Handling Sensitive & Triggering Topics in Group Support
This is a pretty important subject�that I?d like to address with all of you. There is a fine balance between keeping Group Support a safe place and giving members space to express themselves and discuss their problems openly. One issue that crops up frequently is the matter of triggers. Which topics should we consider ?triggering?? Are there certain things that are okay to discuss within reason and where is the line? These are great questions and the answer to this is actually pretty fluid depending on who is in the group and their individual comfort levels. The reality is that something could trigger one person badly, yet not bother another person in the slightest. It?s�not always possible to predict this. Additionally, it can be frustrating for members if they are prevented from discussing an issue they?re comfortable with, for the sake of a person who may or may not be triggered and who may or may not be there.
Right now, we?re moderating potentially triggering topics in a very subjective manner. This can be confusing for members and ammunition for conflict between Group Mods. We really need�to ensure we?re on the same page with this as much as possible. Another part of helping members to feel safe and supported in these rooms is ensuring that we as moderators are consistent and reliable. It is important that you act as holders of the space and form a calm and reassuring presence.
Moving forward, I ask that you do not discourage or prohibit any conversation based on whether or not you personally think it may be triggering. Instead, you should aim to facilitate the discussion. Your role is to proactively steer the conversation in a way that keeps it helpful and supportive at all times.
Note: If you find yourself feeling triggered by a topic as a moderator or a listener, please take a break from the support rooms and reach out to a Peer Supporter.
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Focus�On�Feelings
One way to keep the conversation on track is to keep gently nudging members back to discussing feelings. This is a good way to enable members express themselves, to help them feel heard and understood. This technique can also prevent story-sharing from becoming too detailed or long-winded. For example, if a member starts to give graphic details of a traumatic event, you can jump in and redirect by saying something like:
?It sounds like a really difficult experience. How are you coping with the aftermath of this??
?How have you been feeling since this happened??
Of course, there are times when you may need to redirect the conversation away from a topic completely. For example,�if:
� � � Members express that they are feeling triggered ��
� � � �You notice other members are feeling uncomfortable and/or leaving �
� � � �It becomes very graphic and detailed (such as vivid descriptions of self harm�injuries or a traumatic event)
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In these situations, you can say something like:
?Thank you for sharing, XX. I sense that this conversation is getting a little too heavy for Group Support right now. If you?d like to continue discussing this, you are very welcome to connect 1-1 with a Listener.?
?I want you to feel supported with this, XX. Right now, it seems to be a tough topic for others in the group. How would you feel about connecting 1-1 with a Listener??
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If the member persists after a gentle warning, you may need to be firmer. In those cases you can say something like:
?XX, I?m so glad you?re seeking support for this and you?ve done really well sharing today. As I?ve mentioned once before, we need to move on from this topic now. Please connect with a listener if you wish to explore your experience further.?
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As always, you should continue to warn 1-2 times and mute users if any of the following apply:
� � � �They are abusive to others
� � � �They continue to express suicidal feelings after being referred to the hotline
� � � �They are disrespectful to Moderators
� � � �They are spamming the chat room
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I am really keen to hear about your experiences trying out the above.�Please�leave comments and feedback below.
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(moved by forum teen star @tami150)
Thank you so much for this, Heather! Really appreciate it
This seems like wise and fair policy. It aknowledges the nuanced handling required to meet the complex and dynamic needs of chat room participants. Rarely do one-size-fits-all solutions provide lasting benefit. I also think it's worth noting that the mods have their hands full sometimes. I appreciate the sensitivity we need to display with regard triggered members, but I think we also can encourage people to take some responsibility for their emotions and for their own emotional self-care, and do so in a manner that is still welcoming to all.
Many a times, during the conversation I get the feeling that the speaker is being triggered. So theStrategyI use tohandlethe situation is that when a speaker is triggered, the speaker goes through so much of mental trauma and so I put a question 'How do you feel when you are with your loved ones and dear ones? What feeling do you get when you spend a quality time with them?' As answer to the question I always get a reply that they feel so special and they feel so happy and this way I diver the topic and move them away from the triggering part.
Thanks for this - a much needed post to clear up 'confusion' on this matter!
Thank you so much!
Great post! Thanks for clearing it up.
Bookmarked! I've found myself becoming a bit discouraged when moderating if another moderator were to just mute or block someone for talking about something personal, even if the rest of the group is totally on board with it. Now, there is no confusion. Thank you for everything, @Heather !
Some great tips in here, I can tell that the moderators job is not an easy one, I respect them greatly for the way they keep balance and order in these rooms so anything that can help bring more consistency is most welcome.
Wonderful post @Heather
It's very important for our group mods and listeners who participate in group support to be aware of how to best manage triggers. Ultimately, the focus should be on directing the conversation in an appropriate way and encouraging self-care. If someone is triggered, they need to be proactive to remove themselves from the chat.
Great post! Thanks for the clarification!
