Contributed by Jerry S., Facilitator to multiple L.I.F.E. Groups
When someone wants to enter a L.I.F.E. group, an intake interview is conducted to ensure that the individual is where they need to be, and to familiarize them with how the group works. It is important to make sure the group can meet the needs of the candidate. Established group member welcome newcomers with less hesitation when a candidate comes prepared to take recovery seriously. Participants accept the facilitator's intake Interview as a sort of initiation. Also, the newcomer feels more comfortable taking that initial step through the door to enter their first meeting. Newcomers feel frightened, overwhelmed, and timid. This intake interview can reduce everyone's fears to a manageable level.
During the intake interview, the facilitator should start with their own story. The story should include: First time exposure to porn or other sexual experience, shameful feelings, needing help, finding a L.I.F.E. group, the start of their journey to present day. This will help the newcomer relate to the facilitator by hearing that the facilitator has been where they are now, and the newcomer will gain hope through the facilitator's testimony and time in recovery.
The facilitator can explain the dynamics of the meeting, information about the resources used, and how the meaningful contribution is used each week to help yourself and others. This will give the newcomer insight into the meetings.
During the intake interview, if the newcomer is comfortable, they can share a bit about their addiction. This allows them to open their heart a bit, voice the problem(s), practice being vulnerable and feel a bit of relief even before their first meeting. It also gives the facilitator a chance to guide the newcomer about what is OK and not OK to say in a meeting (i.e. no graphic details, confidentiality, "said here stays here", etc.).
The Intake interview has been a wonderful tool in helping the meetings to remain safe for all participants.
Do you conduct an intake interview similar to this? What other topics do you cover? Share your thoughts now, click Comments below.
During the intake interview, the facilitator should start with their own story. The story should include: First time exposure to porn or other sexual experience, shameful feelings, needing help, finding a L.I.F.E. group, the start of their journey to present day. This will help the newcomer relate to the facilitator by hearing that the facilitator has been where they are now, and the newcomer will gain hope through the facilitator's testimony and time in recovery.
The facilitator can explain the dynamics of the meeting, information about the resources used, and how the meaningful contribution is used each week to help yourself and others. This will give the newcomer insight into the meetings.
During the intake interview, if the newcomer is comfortable, they can share a bit about their addiction. This allows them to open their heart a bit, voice the problem(s), practice being vulnerable and feel a bit of relief even before their first meeting. It also gives the facilitator a chance to guide the newcomer about what is OK and not OK to say in a meeting (i.e. no graphic details, confidentiality, "said here stays here", etc.).
The Intake interview has been a wonderful tool in helping the meetings to remain safe for all participants.
Do you conduct an intake interview similar to this? What other topics do you cover? Share your thoughts now, click Comments below.
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Jerry S. is a successful facilitator who facilitates operations of 6 L.I.F.E. Groups including a spouse’s group, organizes retreats, OPEN meetings, one day seminars, marriage seminars and other events for the L.I.F.E. groups in his city.
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