retrospec support group!

[flowrite]

Fiacre Lachance 6/14 near Tribunal Terrace

Hello everyone! I think I know several of you by now, but for those I don't, my name is Fai Lachance. I'm a social worker here in Recollé--primarily I work with children in the foster system, or families going through the adoption process, but I do a little bit of everything depending on what the office needs me for. Tony Carter (yes, that Tony Carter!) recently contacted me about offering therapy services to Retrospec users. Some of you may not be aware, but clinical social workers are the single largest group of mental health providers in this country! Unfortunately I'm still a year away from getting my clinical license and I want everyone to know that up front, but I do have training for this and I'm willing to help, if anyone would like it. I know a lot of us are going through some pretty intense stuff right now. Bad memories, physical changes, skills or abilities we didn't have before and may not understand. I can't pretend to have a fix for all of that, but what I would like to do it set up a sort of Retrospec support group. A place where you can go and meet other people in person, and feel safe doing it, and not feel alone in all of this. If you want to talk about your memories or concerns or anything, someone will be there to listen. And if not, you can just show up and listen and know that other people understand what you're going through. Please let me know if you'd be interested in a meet-up, or possibly a continuing series of them! Mr. Carter is looking into a space for us, something a little more secure than the usual support group. If there's not enough interest in a large group, or if anyone feels the need aside from the large group, I can also offer small group sessions or one-on-one counselling. Just let me know your thoughts on any of this please, so we can plan out what works best for everyone! Any questions, or any thoughts at all, please let me know! And thanks for your time (◕◡◕✿)

((ooc: disclaimer!! Fai is studying psychology and therapy practice, I am not. I'll do what research I can, but please bear with me ♥))

Comments

[thesettingsun]

I'm absolutely on board for this. Either the group meet up or one-on-one sessions. If there's enough interest, maybe smaller groups for more specific problems? Traumatic memories vs. physical changes, that kind of thing.

[true_noir]

I think this is an excellent idea. Right now, we do this fairly informally, but I don't think a formal support group would be bad at all. I am coping, more or less, ok most days. But that doesn't mean the stress is always easy. And, the only people who truly understand are those on the app.

[sotenbori]

You're a good guy for setting this up, Fai.

[thisloveisjustice]

Oh wow, I was just talking with a friend about how we (collective we) could really use support groups and counselling.

[b/c of all the teenagers :| damnit retrospec leave the kids out of this]

So thank you to you and Mr Carter for getting the ball rolling on this.

[wordcarvings]

And if you need anyone to talk to you know I'll always lend you an ear, Fai.

I think this is a good idea. I have been working with an acquaintance in an attempt to set up a group art therapy thing but finding an appropriate location has been a bit tricky. I would have used my apartment but it might be too small, I'm not sure. But perhaps it would be possible to cooperate in some way? Do you think art therapy would be any useful?

[rygdea]

Things must be getting bad if the local shrink think we all need therapy.

Man, I miss the days when Recollé was just a fun boring little city.

[liberal_arts]

-...-

I can definitely see how this is needed right now. People should definitely be grateful for your help.

[flowrite]

Ha, I know right? (◠‿◠✿)

But think of it this way: better to offer help before things get past the breaking point, than to wait and try to pick up the pieces, don't you think?

[flowrite]

Ah, thank you Majima, you're sweet to say so ♥

I feel vastly underqualified given what some people must be going through, but all we can do is try, right?

[flowrite]

Great, I'll put you down as a supporter!

I'm more than willing to offer individual help on top of the other sessions, of course, and I think small group sessions based on shared traits is a great idea. I'd still really like to keep a larger group session as well, just to keep everyone connected. But of course it's up to everyone what they'd prefer!

[flowrite]

I think you're right. The app itself is a kind of support tool, even though it's also the source of the problem, but I think meeting in person and seeing other people who're just like us would be valuable for a lot of people.

And it's a chance to get help without having to use Retrospec to do it.

[thesettingsun]

I think the large group is a good idea too. God knows we have so many problems from this stupid app that we couldn't cover them all in smaller groups.

I don't have to try and beg my insurance to cover this, right?

[flowrite]

Ah, really? Great minds think alike, they say!

You're very welcome. I just hope this can actually be of some help, or at least start people in the right direction!

[flowrite]

Thank you, Koutarou. I might have to take you up on that one of these days ♥

Oooh, art therapy sounds like a wonderful idea! We're still working on our format of course, but when we get things closer to being nailed down we can offer it as a session for people to choose!

[flowrite]

[...welp, guess who feels like a jerk for acting the way he did the other day. Even more than he already did. (Except you still can't have his friend, Kasen)]

I just hope it does help, and that people are willing to try to get help if they need it.

So I can put you down as a supporter?

[rygdea]

Hey, don't get me wrong! I'm all for the support thing.

It's a great idea and I honestly think I know a few people who could use the help. Hell, I might even need some help coming to terms with all this insanity.

[flowrite]

Exactly. I'd hate to find out after the fact that someone had a truly unique situation and lost out on help because there was no one else quite like them. And feeling like part of a larger community is a good thing.

Haha, nope! Sessions will be free. Mr Carter has offered to compensate me for my time. Just bring yourself, and anyone else you think might benefit (b ~_^)b

[flowrite]

I'm glad you like the idea! If there are people you don't think would be willing to reply to my post here, it'd be a big help if you could at least pass the word along! Everyone's welcome :)

[true_noir]

And if we only "gather" when retrospec does something, we can't pro-actively help each other. We're just comforting each other each time something goes wrong. That's no way to move on.

[thesettingsun]

We stand together in adversity against crappy memories and giant ants.

[flowrite]

And boring grey cars, yes! The last straw щ(`Д´щ;)

[flowrite]

Exactly! As much as everyone here loves to pick on our good friend Jim, we need to be taking care of ourselves. And with some of the abilities people are displaying, it could potentially be devastating if someone were to lose control of themselves due to stress or anguish.

[true_noir]

And there is a difference between emotional and psychological support and actual training in using a power or practice with weapons. The two are not the same thing, are they?

[thisloveisjustice]

I think it'll be a big help. I'm definitely interested in participating, if only to be there to listen to everyone.

[toushiro]

[ ... ]

Would you mind if I contacted you privately about something?