Using a Supportive Community Group Process to Cope with the Trauma of Social Fragmentation and Promote Re-Socialization in the Bahamas

Abstract

The Family: People Helping People project is a supportive group process modality involving the sharing of personal stories, self-examination, reflection and transformation using psychotherapeutic principles. The group process was developed to confront the prevailing social fragmentation in the Bahamas associated with or caused by the continuing effects of the country-wide crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and the fall-out due to the recent international financial downturn. Facing community disintegration, high youth unemployment and burgeoning rates of violent crime and murder, many persons have been severely traumatized. This paper reviews the major themes presented in 776 group process sessions indicating the pervasive nature of the negativity of the shame process expressed in the high incidence of anger, violence, grief, relationship issues and abuse. This innovative project has been proven to enhance the re-socialization of many participants in the program.