The groups last one hour and fifteen minutes. The first 15-minutes are what we refer to as “Additional” where members can settle in and get to know each other in a casual way before the structure starts.
At the start of the hour, when someone is new, the host will point out the “Support Space” breakout room that can be joined at any time if someone feels triggered, needs extra support, or needs to step away. The co-host will join them to see if they need to vent, ground, or what support they can offer.
The majority of the calls are conversation-style topic chats. Members may propose a topic to the group. If a topic feels to strong for anyone to handle, they may Direct Message one of the hosts in the text chat for it to be anonymously waived.
In the Dissociative Identity Disorder category, topics might be on system communication, relationships that are internal or external, system mapping, resources, or if and how to discuss the diagnosis with a trusted person. The conversation doesn’t veer too much into what is discussed in the CPTSD group, as not everyone in the DID category is ready to handle that.
In the Loved Ones of DID systems category, the topics surround how to support oneself while supporting a loved one. Coping strategies, relating on similar experiences, or discussing scenarios that might occur with a DID system and how to understand or approach them are common topics.
The CPTSD and General Dissociation category, the discussion is not of explicit details of traumatic events, but of the surrounding context to trauma. Topics may include Fight, Flight, Fight, Freeze responses, guilt, shame, or denial of ones own abuse. While pertaining to a more serious topic, this group is also very uplifting as the members are a source of encouragement to each other in sharing feedback and experiences.
The Religious Trauma Syndrome category surrounds topics of indoctrination, such as our “waking up stories,” or feelings of loss of individuality and how to regain it, or how to trust our once silenced intuition. As RTS holds a very CPTSD nature, the categories bond together in many areas.
Depersonalization, Derealization, and Fugue category conversations often begins with checking in on everyones week and how they have been dissociatively or generally. Topics include grounding strategies, resources, seeking the right therapist, or feelings of invalidation by peers, practitioners, or even ourselves. We often discuss what ties us to the moment, such as people or activities where we feel most grounded.
In the final five minutes of a call, the host asks the group what they are looking forward to, grateful for, or any positive affirmations they might like to share. This ends the conversation on a positive note.