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)
This is really helpful, especially recently, when I've noticed some mods who almost always stop people from talking about certain 'triggering' topics. It gets infuriating for the members, and me as a mod too. But, you have to address personal feelings too. I've got a member who thinks that some mods target them specifically (Not taking any names) and I think it would be helpful if we get a professional post on how to deal with people with personal feelings kept aside. I just feel that some mods are too strict as one, and even though they have their own opinions and ways, they make members feel suffocated.
I agree with you..
Heather that was a perfectly placed note. As rightly pointed in training of this site " Sharing is solving ur problem to Half" , If we dont allow the sharing the burden never reduces nor the purpose of this site. Moreover open sharing should be encoraged within the boundaries as set.
Thank you for this incredibly important information and examples of how to handles these situations.
This really is helpful heather :) thanks a lot.
Thank you for this Heather!! it will come in handy.
Thank you!! This really has cleared up a lot!!x
Heather, should we use this for religion as well? I had an experience where a member was talking about being discriminated against in a church in group support. This member was asked immediatley not to speak about it in the chatroom because the topic contained religion, but I wonder what our approach should be? The member wasn't arguing religion or preaching. My personal approach to this would have been to ensure that no one was being triggered (per this post) and if someone was upset, to take it to PM.
My question is: At what point do we ask someone not to speak about or mention religion in a Group Support room? Should we handle that like all other triggers?
For Teen Support room we keep religion out. Just simple because it causes so many arguments with people, I'm not sure if we treat it like a trigger, but most of the teens are Okay with it :)
Talking about a situation at church sounds okay to me! It would only become an issue if members started debating religion and beliefs.
Gonna bump this post because it's still really relevant even now, months later!
@RebeccaEmily and another few months later it's still relevant too! =D
@Heather I appreciate that this was posted (although it's been up for over a year and I'm just now reading it! :O I think it's a helpful way to avoid uncomfortable topics if people in the group are being triggered or feel uncomfortable. Thanks!
This is very important! Thank you Heather.
