Suggestions and Helpful Hints for a Support Group
- Erin Sullivan
- © Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc. 2008. All Rights Reserved
Please contribute or give feedback to this list by emailing Erin@trich.org
1. CONTACT LIST: Compile a contact list of people who attend and hand it out to the group so people can contact each other for support. Some people may not want to have their Information added to the list so remember to ask each person if they are comfortable sharing their Information .
2. GROUP EMAIL LIST: It's a good idea to create an online email list for your group so you can send out reminders the day before the group meets and make announcements. YahooGroups offers auto announcements so you don't have to remember to send out the meeting reminder.
3. PHONE PRIVACY: When calling anyone about trichotillomania on the phone it's very important to be discreet. Just leave your name and phone number. Many people have never told their family members or roommates (who may be answering the phone) about their hair pulling. If you do get the person on the phone ask them if this is a good time to talk. Tell them they can call you back at a time when they can talk privately if they would feel more comfortable.
4. NAMES: Be sure to introduce people at group. It's a good idea to have everyone go around and say his or her name quickly any time there is a new person. It may feel silly to do that, but it is important that people feel part of the group.
5. PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO TALK: It is very important to monitor the discussion especially when you have a large group of more than 5 people. Talking about hair pulling can bring up lots of other issues in people's lives. These other issues may be related to some degree, but you may want to try to bring the focus back to trichotillomania while respecting the person who has gone off track. This is VERY touchy and hard to do! Try to be sensitive and polite. Use your best judgment. In one group I was in we (as a group) decided to set time limits on personal check-ins. Without the timed check-ins we found that some people never got a chance to talk before the meeting ended!
6. PEOPLE WHO DO NOT LIKE TO TALK: Once the group has checked in and people are having open discussion (if you structure your group that way) be aware of people who are not involved in the discussion. You may want to ask them a follow up question from their check in. For example, "Jill, you said you don't pull in the car anymore, that's great! Do you mind sharing with us any tips you may have about how to manage pulling in the car?" If they are not comfortable speaking they can just say a simple answer to your question, but at least you give them the opportunity to participate if they want.
7. SETTING A TIME TO MEET: Plan to meet at a time that works best for YOU! After all, you are the one who has committed to going every time! It needs to work well with your schedule. Trying to find a time that works for everyone is impossible, unless the group is very small. Just pick a time and stick to it. A person who can't make it because of an evening class which conflicts with the group will have to try to rearrange their schedule next semester. Also, try to keep the meeting time and place consistent. Some people will first contact you about the group and then show up 2 months later. It is a big step for a lot of people to meet other pullers for the first time. That is why it is important to keep meeting time and place consistent.