1. NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
Facilitator Training Introduction to the Model

2. Why Do We Need A Model?
to help navigate around the predictable negative group dynamics which can torpedo a successful group process
a support group can operate much like a personality with a will of its own, and that collective group willfulness 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 as well as they were supported
To feel in a very real way 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 Connection Recovery Support Groups Have trained Facilitators who learn and use: Strategies, Structures, and 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 Connection Strategies, Structures and Group Processes
The model that assures
an effective
support group meeting

10. NAMI Connection 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. NAMI Connection Model 5 Strategies Communication skills that “AID US”
Affirm
Inquire
Direct
Understand
Support

12. NAMI Connection Model
4 Structures
Agenda
Group Guidelines
Principles of Support
Emotional Stages

13. NAMI Connection Model
3 Group Processes
Hot Potatoes
Group Wisdom
Problem Solving

14. Rules in using the NAMI Connection model
Facilitators always use the Facilitator Guides
Facilitators pay particular attention to the rule within the box on each Guide.

15. Always start and stop on time
AGENDA
Always start and stop on time
Always start Check In
with the Facilitators
to model the 1-2 minute time limit.

16. Don’t scold: be directive
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. Never lecture or instruct the group
PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORT
Never lecture or instruct the group
about principles
Get the group talking about these universals

18. Stages of Emotional Response
NEVER tell people where they are
Always ASK them what stage they think they are in
Direct the group’s attention
to what a person needs in that stage and
discuss how those needs can be met.

19. Never avoid a “Hot Topic” when it comes up in a support group
Hot Potatoes
Never avoid a “Hot Topic”
when it comes up in a support group
“Own” a Hot Potato when it comes up
in a support group.
Traumatic events need to be detoxified.

20. Group Wisdom Always ask members what they know that is
CONSTRUCTIVE, PRACTICAL and HELPFUL
Group members assist each other
through their lived experience

21. Do not use it for adherence, insight or symptom-related problems.
Problem Solving
When doing problem solving, you must shift to a directive, leadership style
Do not use it for adherence, insight or symptom-related problems.

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 in the beginning; it’s part of the learning process
To put into practice in a very practical way the strategies, structures, and group processes outlined for you in this presentation.
To have fun!