Filtered from the Bureau - text

[consortofalderaan]

I have a proposal I want to make.

To put it diplomatically, I do not think the Bureau-run support groups are helpful. Meeting others dealing with new memories of past lives is good, but the way the Bureau runs their meetings has no other benefit.

I am a therapist; this is an area I’m well trained for.

But I would like to know if this worth pursuing.

How many would be interested if we started our own support group, completely separate from the Bureau?

Comments

[consortofalderaan]

If I wasn't your boyfriend, would you still be helping me?

[neverjedi]

For this? Absolutely. I hate the Bureau support group, but I think a support group would be invaluable. [ Including for him, god. ]

[consortofalderaan]

There wasn't a wrong answer there, just so you know.

But I would be interested to hear what you want from a support group. And why you don't like the Bureau support groups.

[neverjedi]

I know.

My problem with what the Bureau runs is that it directly conflicts what I want. Which is somewhere comfortable and relatively safe to freely speak to other people about this shit. The location, the food, the supervision - it isn't comfortable and it makes me feel like I'm participating in an experimental clinical trial. I want to be able to talk some things out and I want to be able to listen to people but when I feel that... studied and physically comfortable due to the ...cold? cold, setting, it just. It isn't happening.

[consortofalderaan]

I've noticed that about the Bureau's attempt as well.

Their presence there really disrupts the trust the facilitators of the meetings should be fostering.

As for a place that feels comfortable, I can't lie, that will be difficult to find. Renting a community center for a night is cheap, but not very inviting. Renting our own space that is more comfortable would be expensive.

I have ideas, though I'm not sure many would agree with them.

But overall, the comfort and safety of the people who want to participate is my priority.

[neverjedi]

I think a lot, maybe even most, of it's psychological. It isn't that it's not... fancy or is shabby. It's feels like it's cold and a little ominous. Does that make sense?

I think a community center could work as, at least, an interm step. Or a conference room. Just something with upholstered furniture and something on the walls....

[consortofalderaan]

You haven't been in many NYC community centers, have you?

[neverjedi]

...no.

Not being under Bureau control will help anyway, though.

[consortofalderaan]

That's okay, I think I might have found a place that has comfortable chairs.

[neverjedi]

Great! Where is it?

[consortofalderaan]

Might, as in, maybe. Nothing set in stone yet.

But it seems like it is a lounge under a community theater.

[neverjedi]

That's smart.