LDS Support Groups

[_wenglund]

For some time now I have been toying with the idea of approaching the Church's Family Services department about expanding their presence online in several ways (support/discussion groups, resource material, preventative counseling, and even counseling for mild to moderate cases of depression, anxiety, panic, etc., as well as addressing various marital and parenting issues).

I see this as a way of reducing cost to potential recipients, making the resources more accessible and available to potential recipients, providing some level of confidentiality (people can read and post anonymously), and off-loading more rudimentary interventions from the more skilled professional to the para-professionals.

I am aware that you (truth dancer) have a web site for your practice. It has been a while since I visited it (and lost the web address--perhaps you could post it again), so I am not sure what you have to offer online. But, I am wondering what you and others here think about the idea of expanding Family Services online?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Yoda]

For some time now I have been toying with the idea of approaching the Church's Family Services department about expanding their presence online in several ways (support/discussion groups, resource material, preventative counseling, and even counseling for mild to moderate cases of depression, anxiety, panic, etc., as well as addressing various marital and parenting issues).

I see this as a way of reducing cost to potential recipients, making the resources more accessible and available to potential recipients, providing some level of confidentiality (people can read and post anonymously), and off-loading more rudimentary interventions from the more skilled professional to the para-professionals.

I am aware that you (truth dancer) have a web site for your practice. It has been a while since I visited it (and lost the web address--perhaps you could post it again), so I am not sure what you have to offer online. But, I am wondering what you and others here think about the idea of expanding Family Services online?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

I think it's a great idea! :)

[_Bond...James Bond]

I am aware that you (truth dancer) have a web site for your practice. It has been a while since I visited it (and lost the web address--perhaps you could post it again), so I am not sure what you have to offer online. But, I am wondering what you and others here think about the idea of expanding Family Services online?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

If you go to the "Memberlist" on the top of the page, truth dancer is #6. There's a link to her blog there.

[_truth dancer]

Hey Wade...

I think yours is a FABULOUS idea! I know a wonderful LDS therapist who was doing some online counseling (privately) specifically for the LDS community. He was amazing and his online work was VERY well embraced.

I have found many people are uncomfortable going to a therapist and many do not have access to LDS therapists so an online program would be fantastic.

My friend who ran the online counseling practice has since closed it even though it was quite successful.

I am currently eliminating my private work, due to a project I am working on in the community involving our local abuse shelter.

The ACA (American Counseling Association) has done a lot of research on the whole concept of online counseling services, and they offer some training, encouragement, and support for therapists who want to incorporate online services. I participated in some of their services because I feel it can be a very valuable addition to therapy and certainly is another way to reach people who may otherwise be unable to particpate in therapy.

I really encourage your efforts on this Wade.

~dancer~

[_Jason Bourne]

Women have issues? Women are depressed?

Yes

Men are sexually addicted

?

Yes

And our leaders acknowledge that?

Yes, At least for Porn and stuff they have discussed it a lot at conference.

TD, your SP is going to get his hands slapped. Doesn't he know that LDS women are the happiest, most well adjusted women on earth today? And LDS men are the best husbands (except those who look at pornography)? Sheesh.

Man where do you live? The Church has had SSA groups is populace areas for some time. The Church has LDS Social Service therapists and has for some time. You know, therapists for those happy couples? In our area church membership is sparse. But we have tried to look at an SSA group and have a missionary couple that when they were home in Provo coordinated such groups. I am sorry if yours stake and wards buries its head but we don't nor does most the Church.

It will be interesting to see how long they last, if the women actually have enough ooomph left to go to the group meetings, if the men are slapped with church sanction if they attend the group meetings, and what kind of flack your leaders get from their up-line. Please keep us informed.

Women groups for those depressed may be a new thing. I bet though that nobody gets slapped or flack.

[_Jason Bourne]

Hi Liz...

Well you ask very good questions.

My understanding is that to participate in LDS social services therapy, one waves the rights to confidentiality with LDS leaders.

This may have changed but I know a few strong LDS believing therapists who will not participate in LDS SS (as a therapist) for this reason. Many therapists consider the therapist/client relationship essential to therapy. When a church leaders is involved it changes the whole situation.

Typically, in groups there is an emphasis on confidentiality within the group and most folks hold this in high regard because it is necessary for healing to have openness however, as you point out, word will certainly get around and the gossip is rampant in the LDS culture.

I don't know the answers but I'm seriously hoping this help will make a difference. It is so needed.

~dancer~

I believe that if the member does not want to have the LDS SS therapist talk to the bishop they cannot. That is my experience. The therapist must have the client's permission.

[_Mister Scratch]

For some time now I have been toying with the idea of approaching the Church's Family Services department about expanding their presence online in several ways (support/discussion groups, resource material, preventative counseling, and even counseling for mild to moderate cases of depression, anxiety, panic, etc., as well as addressing various marital and parenting issues).

I see this as a way of reducing cost to potential recipients, making the resources more accessible and available to potential recipients, providing some level of confidentiality (people can read and post anonymously), and off-loading more rudimentary interventions from the more skilled professional to the para-professionals.

I am aware that you (truth dancer) have a web site for your practice. It has been a while since I visited it (and lost the web address--perhaps you could post it again), so I am not sure what you have to offer online. But, I am wondering what you and others here think about the idea of expanding Family Services online?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

I think that's a pretty good idea, Wade. I doubt it will fly, since the Church seems to not like spending money that actually goes towards legitimately helping anybody, but I like what you suggest here. Moreover, I think an anonymous, online venue is much, much better than these "support groups" which really just seem like witch-hunts in disguise, in my opinion. Of course, if this were ever to come online, no doubt we'd have Plutarch types frothing at the mouth over all the "cowardly" anonymity. ; )

[_Gazelam]

Support groups for members who can't pray and get their act together. Do they all huddle up and watch Oprah and Dr. Phil together and massage each others shoulders and pass around a box of tissues?

The only support those people need is the same kind Steve Martin got from Michael Caine when he couldent walk in the Movie Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

[_Coggins7]

For Harmony: calling Mongo, calling Mongo, come in Harmony. I go to a group meeting for addictive/compulsive behaviour here twice a week. Wake up, you're late to your rebirthing class.

As to Scratch, your sheer, sheer, sheer intellecutal dishonesty and mindless personal rancor against the church belies the utterly empty life that must be yours to lead. Nobody, but nobody, let alone GA's of recent date, have ever claimed that church members do not have problems, sins, and even severe ones to deal with. Social indicators for the Latter Day Saints have always been better than other social groups collectively speaking, but nobody has ever said numerous Saints do not have personal issues. How do you think this stuff up sober (or am I making an assumptin here?)?

Loran

[_Pokatator]

I hope they start a twelve step program for battered masterbaters so Loran can get some help.

(or am I making an assumption here?)?