Group Leaders 

Our Survivor Mentor Groups are led by caring, trained and trauma informed individuals. Many of them have certifications, are licensed professional counselors, or interns pursuing a professional degree in the area that they are assisting you with.  Most important to know is that they work with other survivors on a regular basis and volunteer their time to the group environment.  

Even though we enlist professionals to lead the Survivor Mentor Groups the format will be governed as a support group and not a therapy group. In addition, we will also enlist helpers, interns and counselors as co-facilitators to provide additional support and encouragement.  

Group Leader Requirements 

• Professional counselors, interns and trained lay sexual abuse survivors  (at least two  years in recovery)  

• Complete Group Leader Application 

• Review ARISE! International Overview (sent via email) 

• Pre-interview (Meet & Greet via ZOOM)  

• Complete support group documents (Course Syllabus, Support Group Guidelines, Confidentiality and Social Media Policy) NOTE: Will be sent via DocuSign

• Purchase required resources (see Home page)

Group Leader Responsibilities 

• Be a positive role model for others 

• Foster a supportive a supportive environment via web based groups

• Availability  of time to commit to the group

• Being accepting, empathetic and supportive to others

• Provide a safe and supportive environment (emotionally and physically) to talk about sexual abuse issues  

• Emphasize the importance of confidentiality

• Guide participants toward recovery and present the tools for recovery

• Manage the conversation so that each person feels that they are being helped    

• Facilitate the sharing process in order to meet chapter objectives  

• Facilitate group meetings 

Group Leaders also have the option to serve as mentors— 

Mentor Requirements

• Growing in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Attendance and participation in the Survivor Mentor group

• Open to ongoing training (TBA)

• Time commitment to volunteer eight weeks 

Mentor Responsibilities

• Make initial contact

• Weekly check ins (based on mentee's comfortability and the agreement between mentor and mentee contacts can be made by phone, text or video)

• Center discussion around what is being learned in the support group

• Set and maintain healthy boundaries

• Offer hope, support and encouragement

• Share your journey when applicable

• Encourage mentee to set goals for recovery

• Provide feedback on mentee's progress 

• Contact ARISE! if problems develop