Power of Two 101

Through the Power of Two Program IBD patients and caregivers can ​receive free, consistent, accessible, personalized support from one ​of our trained mentors who has gone through a shared experience.

Peer Mentoring Programs: Peer mentoring programs can fall under ​many definitions. The Crohn’s and Colitis foundation defines peer ​mentorship as, but not limited to the following:

• A form of 1:1 support from someone who has lived through ​similar experiences.
  
• Peer support is not medical treatment of any kind or ​professional mental health services.
  
• The peer mentorship is conducted by a trained mentor to a ​mentee, and takes place over three months, with the ​opportunity to extend based on mutual agreement
  

Research done on peer mentorship programs for chronic ​diseases has found that they lead to:

Pollock, M. D., Brotkin, S. M., Denio, E., Dave, S., Fisher, E. B., Docherty, S. L., & Maslow, G. R. (2022). Clinical ​application of a peer coaching intervention to enhance self-management for adolescents and young adults ​with inflammatory bowel disease.

Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 10(4), 409–427. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpp0000468

Support Groups 101

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Support Group Definitions

A support group can fall under many definitions. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation ​defines its support groups as, but not limited to, the following:

• A peer-led group facilitated by a Foundation trained volunteer with an IBD ​connection
  
• Groups of people with similar life experiences who come together for support ​and education
• A form of community support, not mental health professional services
• A support group facilitator’s role is to facilitate effective and productive IBD-​related conversation between patient and caregiver support group members
• A support group is primarily 90% IBD-related discussion by support group ​attendees aided by a Foundation-trained volunteer support group facilitator
• Support groups typically meet once a month for 1 to 2 hours. Any time over an ​hour and a half is suggested to be a free social time for support group ​members to bond on a personal level
• Support groups may hold no more than 3 guest speaking events annually. ​Guest speaker rules and guidelines are available per request
  

Support 101

What is Peer Support?

What is Community Support?

Why Patients Seek Support

It is important for you to understand why patients attend support programs so ​you can ensure your program is meeting the needs of its members. Members will ​improve their health outcomes and physical and mental health status with ​continued attendance, so it is crucial that they get the things they are looking for.

Community

Offering & receiving comfort & advice, expressing emotions in a group setting, ​developing relationships with other patients, knowing that one is not alone

Disease treatment and & symptom management

Learning how others treat and manage their disease (handling side effects, ​strategies to complement medical treatments & alleviate flares)

Aspects of living with disease

How to cope with chronic illness, financial implications, how to talk to one’s ​family, friends, or employer about IBD

Why Patients Don’t Seek Support

This comes from a lack of knowledge, preconceived notions about support ​programs, or barriers that prevent them from attending. With this knowledge, ​you, as a facilitator, can help to inform patients and caregivers about what ​support programs do and what a support program is, and allow you to remove ​barriers that prevent people from attending.

No Interest or Perceived Need

Patients may not feel support programs would be beneficial, or they do not ​need what a support program has to offer. This can come from a lack of ​knowledge of a support program and its benefits.

No Local Support Group

If a support program is unavailable in someone’s geographic location, they ​might feel that they cannot attend a program. The Foundation offers virtual ​groups to increase access to support.

Lack of Awareness of Support Groups

Patients will not attend if they do not know support programs are there. ​Raising awareness of your group will let patients know there is a local ​group they can attend to get the support they need.

Practical Barriers

Barriers like time, availability, lack of transportation, or health status can ​prevent people from attending programs.

Drop Out When Disease is Less Active

Often times people drop out of the support program when they are doing ​well with their health and have little or no disease activity, but join when ​they are having a lot of disease activity.

Emotional Factors

Patients may feel comfortable dealing with their emotions privately or a ​patient might be emotionally unprepared to attend a group. These people ​might need time to deal with their emotions before attending a group or be ​too fragile to feel comfortable expressing themselves in a group setting. ​These patients may be a good fit for the Power of Two program.

Aspects of living with disease

A newly diagnosed patient might be fearful of hearing stories about what ​could happen. A patient could be on the fence about attending and hasn’t ​made up their mind. Another patient might need some time to process ​their current health status.

Uncertainty and Contemplation

Barriers like time, availability, lack of transportation, or health status can ​prevent people from attending groups.

Negative Perceptions

Some patients have preconceived notions about support programs. They ​view support programs as negative and not helpful to their situation. ​Letting these people know the types of support and the various benefits ​they can receive might change their idea of a support program.

Many kinds of support can be offered to members of a support program. Four ​types of support are the most valuable and beneficial to Crohn’s and colitis ​patients. Interestingly, one of the sources of information used to develop the ​four types of support came from a study about patients seeking support in ​Crohn’s and colitis virtual groups.

When a person offers empathy or sympathy to someone when they are going ​through a hard time, that results in feelings of comfort and being cared for

Example: a group member is upset over another medication failure, the ​compassion and understanding of the group improved their mood and outlook ​toward trying another treatment

When a person offers another person advice or information about an issue or ​problem

Example: a support program member with Crohn’s disease suggests the type of ​vitamin they take every day or having a qualified medical professional talk to the ​group about what makes up a soft or liquid diet

When a person offers another person advice or information about an issue or ​problem

Example: a support program member with Crohn’s disease suggests the type of ​vitamin they take every day or having a qualified medical professional talk to the ​group about what makes up a soft or liquid diet

When someone feels an increase in their ability and self-worth through the ​compliments or feedback of others

Example: a member is struggling to gain weight, the group acknowledging and ​understanding their problem makes them feel more confident

As a peer supporter, you play a vital role in supporting individuals living with IBD. ​Your personal experiences and knowledge can provide invaluable guidance and ​comfort to others.

Types of Support You Provide to IBD Patients

Sharing Personal Experiences & Knowledge

Your unique journey with IBD allows you to share insights and experiences that ​can help others feel less isolated. Sharing both the challenges and triumphs can ​help mentees navigate their own experiences with the condition.

Peer Learning & Resource Sharing

Mentors can share educational information about IBD based on their own ​experiences, research, and resources provided by the Crohn’s and Colitis ​Foundation. This helps mentees gain a better understanding of the condition and ​the various ways to manage it.

Empowerment for Self-Advocacy and Self-Management

One of the primary goals of peer mentorship is to empower mentees to advocate ​for themselves in healthcare and interpersonal settings. By sharing your strategies ​and experiences, you can encourage them to engage in self-management ​techniques and make informed decisions about their health.

Support During Transitional Periods

Mentors can provide crucial support during transitional periods, such as receiving ​a new diagnosis, undergoing surgery, or changing medications. By talking through ​fears and sharing your own experiences, you can help mentees navigate these ​challenging times with greater confidence and understanding.

Sharing Hope & Understanding

Peer mentorship provides a unique source of hope and understanding that can ​only come from someone who has lived through similar experiences. Your ability ​to relate on a personal level can offer comfort and reassurance to those you ​support.

Building Relationships & Overcoming Stigma

Mentors' personal life experiences can help mentees build relationships and ​overcome the stigma often associated with living with IBD. By being open and ​honest about your journey, you can create a safe and supportive environment ​where mentees feel understood and accepted.

Types of Support You Provide to IBD Caregivers

Sharing Personal Experiences & Knowledge

Caregivers can benefit from learning about the personal experiences of other ​caregivers and mentors with IBD. By sharing your own journey, you can offer ​insights into what it's like to live with the condition and how best to support a ​loved one.

Peer Learning & Resource Sharing

Caregivers can share educational information about IBD, drawing from their loved ​ones' experiences, their own research, and resources provided by the Crohn’s and ​Colitis Foundation. This knowledge can help them better understand the ​condition and the various management strategies available.

Advocacy Tips & Empowerment

Mentors can provide tips on how caregivers can effectively advocate for their ​loved ones with IBD. This includes enhancing communication with healthcare ​providers, understanding treatment options, and navigating the healthcare ​system. Empowering caregivers with these skills can help them support their ​loved ones more effectively.

Support During Transitional Periods

Caregivers often face significant challenges during medical transitions, such as a ​new diagnosis, surgery, or changes in medication. Mentors with personal ​experience can offer support and guidance during these times, sharing strategies ​and experiences that can help caregivers feel more prepared and confident.

Sharing Hope & Understanding

Peer mentorship provides a unique source of hope and understanding for ​caregivers. The shared experiences of mentors, whether as caregivers themselves ​or as individuals with IBD, can offer comfort and reassurance. This connection can ​help caregivers feel less isolated and more supported in their role.

Building Relationships & Overcoming Stigma

By sharing experiences and providing support, mentors can help caregivers build ​stronger relationships with their loved ones and improve their caregiving skills. ​Understanding the challenges and emotions associated with IBD can enable ​caregivers to offer more compassionate and effective support.

As peer supporters, it is crucial to understand the boundaries of the support you ​provide. Your role is to offer empathetic listening and share personal experience ​to help others navigate their journey with IBD. However, there are certain areas ​where mentors should not provide guidance or intervention

Medical Treatment

Mentors cannot offer medical advice, diagnose conditions, or suggest changes to ​treatment plans. They can only share their personal experiences with different ​treatments.

Medical Advice

Supporters cannot provide medical advice or suggest specific medical ​treatments. They can share their experiences but should emphasize that each ​individual's journey with IBD is unique and requires professional medical ​guidance.

Therapy or Mental Health Services

While mentors can provide empathetic listening and emotional support, they are ​not trained therapists or counselors. They should not attempt to provide ​professional mental health interventions. Encourage individuals to seek ​professional help when needed.

Emergency or Crisis Support

Mentors are not trained to handle emergency situations or crises, such as severe ​health complications, suicidal ideation, or immediate safety concerns. In such ​cases, individuals should be encouraged to seek emergency services.

Legal or Financial Advice

Mentors should not offer legal or financial advice. These areas require specialized ​knowledge and expertise.

Promises of a Cure

Mentors should not and cannot promise cures for IBD or guarantee specific ​outcomes from treatments or lifestyle changes. While sharing personal ​experiences, it is important to emphasize that each person's response to ​treatment may vary.

Emergency or Crisis Intervention

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation support spaces are not emergency or crisis ​hotlines. In the event of an emergency or crisis, mentors should advise individuals ​to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or emergency services. ​Mentors are not equipped to handle such situations and should not attempt to ​intervene.

Always remember, as a mentor, your primary role is to offer support through ​listening and sharing personal experiences. You are not a replacement for medical ​or mental health professionals. For any questions or concerns beyond your scope, ​encourage individuals to consult with their healthcare providers or contact ​Foundation Support Staff.

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often face a wide range of ​challenges and emotions throughout their journey. Peer supporters can provide ​valuable support by sharing personal experiences and offering guidance. Here are ​some key groups of patients and the types of support mentors can offer:

IBD Patients

Newly Diagnosed

Common Challenges: Those who have recently received an IBD diagnosis may ​feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their condition.

Supporters Can Offer:

• Reassurance: Provide comfort and understanding by sharing personal ​experiences and helping them feel less alone.
  
• Coping Strategies: Share practical tips and strategies for managing symptoms ​and daily life with IBD.
  
• Guidance Navigating New Diagnosis: Help them understand the condition, ​potential treatments, and how to communicate with healthcare providers.
  
• Support While Moving Towards a Place of Acceptance: Assist in coming to ​terms with the diagnosis and integrating it into their identity and life.
  

Long-Term Survivors

Common Challenges: Individuals who have been living with IBD for an extended ​period may face ongoing challenges and need support at different times.

Supporters Can Offer:

• Social Support: Provide companionship and a listening ear to help reduce ​feelings of isolation.
  
• Understanding from Someone Who Gets It: Offer empathy and validation, ​drawing from personal experience.
  
• Connections and Guidance Navigating CCFA Resources: Help them access ​resources and support from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America ​(CCFA).
  

People Facing Surgery or Treatment Changes

Common Challenges: Individuals considering or undergoing surgery, starting new ​medications, or experiencing treatment changes may feel anxious or uncertain.

Supporters Can Offer:

• Understanding from Someone Who Gets It: Share personal experiences with ​similar situations to provide insight and comfort.
  
• Support in Advocating for Themselves: Encourage them to ask questions and ​be active participants in their healthcare decisions.
  
• Hope and Reassurance: Offer positive outcomes and stories to help reduce ​anxiety and fear.
  

Supporting Caregivers, Family Members, and Friends

Caregivers, family members, and friends play crucial roles in the lives of ​individuals with IBD. They can include spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, ​and close friends who provide emotional support, assist with daily tasks, and ​accompany individuals to medical appointments. Here's how mentors can ​support them:

Caregivers

Common Challenges: Caregivers may struggle with understanding the condition, ​managing their loved one's needs, and coping with their own emotions.

Supporters Can Offer:

• Personal Experiences and Knowledge: Share insights into living with IBD and ​how caregivers can best support their loved ones.
  
• Education About IBD: Provide information and resources to help caregivers ​understand the condition better.
  
• Advocacy Tips and Empowerment: Offer strategies for effective ​communication with healthcare providers and advocating for their loved ones.
  

Family Members and Friends

Common Challenges: Family members and friends may feel unsure about how to ​support their loved ones with IBD and may need guidance.

Supporters Can Offer:

• Emotional Support: Provide a safe space for family and friends to express ​their concerns and emotions.
  
• Practical Tips: Share strategies for providing practical help and support in ​daily life.
  
• Reassurance and Understanding: Help them understand the challenges of ​living with IBD and how they can be supportive allies.
  

To maintain a safe, supportive, and confidential environment, certain individuals ​and groups are not permitted in IBD peer support spaces. The primary focus of ​these spaces is to provide emotional support and shared experiences for ​individuals living with IBD and their caregivers. The following individuals and ​groups are not allowed:

Healthcare Providers Looking to Learn more About IBD

Healthcare providers, while valuable to the IBD community, should seek ​professional development and education through appropriate channels, not ​through patient support groups.

Researchers Soliciting Information from the IBD Community

Researchers interested in gathering information or conducting studies should not ​use support spaces for recruitment or data collection. They should follow proper ​ethical guidelines and seek approval through formal research channels.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Representatives from pharmaceutical companies, including those promoting ​medications or treatments, are not permitted. This policy helps prevent conflicts ​of interest and ensures that the support space remains a non-commercial ​environment.

Businesses Promoting Products to the Community

Any businesses or individuals promoting products or services to the IBD ​community are not allowed. This includes both medical and non-medical ​products. The focus of the support space is on peer support, not commercial ​interests.

Teachers, Counselors, School Nurses Who Work with the IBD ​Community

While educators and healthcare professionals in schools play an important role, ​they are not permitted to participate in peer support groups intended for patients ​and caregivers. They should seek information and support through professional ​training and resources.

Why This Matters

These restrictions are in place to:

• Protect Confidentiality: Ensure that personal experiences and sensitive ​information shared in the support space remain private and are not used for ​professional or commercial gain.
  
• Maintain a Safe Space: Provide a comfortable and judgment-free environment ​where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek support ​without outside pressure.
  
• Prevent Conflicts of Interest: Avoid potential conflicts arising from the ​involvement of professionals or commercial entities in personal support ​spaces.
  

Becoming an IBD peer supporter is a rewarding but demanding role that requires ​careful consideration of your readiness. Before committing, assess your ability to ​provide meaningful support to others. The following questions and factors can ​help you evaluate your readiness:

Knowledge & Understanding

Are you well-informed about IBD management?

• Ensure you have a solid understanding of IBD, its treatments, and ​management strategies.
  

Can you discern credible and non-credible information?

• It's crucial to differentiate between accurate, evidence-based information and ​misinformation to provide reliable guidance to your supportees.
  

Personal Experience & Stability

Are you well-informed about IBD management?

• Ensure you have a solid understanding of IBD, its treatments, and ​management strategies.
  

Can you discern credible and non-credible information?

• It's crucial to differentiate between accurate, evidence-based information and ​misinformation to provide reliable guidance to your supportees.
  

Commitment & Availability

Can you commit to meeting with your supportees on a regular basis?

• Consider your schedule and availability. Consistent support is key to building ​trust and providing meaningful assistance.
  

Do you have the energy and capacity to build a consistent relationship with ​someone right now?

• Reflect on your current life circumstances and energy levels. Ensure you can ​offer the time and emotional energy required to support someone effectively.
  

Managing Expectations

As an IBD peer mentor, it's important to approach your role with realistic ​expectations and a clear understanding of your own limitations. Here are some ​hard truths to keep in mind:

Not Everyone is Ready for Change

• Some people seeking support may not be ready or willing to make changes in ​their lives. It's essential to respect their readiness and provide support at their ​pace, without pushing them.
  

You Can't Be a Perfect Fit for Everyone

• It's impossible to connect with every person seeking support. Different ​personalities, experiences, and needs mean that you won't be the best match ​for everyone, and that's okay. It's important to recognize when someone ​might benefit more from another mentor.
  

Building Connections Takes Time

• Forming meaningful mentoring relationships or growing a support group can ​take time. Patience and persistence are key. Don't get discouraged if progress ​seems slow.
  

It Isn’t About You

• While your experiences are valuable, the focus should always be on the ​person seeking support. Share your story wisely and ensure it's relevant and ​helpful to the supportee's situation.
  

Living with IBD is Challenging

• IBD presents ongoing challenges, and you can't fix everything. Your role is to ​provide support, not to solve all problems. Encourage and empower, but ​recognize the limits of your influence.
  

You Can't Provide Support if You're Not Supported

• Ensure you have your own support network and take care of your well-being. ​You can't effectively support others if you're feeling overwhelmed or ​unsupported yourself.
  

You Won't (& Shouldn’t) Know Everything

• It's okay not to have all the answers. Be honest about your knowledge limits ​and be willing to learn and seek out resources. Encourage supportees to ​consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
  

Not Everyone Will Show Gratitude

• While your work is valuable and appreciated, not everyone will express ​gratitude. Some people may be too overwhelmed to recognize your efforts. ​Remember that the value of your support is not always immediately visible or ​acknowledged.
  

Being an IBD peer supporter involves navigating complex and sometimes ​challenging situations. By keeping these hard truths in mind, you can maintain a ​healthy perspective and continue to provide compassionate, effective support. ​Remember, your efforts make a significant difference, even if it's not always ​visible or acknowledged. Stay committed to your role, and continue to learn and ​grow as a mentor.

Be Patient

You May See Someone Once and Never See Them Again

• Some individuals may only attend a support session or meeting once and ​choose not to return. This can happen for various reasons, including personal ​comfort levels, other support options, or changing needs. It's important not to ​take this personally and to recognize that even a single interaction can still ​have a positive impact.
  

It May Take a Long Time to Make a Match or Build Up Members of ​Your Support Group

• Finding the right mentees or building a consistent support group can be a ​slow process. People may join and leave at different times, and it can take ​time to establish a core group of regular participants. Be persistent and ​patient in your efforts to foster these connections.
  

Patience is crucial in peer mentoring. Whether it's waiting for the right ​connections, seeing progress in supportees, or finding the right group dynamic, ​patience allows you to maintain a positive and steady approach. Trust that your ​efforts will pay off, even if the results are not immediate.

Understanding Inconsistent Engagement

It's important to remember that flare-ups, unexpected symptoms, or even ​hospitalizations can impact someone's ability to participate in support sessions.

If a supportee is not engaging, they might not be intentionally avoiding you—they ​could simply be dealing with their IBD challenges. In these situations, approach ​with empathy and understanding.

Difficult Situations

A member might share a crisis situation with the group, whether IBD-related or not, due ​to the level of comfort and support between the members. As a facilitator, you need to ​be able to recognize crisis situations and the appropriate response. Some situations can ​be handled within the group, and other situations might require a referral to a ​professional who is trained to help people experiencing severe

crisis situations.

Assessing crisis situations

A member might become very emotional when sharing something with the group. The ​response could be due to fear, a sense of being overwhelmed, or because they are in a ​safe environment where they can display their emotions, regardless of how raw they ​might be. These types of emotions require a friendly yet matter-of-fact response. ​Encourage the member to continue sharing and listen calmly. Tears are a normal ​response to some of the things members have faced from IBD.

If the member cannot regain control or is making comments that have you fearing for ​their safety or the safety of others, they may require professional intervention.

Making appropriate referrals

Sometimes, a member might need more than what the group can offer. IBD patients can ​experience traumatic situations and might need to see a trained professional to deal ​with what is happening to them. If a member is having suicidal thoughts, they need to ​immediately be referred to a professional who can help them work through what they ​are feeling. When the topic of depression or suicide comes up, it is important put some ​of the following resources in the chat.

While IBD supporters are not trained mental health professionals, due to ​the intimate nature of the support space, there may be times where they ​encounter a someone in a mental health crisis.

How To Handle a Mental Health Crisis

If it happens over messages or emails

You can reply to your mentee or member saying:

“Thank you for reaching out to me. I’m sorry to ​hear you are in so much emotional pain right ​now. The National Suicide Prevention ​Lifeline’s crisis counselors are here for you any ​time at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The call is free ​and confidential”

After the Crisis

Connect with ​friends, and or ​family about what ​happened and ​feelings coming up ​for you.

When people begin to open up to you, it is likely that other ​things from their personal life may come up. You are not ​expected to handle it, but you are expected to make an ​appropriate referral

The IBD Help Center

888-MY-GUT-PAIN (888-694-8872)

info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Patients can call the IBD Help Center to find mental health providers in their area. ​If the patient is experiencing a mental health crisis, the IBD Help Center will make ​a three-way call with the patient and a crisis line to connect them to a ​professional who can help. The IBD Help Center cannot provide mental health ​services; they will assist the patient with locating the help they need.

The IBD Help Center

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in ​distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best ​practices for professionals in the United States.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-TALK (8255)

Lifeline assists people in immediate crisis with a skilled, trained crisis worker who ​will listen to the problems they are experiencing and will connect them to local ​mental health services. All calls are confidential and free.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-SAFE (7233)

Every contact with The Hotline is personal. Some people who reach out to us ​identify as survivors of abuse, some as concerned friends or family members, and ​some as abusive partners seeking to change themselves.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ​(SAMHSA) Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA’s helpline provides 24/7, free, and confidential information and referrals ​for individuals facing substance abuse and mental health issues. It offers support ​for those seeking treatment and resources for managing addiction and related ​challenges.

SAMHSA Helpline

Unfortunately, you might come across a member who needs mental health ​services. You must refer them to a mental health professional who can provide the ​help they need. You and the members of the group are not legally or ethically ​able to provide mental health services. Please let Foundation staff know if you ​have a member in a crisis situation.

There is always the potential for conflict in a group situation. You need to be ​aware of potential conflict and be ready to handle it if and when it arises.

Prevention

The best way to address conflict is to prevent it from occurring in the first place ​when possible. Conflict is not entirely avoidable, but when appropriately handled, ​the group can continue functioning as a productive and supportive place.

Address issues

Immediately address each issue that arises. In some situations, it might be wise to ​take a step back and address it later, but never let conflict boil under the surface; ​it will eventually find its way to the top!

Make suggestions and find ways to move forward

Offer solutions and ways to get past the conflict. Bring up behavior that is desired ​rather than reprimanding undesired actions. For instance, “Keep the conversation ​focused on members who are present at the meeting” instead of “Do not talk ​about people who are not here.” Do not point out specific member’s actions; ​instead, talk about how certain actions affect the individual. Try “I feel like what I ​am saying is not important when I am interrupted” instead of “You need to stop ​interrupting me when I am talking.” Do not complain about or criticize member’s ​behavior. Keep calm and move forward.

Problems may occur on the individual or group level. Your first decision will be ​to engage in problem-solving on your own or to include the group in the ​problem-solving process.

Solving the Problem on Your Own

1. Identify the problem: Make sure you understand the full scope of the problem ​before you attempt to solve it.
2. Determine the cause: If you do not find the root cause of the problem, it will ​continue to occur. You need to be addressing the actual problem, not the ​effects of the problem.
3. Explore the solutions: Look at all possible solutions; there is usually more than ​one way to solve a problem.
4. Select the most appropriate response: Determine which solution offers the ​most long-term and timely solution.
5. Implement the solution: Put your plan into action.
   

Solving the Problem as a Group

Sometimes, the group needs to be included in the problem-solving process, ​especially if it is a group issue.

1. Identify the problem: Define the issue as a solvable problem. Perhaps the issue ​is too large and needs to be broken down into smaller parts. Narrow down the ​problem until it is something that the group can deal with
2. Listen to all solutions: Do not immediately disregard a suggestion, regardless ​of how unrealistic it might be. Allow members to express all of their ideas.
3. Discuss the feasible solutions: Talk as a group about the best approach to take
4. Select the best option: Decide as a group what the best solution will be.
5. Assess the outcome: Follow up later and determine if the solution works.

Appropriate Referrals

You and members of the group are not legally or ethically able ​to provide medical or mental health services When making ​appropriate referrals, refer to the IBD Help Center. The IBD ​Help Center refers the patient to multiple sources and ​providers. That allows the patient to make the BEST choice for ​them and their disease journey.

After a mentoring connection ends, your mentee can continue to access support ​services. Send them the link to find a virtual support group.

If a support group member is looking to connect with someone who has gone ​through a similar experience, you can send them information to join the Power of ​Two program

* More detailed training on referrals will be provided in the next module*

Role Playing & Potential Scenarios

At some time, you will have a member who presents a challenge to you or ​the group culture. Discuss the rules and appropriate behavior at the ​beginning of the meeting. Talk to the member outside the group if they ​become confrontational or do not respond well to feedback. Remember ​that even if the member presents a problem, they are still a patient needing ​support; there could be an underlying reason for the member’s behavior.

Everytime someone speaks, they ​interrupt them and change the ​subject to be all about themselves. ​They are the first to respond to every ​question, and take up more space in ​the conversation than anyone else.

Some tips for handling it:

If a group member dominates the conversation, you can offer other ​members the floor or ask other members for their direct input. For example, ​you can say, “Thank you for sharing, Phillip. Diana, have you ever had an ​experience that made you feel the way Phillip did?” or “We haven’t heard ​from Luis in a while; Luis, is there anything you would like to share with the ​group?”

Someone may be sharing the ​newest supplement they tried that ​they think will cure them, or the ​elixir they found on Facebook that ​they claim can “cure” the diarrhea ​they experience

Some tips for handling it:

If a member gives unwanted advice, you can remind them that everyone’s situation ​is different and not all IBD is the same. The support program is not a place for ​medical advice, doctor recommendations, or misleading and inaccurate medical ​information. Going over rules at the beginning of the meeting and offering ​occasional reminders can be helpful. If members have specific medical questions, ​suggest inviting a healthcare professional to speak or see if the Crohn’s and Colitis ​Foundation has pamphlets or a presentation that can be used at future meetings. ​Refer members to credible sources of information, including the IBD Help Center or ​the Helpful Links page.

Someone who is raising their ​voice or being hostile to you as ​the facilitator, along with other ​members of the support group

Some tips for handling it:

If a member displays aggressive behavior, it can cause others to become angry ​or decline to participate. Calmly remind the member that part of participating ​in the group is respecting other members. An angry or aggressive member may ​have issues that cannot be resolved in a group setting. You can refer an angry ​member to the IBD Help Center to provide a list of mental health providers in ​their area.

Two group members talking ​while someone else is sharing, ​going off the topic of IBD, or ​talking to other people in their ​home in the virtual environment

Some tips for handling it:

Side discussions are disruptive and disrespectful to the person who is speaking. ​Remind members that only one person at a time can speak or ask the members if ​they have anything to contribute to the conversation. If members utilize the chat ​box to talk outside the main conversation, ask them to wait until the person ​speaking is finished and then address the entire group.

Members who have a hard time ​engaging and often do not have ​a lot to share in group ​conversations

Some tips for handling a

Some members are shyer than others and may take more time to open ​up to the group. It is okay for someone to join the group and refrain from ​speaking or turning on their camera. Acknowledge their presence and ​invite them to share. You can use a phrase such as, "I invite anyone who ​hasn't said anything yet to share by coming off of mute or in the chat" If ​they choose to stay silent, that is ok too. It shouldn’t take more than 1 or ​2 meetings for someone to contribute.

They are too wrapped up talking ​about the latest football game, their ​child’s soccer game, or politics and ​keep changing the topic away from ​IBD

Some tips for handling a member who