Finding safety: Adapting a psychoeducational group for people who have experienced trauma

This article discusses the process of adapting a psycho-education group for people who have experienced trauma, with consideration of group process (how the group is delivered) using trauma informed care principles. With respect to group facilitation, this meant adopting a style of collaboration, framing group tasks as invitations to engage, and modelling safety, trust, and responsiveness (rather than reactiveness). A separate facilitator manual was developed regarding suggestions for group facilitation style and group delivery with this in mind. The Finding Safety Group was originally developed in 2019 by Heather Wyant (Advanced Nurse Practitioner) within the CAMEO service (part of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway). The group has recently (2023) been adapted by Dr Lianne Beadsmoore (Senior Forensic Psychologist and EMDR Therapist) and Jordyn Eyre (Assistant Psychologist) also from the CAMEO service. The adapted Finding Safety group was piloted twice: in September 2023 and April 2024. Development of this group has been thoughtfully considered in line with clinical guidelines and the developing evidence base with respect to interventions for people who have experienced trauma. This article will summarise the process of developing the group and the insights gained during this process.