Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - ASCA
Contents
Who Are We?Our ASCA meeting in Chicago is a support group for adult survivors of child abuse. We generally meet weekly (more on this below), to give one another emotional support and an opportunity for expression of feelings, thoughts, memories, hopes, insights, and education on the subject of child abuse.Our meetings follow the Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) program as designed by the Morris Center in San Francisco. The format is similar to that of 12-step programs with some significant
differences. Similarities include directed readings, short and long
shares, absence of cross-talk, and mutual support. Differences include
the replacement of the 12 steps with a list of 21 steps that are more
relevant to survivors of child abuse. For more information on our
meeting format, visit ASCA's website at www.ascasupport.org.
When and Where Do We Meet?We take one week at a time. If we have enough folks to hold the meeting, we do. If there are not enough folks that week, the meeting is not held and we shoot for the next week. We get this done via email. If you wish to be added to the email list which will allow you to be notified as to whether the meeting is on for that week, please send me a message at: ascahealing@gmail.com This mechanism attempts to ensure that no one ends up being the only one to show up for a meeting. Once the meeting attendance has grown to a routine size, this mechanism will be dispensed with and the meeting will just be held on an on-going basis every week. Some folks prefer to use an email address that doesn't contain their full name, or is a pseudonym. This can help maintain their anonymity, at least in emails. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE MEETING PLACE UNLESS YOU'VE GOTTEN AN EMAIL THAT THE MEETING IS ON FOR THAT WEEK - THERE WILL NOT BE ANYONE THERE!!!
MEETING TIME AND LOCATION: Fridays, 7pm to 8:30pm Swedish Covenant Hospital The Anderson Pavilion is a free standing building on the south east
corner of the intersection of California (2800 W) and Winona (5132
N). Winona is the first street south of Foster. Turn onto Winona -
one way East bound.
Who Can I Contact for More Information?Stu at ascahealing@gmail.com
What Is the Basic Meeting Format?
What Do I Have to Do at Meetings?You do not have to do anything. You do not have to introduce yourself and do not have to speak. You can just sit and listen if you like. This is a no pressure situation. We try to keep the atmosphere easy going and friendly.
How Many People Attend Meetings?We average nine to twelve people per meeting, but has been as large as sixteen attendees. This meeting started in July 2010 and is still ongoing.
What Types of Child Abuse Do You Discuss?We discuss the whole gamut of forms of child abuse, including: sexual, physical, emotional abuse, and neglect.
What Is the Demographic Background of Meeting Participants?We have people of many races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and life style choices. We have both men and women, most meetings with a 50-50 split by gender. Our participants cover the adult age range.
What Are the 21 steps of ASCA?STAGE ONE: REMEMBERING STAGE TWO: MOURNING STAGE THREE: HEALING
Can I Join?We welcome any person who is recovering from child abuse except for those who are currently perpetrating abuse on others (See note 6 below.). Our Meetings are classified as Open drop-in. This means that a newcomer to the ASCA meeting is always welcomed into the group. Participants come when they want. There is no set commitment to attending ASCA meetings and no requirement to participate. If you like, you can just get comfortable in your chair and watch. To ensure cooperation and safety in our meeting, we observe the following guidelines:
Does It Cost Anything?There is currently no cost to attend our meeting.
Do You Have Any Resource Materials?Sure. Please go to the top of this page and, on the left side, click on "ASCA Reading Materials". You may read online or download any file you would like. Please make sure to read the "Survivor to Thriver Manual". It is the entire ASCA program of healing: To hear an audio sample of an ASCA meeting go to: http://ascasupport.org/meetings.php
Will This Group Help Me?Each individual will have their own, unique experience. Many survivors report that the group has been a wonderful help in their recovery, providing camaraderie, the feeling that a person isn’t the only one, a forum for expression, and a resource for ideas. Recovery takes time and, usually, a variety of approaches including individual therapy. We can’t promise that the group is for you, but if you feel that it might be, we hope that you’ll give it a try. __________________________
We just want to add that support groups are a potent and affordable device for healing. And healing should not be postponed for a sunny or rainy day. We look forward to seeing you at a meeting soon. Hoping for you a peaceful day, Scott & Stu
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