too sensitive to discuss it is okay to pass or
share an alternate answer that is less triggering or upsetting. There are some
questions that may not apply to certain individuals
o
If one of the points on the list does not seem appropriate to discuss
at this time, the group leader should skip that point. Be selective when choosing which points to
discuss and which to skip. You do not need to cover all of the material
provided for this exercise as it may be too much. There are also strength building talking points on the
discussion list to focus on. These are colored blue. Make sure to try to discuss
these positive points
o
At strategic points in the group, as well as at the end of the
group, it is a good idea to check in with the group as a whole to see how
everyone is doing before continuing. Also, when closing the session make sure
to debrief the group and allow everyone to check in about how they are feeling
before closing the session
o
Finally, it can be important to keep watch on the “pulse” of the
group. There can easily be a point when the group has had enough so it is OK to
stop talking about difficult memories and situations and just focus on coping
and moving forward in a positive manner.
When
prepared, the “Talking Trauma and Survival” discussion points are:
Taking Trauma and Survival – Complete the Sentence:
Something I
have a tough time getting over is…
One thing I am proud to say that I successfully endured
and rebounded from is…
An emotion
that I find to be challenging is…
One thing that I know helps me to cope with my feelings
is…
A memory
that I have that still hurts to think about is…
I am now more resilient because I have learned….
I feel
regret about…
A skill I have developed for self-care in times of
stress is…
A painful
lesson I have learned from my past is…
I am so much stronger today because….
I could
have died or have been severely injured when….
In times of trouble, I know that I can rely on…
One
difficult thing that I witnessed was….
I can help others who have had similar experiences by…
I was
treated hurtfully by…
When I need support or a listening ear, I know that I
can turn to…
One thing I
would describe as “unresolved” is….
If a life situation ever feels like “too much” or “I am
struggling,” I know that I can…
One
experience that I had with “disaster” is….
One reason that I know that I am a survivor is…
Something
harsh that was said to me in my life was….
I know for sure, one good thing about “me” today is….
A situation
that I still struggle sometimes to deal with is…
I know that I will never give up because…
What helps me the most today is… (list three things)
1 -
2 -
3 –
One positive thing I will take away from today’s group
is….
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