NAMI Connection
Recovery Support Group
Facilitator Training
Introduction to the Model
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
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.
What do they want at a support group?
• A safe place
• To not be judged
• Boundaries that are enforced
• Capable Facilitators
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups
Have trained Facilitators who learn and use:
Strategies,
Structures, and
Processes.
They are Capable Facilitators, not therapists!
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.
Group Guidelines
Principles of Support
NAMI Connection
Strategies, Structures and Group Processes
The model that assures
an effective
support group meeting
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
NAMI Connection Model
• 5 Strategies
–Communication skills that “AID US”
• Affirm
• Inquire
• Direct
• Understand
• Support
NAMI Connection Model
• 4 Structures
–Agenda
–Group Guidelines
–Principles of Support
–Emotional Stages
NAMI Connection Model
• 3 Group Processes
–Hot Potatoes
–Group Wisdom
–Problem Solving
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.
AGENDA
Always start and stop on time
Always start Check In
with the Facilitators
to model the 1-2 minute time limit.
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.
PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORT
Never lecture or instruct the group
about principles
Get the group talking about these universals
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.
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.
Group Wisdom
Always ask members what they know that is
CONSTRUCTIVE, PRACTICAL and HELPFUL
Group members assist each other
through their lived experience
Problem Solving
When doing problem solving, you must shift to a
directive, leadership style
Do not use it for adherence, insight or symptomrelated problems.
Remember, as a capable Facilitator:
You are present
to help the group meet its needs,
not to have the group
help you meet yours.
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!