Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Jamie Tiedemann" <>]

I am Director of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Aurora Center for 
Advocacy and Education (sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking). 
I have facilitated a support group for sexual assault survivors for about 6 
years. The group is open ended and survivors can join at any time. My group 
averages about 6-7 members per semester.  Some carry over from fall to spring 
semester.  I conduct an intake interview to determine if the group seems to 
appropriately meet the needs and expectations of prospective members.I have a 
set of guidelines for the group which each member reviews and signs just to 
acknowledge awareness of expectations for the group. Most of our members come 
from our legal advocacy and crisis intervention staff and volunteer referral 
base. I have been integrating more and more mind/body exercises, effective  
breathing techniques and  other tools for helping the members integrate 
stress reduction techniques.  In addition, I have a handout that at the 
beginning discusses the Goals of the group - intervention:  1. processing 
trauma; acquiring healthy coping skills; learning to identify and express 
emotions in a healthy way; relearning trust; establishing healthy boundaries; 
recreating intimacy, support; and developing self-esteem.  Topics covered 
during each  10-12 week semester include:  discussion of addictive behaviors 
that include abuse of alcohol/drugs; eating disorders; self-mutiliation; 
emotional disconnects e.g. disassociation; amnesia-inability to remember 
periods of time in their life; depression; grief and loss; shame and sexual 
dysfunction just to name a few.  I make sure all members have time to talk 
about their week and challenges of the week. Each group is 1 1/2 hours.  Most 
of the members also have a regular therapist.  Hope this is helpful.

Jamie C. Tiedemann, M.S.
Director, The Aurora Center
University of Minnesota
407 Boynton-410 Church St. SE.
Minneapolis, MN  55455
telephone:  612-626-9988
Fax:  612-626-9933
e-mail:  





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