Each week, we hold a virtual, Ethos-wide support group for family members of both current and former clients, at no cost. When a loved one is struggling with mental illness, we know that family members are also impacted. At the same time, studies show that the family system is vital to the process of healing. Part of our commitment to continuity of care means providing support for the family in addition to the client.
Tad Bodeman, a long-time Ethos team member and one of four master's-level facilitators of our family support group, sat down to chat with us about the family connection and what family members can gain from joining this complimentary meeting.
Why was this free support group for families created?
It's really an important addition to our continuum of care. When a loved one is struggling with mental illness, we know very clearly, from the research and from our work, that family members are also impacted. In a family, it is so common that all of our attention and energy becomes focused on the loved one who is struggling. We also know that within the family system, we all have an impact on each other's well-being. Part of our commitment to integrative, long-term healing is providing this family support group to help members become better equipped to understand and heal themselves. As a result, they are able to contribute to a more helpful relationship with their loved one.
What does a typical group session look like?
Each Tuesday evening, our family group is facilitated by four licensed therapists. We meet via Zoom and begin, as a large group, with one of our therapists presenting a psychoeducation topic that is relevant to families dealing with mental illness. These topics include content that the families' loved ones are also learning in our system of care. They are selected to help family members learn how to heal, improve their own well-being, and develop a greater understanding of mental illness and its effects on the family.
After this, we break up into smaller support groups facilitated by individual therapists, where family members are more able to discuss their joys, fears, successes, setbacks, and more. This gives participants the chance to care for each other, learn from each other, hold space for each other, and simply feel safe and connected. It is a place where they can share freely among others who understand and are going through it themselves.
Why should family members consider joining?
None of us come equipped to deal with mental illness. This group is focused on learning, relationships, and well-being, and on helping give members the tools, knowledge, and support needed to be better equipped for the difficulties families face.
How is the family affected by a loved one's struggle?
A foundational part of the human experience is our relationships. We are interconnected and interdependent, and we affect each other at an emotional, mental, and physical level. Those connections, and our ability to impact each other, are a crucial part of family healing. With the right support, we can find our pathway toward better and improved well-being, both individually and together.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a family member with a loved one struggling?
It is important to get better equipped to personally deal with what's happening in your family, and the impact it's having on you. It helps to find people outside of your family unit to share with and learn from. That's why we've made a commitment to provide free support for families of clients who are or have been in our system of care.
How can family members join the group?
To learn more or join the group, you can email admissions@ethoswellness.com or contact the care team member you usually communicate with regarding your loved one's treatment. Whether your loved one is a current or previous client, they will send you the information to join our Zoom meeting each week at no cost. We look forward to having you. You can also reach out through our contact page with any questions.
