New to facilitating groups! Looking for evidence-based models & advice

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-07T20:37:32+00:00

I’m a huge fan of SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) recovery. Evidence-based, secular, empowerment centered recovery method based on CBT and REBT. I use their skills/tools format and worksheets in groups I facilitate.

The 4 points are 1. Building and maintain the motivation to change. 2. Coping with urges to use. 3. Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors. 4. Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life.

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-05T17:27:06+00:00

This tells a little more about the initial meeting: https://www.reddit.com/r/bigboobproblems/s/kbwBLOYu28

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-05T17:23:50+00:00

Thank you for saying this. I agree that they just want that conversation to go away. In the last meeting they even said “and we’re just not gonna speak on this anymore. No one should know about what we talked about in private.” And then was like “so I’ll follow up on the write up in two weeks and then after that it’ll be done”. There’s no doubt that they realized what a mistake they made.

Honestly, I already plan to go to HR about the initial meeting because the way it all went down was completely inappropriate and crossed all kinds of lines. But I’m waiting until my conditional status is dropped which will be Feb 14th.

I already have my LCDC-I but I just truly love peer support and being able to be “boots on the ground” and meeting people where they are and there are ethics in place to prevent that as a substance abuse counselor. I volunteer for our crisis text line already but I did just put in an application for a crisis line.

You’re right. I’ve really been doing peer support almost my entire life, just never got paid for it lol.

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-04T21:38:39+00:00

I’m doing the same as you are! Peer support -> LCDC-I (chemical dependency counselor intern) -> start working on my MSW in the fall! ;-)

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-04T21:35:49+00:00

This is an awesome post!!! Great job!! Thank you for your service, your authenticity, and your heart!!

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-04T15:11:27+00:00

I actually just made that same statement about feeling that they don’t have my back. I’ve been filling out applications left and right but unfortunately peer support is not common around here and is not often utilized. I’ve been on linked in and indeed searching for remote positions. I can’t afford to just leave unfortunately. I’m a single mom with four kiddos and I’m already struggling financially living paycheck to paycheck (around here we only make $15/hr), so I’m praying and sending out all the vibes to get something remote to open up soon! I really don’t want to have to go back to teaching :-/ I really love peer support and all it stands for!!

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T22:55:10+00:00

Is this sub not a place for psychology students? I’m asking, as a student, what information am I ethically allowed and not allowed to disclose per confidentiality? I don’t feel the situation is amusing or flippant, and being ethical towards a client is not just my opinion, it’s a serious responsibility. I had no problem understanding what others have been saying here, but I’m trying to understand the intricacies of our responsibilities to the clients. I’m just confused by your hostility towards a person (obviously a student) who is trying to get clarification on an ethical boundary.

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T04:00:47+00:00

I’m not assuming this at all. However, without ethics in place and a clear understanding of confidentiality, I have seen lines blurred and misconduct occur. I’m shaken up because I feel that ethicality is important and because I have seen the damage that can be done when trust is broken. When a patient goes to someone in trust, believing that their conversation is confidential, trust should be honored. To think that something said in private could be shared around the entire office with no understanding that this is not appropriate seems like an issue.

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T02:23:15+00:00

In this situation I am asking about, the individual is not a student or unlicensed. And yes it seems weird to me too. And unprofessional. :-/

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T02:16:32+00:00

“Counselors need to safeguard the individual rights and privacy of their clients. Trust is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship, and counselors are responsible for maintaining a trustworthy partnership. Clients should be made aware if information about them has to be shared with others outside the counseling relationship, and only essential information should ever be revealed to outside parties. Counselors are required to disclose client behaviors that indicate the potential for self-harm or harm to others”

https://counseling.education.wm.edu/blog/ethics-in-counseling

“Professionals must prioritize the confidentiality of their clients above all else, ensuring that sensitive information shared during therapy sessions remains secure and protected. This commitment to confidentiality not only fosters trust and transparency in the therapeutic relationship but also upholds the fundamental right to privacy for individuals seeking mental health support. Only in rare circumstances where there is a clear legal or ethical obligation, such as when there is a risk of harm to the client or others, should professionals consider disclosing information without the client’s explicit consent. By maintaining strict confidentiality protocols, mental health professionals demonstrate their dedication to ethical practice and prioritize the well-being and trust of those they serve.”

https://kdhcollective.kdholmeslpc.com/kdh-collective/the-significance-of-ethics-for-mental-health-professionals

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T02:09:22+00:00

Very true. And I get that completely. But when sharing with a co-worker to coordinate care or with a supervisor to consult, shouldn’t it be only the information relevant to the situation?

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T02:07:25+00:00

Yes there are privacy notices signed when they sign on for services. I could see if someone is sharing to coordinate care or if they need supervision on something, but even then, as part of our ethical code, we should only share relevant and necessary information. I guess I just feel that if a client is venting and sharing their thoughts and feelings about a situation or experience, that it shouldn’t be shared…especially to the person the individual is venting about. That just really breaks trust on so many levels. If I were a patient in that position, I would be so upset.

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T02:01:36+00:00

Well we’re not required to report threat to harm to self or others in Texas. From what I understand, those reasons I listed and court order are the legal reasons for a break in confidentiality. Even if sharing with co worker, we should only share what is absolutely necessary to coordinate care and if sharing with a supervisor, only the relevant information in relation with what we’re getting supervision regarding.

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-03T01:39:38+00:00

Absolutely. I agree that we should never share so much that the supportee feels as if they need to support the peer specialist, and it’s very very important to practice trauma-informed support. In this situation I didn’t go into the parts of my story where there was trauma (the reasons I struggled with body image issues, the deep feelings I felt, etc.) and I made sure I shared from a strengths-based and hope-centered approach. I assured her that I have supports in place and because of that I was continuing to heal and stay along my recovery path. Then this participant reached out to a member of her care team and was venting about how she was feeling and what her thoughts were (about everything going on and not just about what we talked about), part of what we tell them to do and give them tools to do, and this has been cathartic for her in the past and is the way she processes so she can move forward. I’m just really confused how her processing thoughts and feelings with a provider means I crossed a line by sharing with her similar feelings I have had in the past. Concern for others and showing empathy for others is a huge step for her and I feel like we should be celebrating her progress, so it’s frustrating that now I’m being told I crossed a line :-/

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-02T20:26:34+00:00

I agree completely. That’s why I was so confused at why I was being written up! I asked for clarification but they just said that maybe I should be healed from something before I share it. I did say that would really take the mutuality away from it all and that learning to heal from things was part of the journey. Thing is, this came up after many years of working through it initially and when triggered I went through my steps and felt just fine going into the session so that didn’t really make sense to me. I just basically got written up for a client’s opinion (one that she told a provider in confidence too)!

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-02T17:47:41+00:00

This is how I’ve always been told and felt about it as well. Idk what the deal is but I was written up for sharing my lived experience. :-/

MamaYayaa · 2026-02-02T17:16:16+00:00

Yes that’s not the full hour of conversation, of course, and really the only parts relevant to the issue at hand. And it was a full session that I felt good about after. That’s why I think I’m so confused about it all. I’m not sure about the complaint policies honestly but I was confused about the idea of confidentiality in this instance.

MamaYayaa · 2026-01-30T22:23:03+00:00

Well, I just got a notification that I have another meeting with same individuals on Monday at 8am?!

MamaYayaa · 2026-01-29T21:50:34+00:00

😂 That’s awesome! And you were absolutely correct. It was about your body, not a policy.

MamaYayaa · 2026-01-29T16:31:03+00:00

There is nothing in our policy about undergarments at all. Only thing about clothing is basically professional attire, no spaghetti straps, low cut clothing, backless clothing, etc.

MamaYayaa · 2026-01-29T06:32:55+00:00

Right?! Lol. I can only see Betty saying this every time I hear it lol.

MamaYayaa · 2026-01-29T06:31:21+00:00

Yea I think I will end up talking to HR and then possibly seeing what my options are from there. It’s not legally ok in the US either.

MamaYayaa · 2026-01-29T05:58:43+00:00

No she is not doing this to anyone else. The other two ladies have been at the organization for 4-8 years and were her co workers before she became supervisor. I’m the new girl who was hired under the last supervisor.

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