We have had significant issues with inappropriate people in our ongoing support groups, so we have implemented a few changes.
1. We do an informal phone screen. I always ask about the circumstances of their loss, what their primary complaint is, what are their reasons for seeking group support, if they are linked with other services, and what their goals are. Typically I can get a sense of any challenges or potential issues based on those questions, without asking for a diagnosis. If I have concerns, I always suggest more intensive support, like individual counseling, and I offer referrals to other providers.
2. We no longer do weekly ongoing groups. We used to do 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off, but it seemed like our group was attracting people with dependence issues and cluster B personality traits. When I started in this role, we had people who had been coming for 6 years or more, people who took advantage of the empathy of others to meet their own emotional needs... It was deterring appropriate people from coming and staying. When we shifted to twice per month, a lot of those inappropriate folks got angry and voluntarily left.
3. I always like to focus on goals. What are your goals? Are you making progress, or is the group not helping? Are there better options to help you meet your goals?
There are always challenges, but these changes have improved things for us tremendously.
Megan Kale-Cheever, LSW, CT, GC-C
Bereavement Counselor
Mount Carmel Hospice and Palliative Care
1144 Dublin Rd
Columbus, OH 43215
614.234.0200 (Main)
614.234.0270 (Direct)
megan.kale-cheever@mchs.com
Confidentiality Notice:
This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this message, and reply to the sender regarding the error in a separate email.