Posted by Nikkit2 on June 13, 2005, at 5:52:11
I'm getting the feeling that there are some here that would be incredibly happy to see PB and all its boards closed once and for all.
Does anyone else feel like this?
I'm really really failing to understand why people can't just sit back and be really thankful we have been given a place for PEER SUPPORT (remember, this is NOT a therapeutic setting) and leave it at that.
I'm involved in a research study in the UK about internet peer support and how beneficial it can be. I'm working on it as a consultant and a "so called specialist" in internet peer support. Out of all the other peer support sites I am involved in (I have been heavily involved in setting 7 or 8 up now) none of the others have people who seem quite so desperate to have it run *their* way. Yes, there is occasionally a dissenting voice, and usually this voice gets abusive and gets banned from which ever peer support group they were on. This is the only site I know of that is actually incredibly forgiving to its participants. The number of people who are banned for long periods and then return to open arms is fairly unique.
This was the first Peer support group I joined, and it was PB that gave me the passion and belief that this is a fantastic opportunity for statutory services to use.. I've given many presentations to high level people in the UK on them, and I believe, whole heartedly, that peer support is a vital part of many peoples recovery process.
I think the peer support part is what some people are missing the point of. PB is NOT a therapeutic environment, Dr Bob is not our doctor, and he never offers any advice. Without Dr Bob PB would not exist, and the vast majority of us here would be alot worse off for it. I have learnt here, I have shared here, I have supported, and I have been supported.
But, at the end of the day, PB is not the only peer support site on the internet. Each site has its own model, as each Therapeutic Community works to its own model. This model won't suit everyone, in the same way that other models won't suit everyone. But, I do believe there is something out there for everyone.
Maybe its time to accept PB's, and ofcourse Dr Bobs, indiosynchracies and let PB be what it is about - support.
Nikki
poster:Nikkit2
thread:511917
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050530/msgs/511917.html