Let it Out! – FAQs | Family Spirals®

We answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our series of Discussion & Support Groups. Make sure to also read our intro to Let it Out!, our Group Rules & Guidelines, and our roster of Current Groups. If you have more questions not addressed here, Contact Us.

Can I join with my family member?

Generally, it’s not advisable, since one or the other may feel inhibited, and it may create an awkward dynamic for other group members. For groups addressing family conflicts, we don’t permit it. Many desire a quick mediation and resolution with their family member, but our groups aren’t set up for that. Rather, to ensure a long-lasting beneficial outcome, we recommend that each family member takes steps independently to prepare for productive family interactions, or to find ways of being apart. Our groups are designed to help you focus on yourself and your needs without disruption. We also want to protect the integrity of the group from conflicting family members. In the future we will pilot activities where people in troubled relationships may participate together.

I’m a teen who has a conflict with a family member – can I join?

We understand the great need for teens to have services. In order to lawfully provide services to minors there are additional steps we need to take in order to be compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Until that process is completed, there are other options available to you: speak to your school guidance counselor, a youth group counselor or find a family-oriented teen support group. You can also seek out a sympathetic family member, parent of a friend, or other trusted adult. We always encourage people to see a compassionate psychotherapist or social worker knowledgeable about teen experiences and family dynamics. Speak to your school guidance counselor or nurse for references, or contact a local nonprofit that provides counseling services for teens for free or on a sliding scale. For additional resources, visit our Hotlines page. We are also developing a special program, “Let’s Get Through This”: Self-reliance and understanding for teens and parents, which will provide resources addressing teen-parent conflicts.

Our Discussion Groups are closed when all participants are registered at the beginning of the series and experience weekly sessions together, without anyone else joining. In this way, we preserve a sense of continuity, community, and confidence in sharing and respecting personal experiences. A facilitated group is one where a professional or trained volunteer leads the group to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in meaningful ways, and that respect and kindness are encouraged, along with adhering to guidelines and rules. In our Discussion Groups, facilitators follow a curriculum, but with the flexibility to address new or unresolved issues that the group needs to discuss.

Can I take the same Discussion Group series more than once?

Yes. Family relationships are complicated, and participating in a group again could be helpful. Even though Discussion Groups are guided by a curriculum, different people with different experiences will be participating – no two group experiences will be the same.

What sort of research are you doing?

Family Spirals® is committed to developing and providing services that meet the needs of people searching for support in dealing with their family relationships. To be effective, we need to understand – in greater depth – who these people are, what their needs are, why haven’t those needs been met, and how can we best address them. Usually, when people develop services, they rely on scientific studies that answer many of these and other questions. However, certain family relationships, dynamics, and problems are woefully under-researched. Family Spirals® was designed to increase this knowledge as we conduct our services.

Additionally, our surveys may actually help participants gain greater insight into their own family relationships, and monitor their successes and obstacles over time. Information gathered and analyzed will also help us to develop other needed services. We have taken measures to keep information confidential (although some participants may grant us permission to share part of their story or artwork in reports and/or marketing materials).

Will there be groups tailored to my community?

Yes – we are planning this. Let us know if you’d like us to tailor a particular support or discussion group to your community.

What about children?

There are many laws and regulations that govern programs for minors. Currently, we are not set up to initiate programs for children, however, we plan to have several programs involving and supporting children in the future.

Still, while our present roster of groups are for adults 18 and over, children and teens can also benefit, albeit indirectly. Adult sibling conflicts can impact relationships with aunts, uncles and cousins. Likewise, when there is tension between parents and grandparents, it can lead to an estrangement from a grandparent as well as other family members who are close to that grandparent. And when an animal is hurt by a member of the family, it may be an animal a child loves. By helping adults, children can benefit by having a larger and more connected family, which subsequently can increase their resilience and level of happiness.