VETERAN WIDOW/ERs SUPPORT GROUP
This is the official Site for the Veterans' Support Group (JSVSG). The purpose of this page is to disseminate meeting and planning information to regular participants of the VSG.
THIS IS NOT A PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUP - PEER-LED ONLY - PEER SUPPORT ONLY
The Veterans' Support Group is facilitated by the Alabama Institute for Behavioral Health & Research (AIBHR) and The American Legion Post 135, located in Phenix City, AL under the American Legion Department of Alabama. It is not a psychotherapy group and is not an extension of mental health services from the Alabama Institute for Behavioral Health & Research (AIBHR) or of/from John M. Duffey, LPC.
MEETING DAYS: Every other Wednesday (except on Holidays).
MEETING TIMES: 6pm to 8pm Eastern Time.
LOCATION: 5009 Riverchase Drive, Suite 100A, Phenix City, AL 36867
POC: John M. Duffey, MAcc, NCC, DMHE, LPC. Ph: 334-408-4689. E-Mail:Info@Alabamainstitute
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 August 2023 @0946hrs ET: Hi everyone!!! We have changed locations. AIBHR no longer affiliates with the American Legion and so we have changed from meeting at the local post to meeting at the clinic. The time is the same, 6pm to 8pm Eastern time and the location is 5009 Riverchase Drive, Suite 100A, Phenix City, AL 36867.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
05 March 2023 @ 1417hrs ET: Hi everyone! It has been awhile since anything has been posted here. I offer my sincerest apologies but things have been very hectic and busy at work. I hope all is going well for you. I just want to give you all a quick reminder that we are having a widows meeting this coming Wednesday starting at 1800hrs ET. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 December 2022 @ 1151hrs ET: Hi everyone! I have a special guest coming to our next session, which will not happen the week of Christmas but the following week. Same place and same time. But, a fellow widow and book author is coming to speak with you all about how she coped with the loss of her husband and to share some strategies with you for coping and re-establishing life after loss.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
04 December 2022 @ 2114hrs ET: Hi everyone! For our next group session, this coming Wednesday, I would like to spend a little bit of time presenting the `16 most common cognitive distortions that impact our perceptions, beliefs, world view, and depression, and anxiety. Below, on this page you will see a link for a PDF document called Cognitive-Challenging-worksheet. It has a lot of information about negative auto-thoughts and on strategies for countering them and improving the quality of life. PLEASE READ IT. PRINT IT and fill in the places were prompted. Bring it with you to group. I will have some blank print outs at group too. But, do read it ahead of time. We can complete them during group.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
02 December 2022 @ 0935hrs ET: The last session was a very interesting mix of two groups that resulted in a very positive outcome for everyone involved. Remember that laughter is a great medicine for depression and grief symptoms. It allows the release of both endorphins, Serotonin, and Dopamine. Each of these brain chemicals contribute to a better mood and relieves us of much of our depressive, anxietal, and grief symptoms. We all had a great time and I am very happy to see many of you smiling and laughing together.
We also had time to discuss how and when we wanted to conduct group. As many of you know, we are limited to just one day a week at the Post. So, we have to work out how we are going to have the two groups meet. Until January, 2023, we will be meeting jointly at the Post starting at 6pm ET and ending at 8pm ET every Wednesday evening. The groups will become individual again once I have a professional co-facilitator onboard with us.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 November 2022 @ 1024hrs ET: Our regular meetings will resume on Wednesday, 30 November 2022 from 1800hrs ET - 2000hrs ET (6pm-8pm Eastern). We will meet at the American Legion Post 135 located at 511 13th Street, Phenix City, AL 36867.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 November 2022 @ 0926hrs Eastern: There is a big question regarding the frequency of meetings at the Post for the Veterans and Widow/ers groups. We only have Wednesday nights to work with at Post 135. Both groups are interested in meeting weekly. This means we have three primary options:
1. Stack the times on Wednesdays for the two groups.
2. Change the location to the Alabama Institute's Board room for one of the groups and have a different day.
3. Stagger the meeting and have them every other week with every Wednesday filled with one group or the other.
Option 1 is to stack the groups with one being from 1600hrs ET - 1800hrs ET and the next from 1800hrs ET - 2000hrs ET. Both group participants that I have spoken to are concerned about the 1600-1800 slot because it is too early for those who work. This is definitely something we need to consider so everyone has the opportunity to participate. This may not be the most practical and feasible option due to the times involved.
Option 2 is to have two different days of the week and the same time of 1800hrs ET - 2000hrs ET. Wednesday have one group weekly at the Post and on another day of the week have weekly meetings with the other group at the Clinic. This is feasible and meets the time restrictions and location usage restrictions.
Option 3 is what we are doing now. Location: Post, Time: 1800-2000hrs ET, frequency: every other week.
Please feel free to contact me at 334-540-4401 or email [email protected] to express which of these you prefer. We do need to resolve the time and day issue.
| cognitive-challenging-worksheet.pdf |