About FFME

Forward-Facing®️ ME is an interactive group process designed to help the participants gain skills to live more effectively.  The developers of this group have amassed a significant amount of research supporting the effectiveness of utilizing these skills to lessen the negative effects of stress in psychotherapeutic practice.  While we expect that participants from this group may receive some of these benefits leading to the lessening of stress and stress-related issues, it is important that you know:  THIS GROUP IS NOT PSYCHOTHERAPY.  Psychotherapy involves a trained, licensed professional diagnosing and treating an identified disease by implementing a series of evidence-based interventions.  

This group, conversely, is an attempt to provide the participants with a set of self-help tools to (a) regulate their own autonomic nervous system and (b) begin to live an intentional life.  People who have successfully engaged in these skills have reported a myriad of benefits after their continued practice of these skills that include lessened stress symptoms, reduction in distress, greater clarity of thought, increased ability to function in high-demand situations, more satisfying relationships as well as the ability to become and remain intentional with their behavior. 

 Forward-Facing® ME was born from Forward-Facing® Trauma Therapy: Healing the Moral Wound, a book published in 2016 by Dr. Gentry.  FFTT has demonstrated effectiveness as an adjunct to psychotherapy for those diagnosed with PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders.  Forward-Facing ME offers the same components of psychoeducation and skills development found in FFTT delivered during this group in a self-help model.  We offer no claims of effectiveness for any individual participant.   

This group should not be viewed as or utilized for treatment with any diagnosed mental disorder–even though some participants who might have those diagnoses may enjoy some benefit from this group.  If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health disorder, please reach out to FFI before registering for the group 

However, we encourage you to seek professional assistance and support in addition to your practice of these skills.  Once again, this group is not psychotherapy and should not be viewed as a substitute for professional psychotherapy by a licensed clinician for those suffering with a mental, emotional, psychological, or behavioral disorder.

This group is interactive and relational.  You will be invited to engage with other participants and share weekly your REAL TIME (not past) success and struggles with self-regulation and intentionality.  One of the primary purposes of this group is to provide you with skills to help you gain traction in implementing and maintaining these changes. 

If, at any time during the group sessions, you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed by the group, please take a break.  Reach out to your support network to talk about what you are experiencing.  If the distress dissipates, you are welcome to return and engage at the level that is comfortable. If the distress does not dissipate after a break and utilizing your resources, please reach out to a (mental) health professional, crisis unit or, in cases of emergency, please call 911 for immediate and emergency services.

Potential Benefits.  The benefits others have reported and that may occur for you from engaging and practicing Forward-Facing® skills include the following:

·   Less stress

·   Greater sense of well-being

·   Comfort in your body

·   Improved outlook

·   Joy

·   Self-compassion

·   Optimization in many areas of life

·   Greater sense of worth and purpose

·   Increased cognitive acuity and clearer thinking

·   Better relational capacity

·   More resilient

·   Ability to become intentional instead of reactive

Potential Risks.  The risks associated with participating in this group are minimal.  However, anytime you engage in self-evaluation, review of your past, and participate with others who have painful past histories there is the potential to experience unpleasant emotions.  You may become “triggered” as a result of the material.  Fear, sadness, discomfort, and distress are potential experiences throughout the group.  If any of these feelings become too great for you to manage, please reach out for assistance from your support system, a mental health professional, a crisis specialist/unit, your primary care provider or emergency medical assistance.