Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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1. Who can participate in the group and at what age?
The support group is open to women ages 18 and older who are ready to take their next step in recovering from the effects of past sexual abuse.
2. Is there a cost for the group?
There is no cost associated with participating in the mentor program. However, participants must purchase the required resources: 1) Hush and SOAR Workbook by Nicole Braddock Bromley.
3. How do support groups work and what can I expect from the group?
Support groups give survivors a safe place to find strength and healing. Safe people to talk with, people who share the same experience of sexual trauma, people who truly understand what they're going through and can share the type of practical insights that can only come from firsthand experience.
As a participant in the mentor group you can expect: confidentiality, a safe place to heal, respect, support and resources.
4. Does it cost anything to register?
No, registration is free, but registration is required to participate.
5. What is the format for the mentor group?
The format for the group is an open format. Open groups allow new members to join at any time. All new members must go through the registration process. See Question #11.
6. Will a mentor be assigned to me?
Yes. Our mentors are graduates of the Shelter from the Storm© - Hope for Survivors of Sexual Abuse who will provide support. They have walked the journey to restoration and are now reaching back to help others. A mentor will be assigned based on availability.
7. How long are the group meetings?
Support group meetings are scheduled for one hour, 7-8 p.m. (CST) on Thursday's. The group is assigned to meet every two weeks in order to allow participants time to read the chapter(s), answer questions from the workbook and view correlating videos.
8. Is the support group a replacement for professional counseling?
No. Recovery from sexual abuse is the most intense and emotionally challenging form of recovery. Survivors of sexual abuse often struggle with powerful issues such as: shame, thoughts of suicide, addictions and even dissociation.
Therefore we strongly recommend participants begin the recovery process with a professional evaluation from a counselor trained in working with sexual trauma. Subsequently, continue to maintain a relationship with a mental health professional as they participate in the mentor program.
You should make use of any professional services that are available to you to help you with your issues. Our groups can be an additional support for you while you are getting help from a licensed professional.
9. Can family members and friends attend the mentor group?
No. In order to build trust, maintain confidentiality and anonymity group sessions are limited to group members only.
10. How long is the mentor program?
The program is eight weeks in duration.
11. What is the registration process?
1. Complete the Survivor Mentor Application
2. Meet & Greet (requirement). Must be willing to submit to a pre-group interview via ZOOM to meet the group leader, learn more about the group and ask questions.
3. Review and sign mandatory documents through DocuSign
Course Syllabus
Support Group Guidelines
Confidentiality Agreement
Social Media Policy
4. Purchase Hush and SOAR Workbook by Nicole Braddock Bromley
We will respond within 36-48 business hours of your submitted application.
12. Is this a therapy group?
No. Counseling or therapy is a specific type of mental health treatment facilitated by trained and licensed mental health providers.
Support groups are led by experienced and trained facilitators to facilitate a group of peers to share their experiences, process their feelings, practice new skills, and support one another in a safe and collaborative environment.
13. Who are the people who facilitate the group sessions?
Our groups are led by caring, trained individuals who have personal experience with sexual trauma. In addition, we also enlist the services of licensed counselors and interns who can manage the conversations so that each person feel they have been heard and helped.
14. Why do the groups use video?
We use video for two reasons: 1) We want you to be able to connect with other participants who understand and care about you. The video allows you to see other participants and makes our meetings more like face to face meetings. 2) Sometimes slides may be used to help focus the meeting process and present helpful information.
15. What is Distance Learning?
Distance Learning means that participants learn remotely and do not have face-to-face learning with facilitators or other participants.
Due to COVID-19 (March 2020) we were forced to host support groups online. This has allowed us to expand our reach and services to survivors not only in the Texas area but across the United States.
There are many obvious advantages in using distance learning such as: no commute, less time away from home, reaching a much larger audience, more efficient use of one's time, etc.
16. How would the group benefit me?
The road to recovery from an experience of sexual trauma is a long one in which different emotions and patterns appear. The feeling of isolation is usually a common factor while we are in the midst of it. Through joining the group you will see that you are not alone and a deeper understanding and compassion towards yourself and the process you're in will be gained.
There are many benefits to participating in a sexual abuse group. Some of them are:
feeling less lonely, isolated or judged
offer unconditional love and acceptance
to feel the support and encouragement of others so they can face the pain of the abuse and experience healing
offer a safe and trusted place to tell the truth
talking openly and honestly about your feelings
offer hope and healing
offer community to those who have felt alone in their grief and pain
offer a safe place to take the time needed to recover
17. Are the mentor groups safe?
Yes. Our support groups require a signed confidentiality agreement for privacy of member participation.
18. What is the role of the group leaders?
Provide a safe and supportive environment to talk about sexual abuse issues.
Facilitate the sharing process.
Guide participants toward recovery and present the tools for recovery.
To move the conversation in order to allow others to share and meet chapter objectives.
19. Why do I have to register?
To ensure confidentiality and safety for all participants, we are asking that individuals register in order to receive the ZOOM invitation to join the online meeting. This helps prevent people from crashing or otherwise disrupting the group.
20. Can I try the group for a few weeks before I commit to it?
No. It isn't possible to join a group on a trial basis as this would be disruptive to the members who are already there and working. Keep in mind that when you join a group, you are committing to a learning process rather than to a particular group of people.
This is why it is important to understand how the group works and how your group leader thinks about the change process before you join. Make sure you spend the time in your individual interview getting all your questions answered.