Happy Thursday! I’m excited to announce the launch of three new support groups. Each support group is private, and separated for men, women, and advocates. These groups are not only for survivors of physical abuse, but also neglect, emotional abuse, and church abuse, as well as for the many spouses, family members, pastors, and counselors who want to learn to support victims and survivors better.
Not Forsaken Men’s Support Group is open to male survivors of abuse or neglect, as well as the husbands, brothers, and fathers of survivors who are struggling with the grief and anger we naturally feel when someone we love has been victimized. It is also open to men who had difficult childhoods, absent or dysfunctional parents, or who want to learn to live with the reality of broken relationships in a healthy way.
Not Forsaken Women’s Support Group is open to female survivors of abuse or neglect, as well as the wives, sisters, or mothers of survivors who who are grieving that their loved one was abused. It is also open to women who had traumatic childhoods, absent or dysfunctional parents, or who want to learn how to cope with broken or toxic relationships in a way that is safe and godly.
Not Forsaken Pastors & Counselors Support Group is open to church leaders, counselors, therapists, and other advocates who want to network, expand their resource base, and learn to minister to victims and survivors better. It is also open to the friends, spouses, and family of victims and survivors who want to learn about recovery techniques and related biblical concepts so they can better support their loved one.
What will we talk about?
First off, you don’t have to talk at all. If you want to interact, you’re welcome to. If you want to scroll through threads but not respond, you’re welcome too. As a writer, I’m sure I’ll do enough talking for all of us anyway! So, the first rule of Not Forsaken Support Groups is, no pressure. Check in when you want. Respond to posts when you want. Post whenever you feel like it. And if you don’t feel like interacting, don’t. Our goal – my goal – is to encourage you and build you up. No strings attached. No commitment required. All you need is a Facebook account.
While we will tackle tough topics, we’ll do so in a way that is constructive, healing, encouraging, and that points us to Jesus; the ultimate abuse survivor and vanquisher of evil. So, while we won’t shy away from reality, we’ll do it in a way that’s uplifting and as non-triggering as possible.
Among other things, over the summer, I plan for us to work our way slowly through my book, Not Forsaken. In the group for Pastors, Counselors, and Advocates, we’ll be studying, Not Forsaken: A Shepherd’s Guide. But, you don’t have to participate in these studies to benefit from the group.
The types of abuse we’ll cover include (but are not limited to):
- Neglect & Abandonment
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Church Abuse & Spiritual Abuse
- Emotional & Psychological Abuse
- Verbal Abuse
- Child Abuse & Childhood Trauma
- Marital Abuse / Intimate Partner Abuse
- Assault & Violence
- Bullying & Harassment
Types of trauma we’ll discuss include (but are not limited to):
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD / C-PTSD
- Panic Attacks
- Eating Disorders
- Suicidal Ideation
- Self-Destructive Thoughts & Behavior
- Addiction & Drinking too much
- Insomnia & Nightmares
- Fear of Abandonment
- Trust Issues
- Self-Confidence & Insecurity Issues
- Loneliness
- Anger
We’ll also talk about healthy recovery techniques, coping methods, and lifestyle goals, including:
- Self-Care (from Personal Hygiene to Mental Health)
- Relationship Building
- Establishing Healthy Routines
- Healthy Eating & Exercise Tips
- Bible Study Methods to Avoid Triggers
- Prayer Methods to Avoid Triggers
- How to Find a Safe Church
- How to Find a Good Counselor / Therapist
- When to Report Crime
- When to Leave a Church or Relationship
- How to Deal with Stalkers & Harassment
- Marriage & Parenting
- Sexuality & Gender Identity
- Establishing Boundaries
- Identifying & Avoiding Triggers
- Stress Reduction
- Discovering God’s Heart for the Abused
- Biblical Concepts (often warped by abusers), including; Forgiveness, Repentance, Love, the Fatherhood of God, Assigning Responsibility Correctly, Shame vs. Guilt, Emotions vs. Sin, Justice, and Mercy.
Please Note: If you try to join via an anonymous account, you’ll need to message me and let me know it’s you. I’m doing my best to pre-screen everyone, so, if your profile photo isn’t your face, or you’re not using your real name, please let me know ahead of time so I don’t accidentally remove you.
