Respond to at least two colleagues as though you were a member of the group:
- Describe your understanding of what you can expect from the group based on your colleague’s video and any outstanding questions you have about the group.
1-enidsia- Hello, my name is Enidsia, and I will be your group facilitator. This is a safe space and environment for those who are in the recovery phase or the pre-contemplation phase of substance use disorder. This is your safe space to discuss your experiences, and I must remind everyone that the right to respect members’ privacy, as outlined in the form you signed, commits to keeping everything shared in this session confidential. This is a non-judgmental setting, and I want everyone to feel comfortable sharing their stories. Can everyone look to the person on your right, now look towards the person on your left. Everyone’s opinions will be respected and understood, and what is said in these sessions stays right here in this room. Does everyone agree to uphold the privacy agreement that you signed before this session? Great, now I want to ensure that everyone is respectful when someone is sharing with the group, so let us begin our first exercise. Can we all establish some rules together for the group that we all agree on? Okay, let us start with you, Pam, and go around the room. Thank you all for helping me establish some ground rules for this group. In the next session, I will provide you all with the list of rules, and we will state them at the beginning of each session. I must say that these are good rules to ensure that everyone is heard, validated, and respected. Now, I will discuss the purpose of this group. This group aims to empower, gain insight into the causes, motivate, and encourage one another on the path to a full recovery. We will engage in exercises, such as critical thinking, that will help you all think critically and make better choices when you feel triggered. We will review some coping strategies and activities that can support your recovery efforts. So, how does this sound? Does anyone have any questions? Okay, so let us start with an icebreaker. The icebreaker is designed to create a comfortable and safe environment, encouraging group members to open up and share their thoughts. We are going to play a game of two truths and a lie. This game helps people learn about each other and is fun and interactive. So let me start, and you have to guess which two are true and which one is a lie. I like to paint, I like to go to football games, or I love to motivate others. Now, we will go around the room and see who can guess, and I will record everyone’s answers. Wow, group now wasn’t that a funny icebreaker? yeah, I can agree. We will now conclude the session and begin with the first ground rule of this session. Can everyone repeat after me? What is said in this room stays in this room. Great job, everyone! I look forward to seeing you all next week.
2-chabre-
Hi everyone, my name is Chabre. I’m going to be running your group each week for the next twelve weeks. Welcome to our addiction support group, a nurturing and collaborative environment designed specifically for individuals who are facing the challenges of addiction. This group serves as a platform where members can freely share their experiences, learn from one another, and harness the power of community support. Our primary focus is on fostering recovery, building resilience, and equipping individuals with coping strategies tailored to address the complexities of addiction and its impact on daily life. It’s very brave to take this step towards understanding and addressing addiction. The groups purpose is to encompass several crucial objectives. We want to share experiences. Members will have the opportunity to narrate their personal stories related to addiction, highlighting the unique aspects of their journeys. This sharing fosters understanding and illustrates that no one is truly alone in their struggles. We will engage in discussions about various coping mechanisms and practical strategies that facilitate recovery. Topics may include mindfulness practices, effective stress management techniques, and adopting healthier lifestyle choices that minimize triggers. We want to build a community by fostering connections among members, this group aims to cultivate a strong sense of belonging. This community aspect is vital in reinforcing mutual support during the recovery journey, encouraging members to uplift one another. Each member will play a role in promoting collective accountability, motivating one another to stay committed to their recovery goals. Our objective is to establish a constructive atmosphere where challenges can be addressed collaboratively.
As a participant in this group. Expect a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where you can express your thoughts and emotions freely without fear of negativity. I want you to engage in discussions where sharing your experiences and listening to others deepens understanding and empathy among group members. Your participation enriches the group dynamic. Benefit from interactive discussions and activities that promote personal growth and recovery. This facilitates both individual and group learning.
In return, we ask that each member uphold the following expectations: It is essential to maintain confidentiality. What is shared in the group must remain within the group. Respecting each person’s privacy fosters an environment of trust and safety. We promote open yet respectful dialogue. This includes listening without interruption, validating the feelings of others, and avoiding judgment or criticism. Each member’s voice deserves respect. I expect consistent attendance which is vital for nurturing relationships and maintaining continuity in discussions and support. Should you be unable to attend a session, kindly notify the group leader in advance if possible. While sharing personal experiences is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Nonetheless, expressing your thoughts can foster healing for both you and your peers, adding value to the group dynamic. Embrace a spirit of support by encouraging fellow members, showing understanding, and celebrating each other’s achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
I thought that since everyone is new here today that we would start off with a less serious icebreaker of Would You Rather to get us a little more comfortable and to get to know each other before we dive in. The questions are lighthearted and are meant to make everyone smile or laugh. We’ll go around the circle and each person will give us their answer to Would They Rather and why they chose the answer that they gave. Let’s start with some silly questions and remember there’s no wrong or right answers, just fun ones. okay so here’s the first question to the game would you rather always have to sing everything you say or dance everywhere.
