Forward-Facing Virtual Support Groups: An Exploration of Mental Health Clinicians’ Perspectives on Peer-to-Peer Engagement

Abstract

This study explored the effects of a virtual peer-to-peer professional support group, forward-facing me (FFMe), for 10 mental health clinicians working in the human services arena. Based on the evidence-based forward-facing professional resilience (FFPR) training framework, this model pairs science-based and self-regulatory skills with intentional resilience living practices to mitigate compassion fatigue and burnout. The intent of this study was two-fold: to address the current gap in the availability of online clinician support groups emphasizing the efficacy of meeting in a virtual “in-vivo” setting, while discovering how participants experienced the peer-to-peer learning model, focused on integrating the Tools of Hope psycho-education and skills building practice. Using a qualitative framework—incorporating semistructured interviews based on descriptive phenomenological inquiry—the participants examined aspects of both compassion fatigue and satisfaction in cultivating professional self-care. Additionally, they shared lived experiences of moving through three phases—education/skills building, intentionality/self-regulation training, and connection/engagement—of the FFPR training, followed by six weekly encounters in the FFMe support group model. Five major themes emerged from the data. Although the first two focused on difficulties of working with clients in distress and navigating such challenges, the final three illuminated the strengths and successes of learning, practicing, and sharing new tools for sustainment in such work. The implications of these findings may provide further insight as to what constitutes best practices for safe, flexible, and effective virtual engagement platforms.