Classic Program: Starter Facilitator Handbook for Healing Groups

Problem people

Possible solutions

Quiet: This person says nothing at all.

“ What do you think about this question?” Don’t force a quiet person to share if they don’t want to, but do try to make a space for them to do so if they wish.

Off-topic: This person can take any subject off course, in a different direction than the facilitator wishes.

Reel the conversation back in. Guide the group back to the question on the table. Use the “refrigerator” as necessary (see page 15).

Misinformed: This person gives wrong information.

Ask the group if anyone else would like to comment. Let the group correct itself, if possible, but do not let wrong ideas go uncorrected.

Overwhelmed: This person erupts in sobbing and tears, unable to contain emotions.

Find someone who can go with the person to a quiet place where they can talk.

Overwhelming: Someone may tell their story in such a graphic way it traumatizes others.

Before sharing begins, orient people to share their stories, but not to dwell on horrific parts as this may be upsetting to others.

Spiritual fixers: No matter the problem, this person has a Bible verse and advice. They minimize the pain of others, or try to fix everyone rather than listen. Offensive: Someone may be culturally inappropriate or disrespectful of other faith traditions.

Before the sharing begins, make it clear that the group is there to listen, not to fix or solve problems.

Ensure that no one is marginalized. You may need to challenge someone privately for the good of the group.

Facilitating Groups

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