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Matt reflects on a retreat and discussed the pro's and con's of peer led support groups. This is the first episode is a mini series topic about when therapy is weaponized.
Matt talks about the effectiveness of peer groups, in terms of creating a mutual safe space that lacks professional power differentials. Matt and Erika discuss how this can be an asset to people who are in need of this space. We also explore mutual aid and reciprocity.
However, when people enter this for the wrong reasons the damage can be severe. Matt briefly touches on a sexual predator who was using the men's groups as his personal grooming grounds. They also discuss how professionals who change roles can sometimes be too connected to ego and not enough to the process. We also look at when therapeutic colloquialisms like "tell me how you feel" or "I invite you to" sound great on TV, but may not elicit a deeper connection.
We look at difference between knowledge and skill and how sometimes this can be a quagmire of uncertainty.
After Erika and I recorded, it was brought to my attention that the person I referenced was arrested and accused of operating a massage parlor which was alleged to be a prostitution ring.
Unlicensed Coventry massage therapist charged with prostitution, police say
Subscribe for more honest conversations about PTSD, mental health, and community care, then share this with someone who’s searching for safe support and leave a review with your biggest peer support green flag. What’s the one boundary every group should enforce?
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4
Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.
Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.
Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com