Creating a peer-led support group saved my life and I have been giving back for almost three years leading two groups in person here in Colorado. When I first learned about narcissistic abuse I joined a therapist-led support group, it cost $750 for an eight-week session and was not sustainable for me financially. It was powerful to remind me of the power of community, so I set out to create a support group.
Once I decided to start a group, I set it up online to open that door to get new members. I had no idea how they would find me or if they would come. My early recovery stage was a concern for me, so I reached out to every meetup leader I could find across the country. I hungered for them to share with me what they learned, how they run their groups and I wanted to know what people would need. I needed to learn if I could cause them harm, I felt the huge responsibility, so I wanted a plan.
That education was valuable and gave me great ideas from not to forget to bring tissues to how often they met and how many people came, where they met and how to not let the members lean on me too much that I get sucked into their drama. I didn’t know it then, but I was setting a new course in my life.
- How healed do you need to be to start a support group?
- How to set up a group – how to find a location – how to find members
- Knowing the room – Who might show up what stages might they be in? Who was their narc – what kinds of traumas they have been through, so you know what to expect
- Should you charge? How to get the cost of meetup.com covered by the group
- Be a Sherpa – you are an educator, not a therapist – lead them to information
- You will learn all the technical details – how often should we meet, where can we meet, what to do at meetings
- Learn how to protect yourself by not allowing ‘their’ drama to be yours
Let me help you take this journey
I have been leading two monthly in-person support groups for over three years, I never imagined these groups would help so many people find community and resources. Every time I meet with these new friends I heal another part of me.
You can create your own support system by bringing people together.
Tracy A Malone
