North Carolina Celebrates Citizens’ Group Therapy
July 29th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
The consequences, both physical and mental, of domestic violence and related abuse can be debilitating for many people, and the addition of substance abuse problems can make it an incredible challenge to extricate oneself from a harmful situation and seek help. Still more challenging is the ability to organize a group dedicated to discussing these issues and supporting those concerned about themselves and family members, yet this is the precise mission of an organization in North Carolina that has recently celebrated its first year of operation. Tea Talk Thursday, facilitated by former substance abuse and domestic violence sufferers, has been bringing a non-judgmental place to vent, along with tea and snacks, to the local community for twelve months, a noteworthy achievement in the progression of the power of people to grow from even the most difficult of circumstances.
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9 comments so far
i was in a group like this in san francisco 18years ago and it was truly lifechanging. especially becasue i’m a guy and i was hiding the abuse for years. i think it’s less common for males to be pushed around by their wives, but those that are have a much harder time getting help than women…i was so ashamed back then.
I live in the Western NC area and have never heard of a group like this in my region but this intrigues me and makes me want to look for meetings like this in my area. I have been to a couple of support groups that have just never really seemed like my kind of thing but I am definitely willing to try something like this out, even it means having to drive a way to get there. Any ideas how to find out more about where these support groups are forming and how to get in touch with someone local?
Connie, the article closes with a contact email for the reporter, Amanda Lehmert. You could email her and request contact information for Cynthia Hunter or that she passes your email on.
The reporter may have more information too that wasn’t in the article. There’s also a phone number.
Have you contemplated starting a local group yourself?
This is a fantastic idea- I wish that there were more concerned areas that provided services like this, but I know that sometimes the money and financial support just is not there. I sincerely hope though that programs like this can grow and flourish and be the comfort that so many are searching for.
Grace,I agree. It’s sad but true that groups like these come well down the funding list. If there was any justice in this world, there would be a similar group in every town for abused partners.
Just so you know I am doing a little research into how these things are funded and the chances of starting one up in my town.
Good luck, Grace. Local churches and small business organizations like the chamber of commerce are not to be ruled out. They often donate to and support worthy local causes.
Try approaching your local paper. They love human interest stories. They could do a feature article on your cause and get publicity for you. Offers come out of those types of features. They know the paper will do a follow-up article on the supporter and it’s good public relations.
I became a counselor in my neighbourhood church. The amount of good work that can be done definitely depends on each individual. Govt. funding is not exactly raining but with a lot of individual effort it’s possible to work with the trickles. After all change has to start with you.
Local papers and educational institutions would be my suggestion.