Posted by beardedlady on June 28, 2002, at 6:14:07
I'd love to know what you think. I think he's right on the money. He began with this little anecdote about a woman who was sexually and emotionally abused as a child. She was in a bad state when they first met in the eighties. She had decided to join a support group, which he thought was a good idea. (This was pre-internet, remember.) She had gotten much better. It helped her to know that there were others like her and that she could find ways to cope with this.
After three months, however, and because no therapist was present at this group, it turned into a victim session. Everyone complained and cried about their victimization, and instead of supporting each other in recovery, they supported each other in remaining victims.
He concluded that three months in the same group may be the therapeutic limit. And in his client's case, I think he's right. But as folks come and go here, maybe the group is renewed often enough? Or maybe it's different if you're not always the victim.
Some folks on the board seem to have their good times and bad times--sort of equally. When they feel good, they offer support and advice to others; when they feel bad, they ask for the same.
It's the others I wonder about--the few folks who always need help, whose conditions never seem to change. Is this board helpful, or does it somehow keep them victims of their condition? Remember, this is not a judgment of anyone. I am just wondering what people think about it.
I say it can be good to have a place to whine on the internet, as you'll whine less amongst friends and family!
Any thoughts?
beardy
poster:beardedlady
thread:446
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020516/msgs/446.html