Visible Hands Collaborative is part of a worldwide movement using guided conversations between members of a community to discuss individual challenges and create solutions based on shared experience and wisdom.
In this month’s Perspective, North Hills Monthly talked with CEO Brigit Hassig and Founder Kenneth Thompson to learn more about how this organization is expanding mental health support options in the Pittsburgh region. You can learn more about the program at visiblehandscollaborative.org.
North Hills Monthly (NHM): What is integrative community therapy (ICT), known as community conversations in action, and how does it work?
Visible Hands Collaborative (VHC): ICT is a ”helping each other” approach that empowers communities to support one another through guided conversations. It works by creating a safe space called a ”round,” where participants can share experiences, listen, and learn from each other. Trained peer facilitators guide these conversations, helping identify common challenges among participants. The process encourages open expression, validation of experiences, and collective problem-solving for everyday challenges.
NHM: How does Visible Hands Collaborative implement ICT in communities?
VHC: The model used in the Visible Hands Collaborative originated in Brazil and was called “solidarity care.” It follows a specific methodology that trains community members as facilitators who organize rounds of community conversations in action in various settings throughout Pittsburgh. VHC partners with organizations to make training affordable and provide ongoing support and supervision for facilitators. Current partnerships include Awaken Pittsburgh and Lehigh Valley Health Network. Past partnerships include Point Park University and the Friendship Circle.
NHM: What are the main benefits of ICT compared to traditional mental health approaches, like individual counseling sessions?
VHC: There are several benefits of ICT. It provides immediate, no-cost (or low-cost) support and empowers communities to care for one another. With traditional mental health care, waitlists can be long, and individuals without adequate insurance coverage can find counseling or therapy sessions unaffordable. One of the main goals of the program is to help people make connections in their community that can help sustain them during difficult times. ICT is freely available, equitable, and accessible, training people within a community to mirror the community they’re serving. Anyone can participate in ICT sessions, which are held in various community settings, such as community centers, parks, schools, places of worship, senior centers, and clinics. Sessions can be conducted online or in person. At 6:30 p.m. EST every Wednesday, VHC hosts an online community conversation.
NHM: How does ICT offer a safe space for participants to share their experiences?
VHC: Setting a warm, welcoming tone at the beginning of each meeting sets the stage for helping people feel more open during the sessions. Establishing the rules of the session is a top priority and helps everyone understand the expectations, promoting respect and active listening from all participants. Participants are then prompted by the facilitator to share a personal challenge they’re experiencing. After everyone has shared, the group collectively decides which topic or personal challenge to explore further. Whoever suggested the topic for discussion provides further context about their situation to the group, and everyone can then ask clarifying questions to have a more fruitful discussion. Using “I” statements instead of “you” statements is encouraged for all participants as a way to embrace their feelings instead of putting them on others. It’s not about what they think about something, but how they feel about something. It’s a big change for most people to think in those terms.
NHM: What makes ICT more accessible than traditional mental health services?
VHC: ICT reduces the burden of clinical services. The topics discussed in ICT sessions are common problems that people need a place to address, other than clinical services, which can have long waiting lists. There will never be enough therapists to help in ways that are meaningful and that help people move forward with emotional challenges. That’s where ICT fills the gap. It addresses everyday stresses and challenges, provides immediate support within the community, and reduces stigma by focusing on shared experiences and mutual support.
NHM: How can individuals or organizations get involved with Visible Hands Collaborative?
VHC: The easiest way to express interest in becoming a partner or ICT session facilitator is to contact us using the “contact” form on the website. Individuals can also send an email to brigit@visiblehandscollaborative.org to receive a fact sheet about the organization and answers to any questions they may have about how it works. Visible Hands Collaborative maintains a waiting list for people interested in receiving facilitator training if there aren’t any active sessions scheduled. Interested individuals can get on the list and will be contacted when training becomes available.
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