Step Study Group Dynamics

Thank you Phil from Kansas, for your Step Study questions and concerns!

1). It's my understanding that a step study participant "must" state their issues during introductions Do you agree?

Yes, I agree in that in order for the group to be safe each person should state their area of recovery. If they don’t other group members will feel awkward and unsafe to express their own.

2). Step study participant does NOT have to verbally share on any study guide question, but must have the questions answered, with at least some short statements, or "Key" words. Do you agree?

No, each person must participant in a step study group both verbally and in written form. Again it’s a major safety issue. Other participants of the group will not feel safe being vulnerable if someone else in the group is not willing. When someone joins a step study group they are saying they are ready to take their recovery to the next level.

3) A step study participant, while in the initial lessons of step 4, has admitted to his 2nd sexual addition relapse ( looked at pornography on the internet) and was asked to start over again in a future step study, and not to return to our current step study. We had previously made a TEAM decision that a 2nd relapse in step study indicates the individual should refocus, and start over again in a future step study. Does our policy seem reasonable and beneficial to you?

Agreed, anyone in any area of recovery that experiences a relapse in step 4 will only benefit from going back to step one. Relapse is a result of not thoroughly working steps 1-3. We would only be enabiling someone by allowing them to stay in a Step Study group in step 4. In addtion, another persons relapse effects the safety of the entire group.

As Step Study Group leaders, I encourage you; in the case you have someone who attends your step study group but are reluctant to participant. Share a cup of coffee with that person and learn more about them. Chances are they have valid fears that freeze them from opening up. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

I hope this helps!