Because You Have a Need-to-Know… By Julia Nelson   The results of the 2006 DBSA Colorado Springs Support Group Survey are in.  Survey forms were distributed to the support groups earlier this year.  In all, 31 responses were returned filled out.  Mary Renoux of the Support Group Committee said,  "We were a bit disappointed in the response.  Last year, we had over 40 responses."  Although the number of participants wasn't as many as hoped, Karen Fallahi, Executive Director of DBSA Colorado Springs, feels that it continues to be a useful tool.  "The purpose of the survey is to show overall how well the groups are serving people, and in what areas we could improve on them", said Karen.  She further noted that all suggestions and comments made by participants are reviewed, many of which are taken into consideration and often later adopted by the Support Group Committee. Survey Points Out Needs   As in years past, this year's survey participants indicated a need for more outside presentations.   Karen said that the organization is already responding by scheduling more speakers this year.  For example, in May, DBSA Colorado Springs sponsored a talk on conflict resolution and a presentation by Dr. John Fleming on Vagus Nerve Stimulation, both of which were held at Hillside Community Center.  A presentation on yoga for the woman's support group is currently being scheduled for sometime this July.    Another area that may indicate more effort needed to bring added visibility to our chapter is that only 16.1% of those who first learned about DBSA, had learned there was such from their doctor.  This is another concern that Karen and the Board have been working to improve upon this year.  Although many local psychiatrists are aware of our chapter and support groups and do refer patients to DBSA,  the Board is making an concerted effort to reach out to them through presentations at their professional meetings, making personal contact and by distributing eye-catching framed meeting posters for the doctors to place in their offices. Survey Notes Positives   Some very positive data was also derived from the surveys.  Of those who answered, 48.4% say they have been with DBSA for over one year.  This may be a result of the following responses... 87.1% feel that they have learned information/skills at the meetings, 90.3% feel that they are gaining valuable information from their peers, and 77.4% actually feel that they can better "self advocate " or feel more empowered by attending the meetings.   Also 93.5% feel that the meetings do provide an accepting, confidential place.  "This data  is a great indicator as to the value of self-help support groups and that				they do serve to improve the lives of people with mood disorders," said Karen. Survey Comments:  Upbeat and Encouraging   Karen and Mary both felt the most poignant data of the survey were the comments.  "We really appreciate the comment section most of all in the survey," said Mary, who went on to add, "This year, the positive comments outweighed the negatives."  Karen felt this year's survey results were encouraging.    Some comments included were: "Best support group I have ever seen and been to." "Great help for myself and understanding my wife and family, and how pervasive BP (bipolar) is in the whole family" "I no longer feel guilty for my thoughts and feelings" "DBSA is my family"    Although the survey left Karen feeling encouraged about the direction the organization is going, she says that there is always room for improvement.   Anyone who would like to have a copy of the 2006 DBSA Colorado Springs Support Group Survey, or who has any comments regarding the survey, can call the DBSA Colorado Springs Resource Center at (719) 477-1515.
					Finding the Perfect Fit Source:  Psychology Today, May-June 2006    Usually it's the therapist posing the questions.  But when you're choosing a therapist, remember that you're entitled to ask almost anything.    Because successful counseling depends on personal disclosure and how well you connect with your therapist, it's important to find a counselor you can trust and with whom you feel at ease.  These questions are a good start. What's your specialty?   Get a sense of the therapist's experience with the kind of issues you want to focus on and the type of therapy, from cognitive behavioral to psychoanalytic, that he or she practices. How long do patients usually see you?  A potential therapist should have a rough idea of an appropriate course of treatment, be it a targeted three-session approach or an open-ended one.    May I contact references?  Confirm that this is a licensed, caring professional worthy of your trust.  Psychology Today's Therapy Directory is a resource that lists certified therapists by zip code and specialty. (therapists.psychologytoday.com)
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