ppratt
MI - Michigan Centering Consortium
Posts: 39
I work at a: Healthcare Facility
My job role is: Staff
|
Post by ppratt on Sept 30, 2015 9:11:18 GMT -5
A question has been brought forward on the facilitator process evaluation recently about disruptive persons during group. Our first group had it's sixth session last week. From what I am understanding, there is a support person that tends to be a little louder, always making comments about subjects (trying to be funny, not rude), and trying to be the center of attention during group. It has been this way from the beginning. Some of the things that the facilitators have tried have been using the talking stick, reviewing guidelines each group, ignoring the comments. I feel they are at a loss right now as the behavior continues. We did discuss after last group that this person may need to be taken aside and talked with about the behaviors and how disruptive it can be. Are there any other ideas about how this situation can be handled?
|
|
|
|
Post by Molly Ryan on Oct 1, 2015 17:01:50 GMT -5
It sounds like your facilitators are using everything in their tool box! Good for them for sticking with it and getting creative. Do other group members seem upset or annoyed with the interruptions? I wonder if the facilitators are feeling anxious about it, but the group actually doesn't mind. Part of this might just be getting used to observing groups a bit more and not always feeling the need to intervene - a delicate balance for sure. I would encourage the facilitators to discuss this a bit more. If the consensus is that the outbursts really are unwelcome and unnecessarily distracting, it's perfectly reasonable to pull this person aside and talk about group conduct expectations.
Another tip is to ensure that one of the facilitators sits across from the disruptive person. This helps you see both his/her behavior and how people are reacting to it more clearly. It can also help offset the power dynamic a bit when someone is trying to put attention on themselves and detract from the facilitators' group leadership.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
|
|
ppratt
MI - Michigan Centering Consortium
Posts: 39
I work at a: Healthcare Facility
My job role is: Staff
|
Post by ppratt on Oct 2, 2015 19:43:24 GMT -5
They do seem a little frustrated with this support person. I think a couple of the comments were a little inappropriate also, not rude, just inappropriate. I will be passing this information along for sure. Thanks Molly.
|
|
|
|
Post by ktrotter on Oct 16, 2015 16:03:18 GMT -5
hi,
this is somewhat common and you are handling it pretty well as Molly said. When you have your quarterly facilitator lunch session, bring this up for discussion. Maybe she is filling in silence, or someone who doesn't have a strong filter. Try letting her lead something; collecting cards at end of an activity, or starting up and sending around a Contact Sign Up sheet. I am happy to process with the actual facilitators too on the phone. Kathy
|
|
ppratt
MI - Michigan Centering Consortium
Posts: 39
I work at a: Healthcare Facility
My job role is: Staff
|
Post by ppratt on Oct 20, 2015 14:48:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the ideas/suggestions. It seems that the last group, this person was a little more subdued and did well. The group only has 4 more sessions, so fingers are crossed that he behaves. We will make sure this is brought up at a facilitator meeting.
Kathy, I will keep it in mind to possibly do a phone conference meeting with you and the facilitators so we can trouble shoot this problem. Thanks for the information.
Patti |
|
|
|
Post by eeblackford on Apr 25, 2016 7:54:29 GMT -5
I am curious to know if this resolved and if there were any new tricks you tried that worked. I am facing that issue and we are just on Session #2! I've already gotten an email from another group member who also attends pre-natal yoga with this Mom and is thinking about quitting Centering because this person is very negative. I'm thinking about using a talking stick, but I haven't tried it before. In the 1.5 years I've been doing Centering, this is the first really extreme case I've faced. I would really love some advice!
Erin
|
|
|
|
Post by John Craine on Apr 25, 2016 10:55:11 GMT -5
Erin, I don't think there is a single resolution to this but rather multiple possible approaches. Use of the talking stick is great idea because it helps establish boundaries but it won't change attitudes. Another thought is to incorporate elements of the mindfulness curriculum ( centeringconnects.org/thread/414/mindfulness-centering-curriculum-attached) with a focus on positivity. |
|
|
|
Post by eeblackford on Apr 25, 2016 12:52:09 GMT -5
Thank you so much!
|
|
