Name: The Mended Hoop Talking Circle

Case file: Ten Native Americans participate in The Mended Hoop Talking Circle once a week for an hour. They meet to discuss problems related to alcoholism and violence.

Setting: All members are seated in a circle. After ten seconds of silence, Dale speaks (while skimming over the form he had signed a month earlier).

Group Rules and Expectations

Our groups are one of the most lively and powerful parts of our program, but to keep them working well, we ask certain commitments:

1) Come on time.

2) Do not come intoxicated.

3) Notify your group leader if you will be absent or you know you will be late. Other group members are usually concerned about those missing.

4) Keep the identities of the members in strictest confidence. You can share anything you like about what you experience in the group, but not about others.

5) Be open to looking at yourself and your behavior and to giving and receiving feedback. It is especially important to discuss any alcohol or drug use in the group.

6) Although contact with other group members outside group can be beneficial, please do not become involved in any relationship outside group that would interfere with your ability to be honest and explore issues in the group. A romantic or sexual relationship with other group members is an obvious example but not the only type of relationship that can be an impediment.

7) A minimum of 3 months’ participation is needed to learn to use the group, more to receive full benefits. Please give 1 month’s notice if you plant to terminate the group.

8) There is a list of group members’ names and telephone numbers because we think you are an important support system for one another. This list must be kept strictly confidential.

I give/do not give (circle one) permission to have my name on the group list given to members. (First names only on the list).

I have read and agree to the above rules and guidelines:

Name_____________________________ Date:_______________

SOURCE: Zweben JE. Treating patients with alcohol and other drug problems: an integrated approach. American Psychological Association, 1998.

Dale: Well isn’t anyone going to say something, or are we all just going to sit here like bumps on a log?

Roy: I thought the counselor is supposed to begin our session.

Counselor: What would you guys like to discuss today?

Dale: I don’t mean to be a wise guy, but why do you counselors always answer a question with a question?

Counselor: (Playfully) Do we really?

Dale: (Irritated) Yes, you do. And it gets very irritating.

Corey: Hey Dale, why do you always have to harass the counselor every time we meet?

Dale: Why do you always have to jump on my case, huh? Just because I am the only one who ever speaks up.

Counselor: Well, I’ve got something (Holding up an empty beer can).

Everyone looks blankly at the empty beer can. A moment goes by before the counselor continues.

Counselor: Today, we’re going to pass this around and discuss how it makes us feel to hold it in our hands.

Dale: Can I wear my gloves, (Teasing) I’m afraid I might get drunk holding it.

Counselor: And I want you all to remember the rules (Pausing to let someone speak up).

Dale: (Sarcastically) NO ONE speaks UNLESS they’re holding the can.

Everyone looks at Dale and then over at the Counselor, as if catching him speaking without possession of the can. Dale catches on, childishly folds his arms across his chest and turns his head away from the circle.

Counselor: So, who would like to go first (Offering the can to Dale)?

Dale: Not me.

John: I will, since this is a moment to remember. Dale isn’t going first (Grabbing the can out of the counselor’s hands).

Michael: (Jumping in) It’s a genuine Kodak moment.

John: Okay (Holding the can up for everyone to see). When I hold this empty can, physically I feel a cold, tin object that seems to have no life, but when you feel deeper you can tell it is only a disguise. Inside the coldness, you can feel the pain it causes to our people. (Lowering the can and looking at the ground) My best friend died right before my eyes, stabbed five times in the chest, by another classmate at a bonfire last year. I just watched as if it weren’t happening. We were having a keg and fights usually break out all the time, but I never knew. . . (Pausing and becoming shaky) I don’t understand why these things have to happen. Here on the rez, it’s as if it’s okay to kill another. (Becoming angry) And the drinking makes it an excuse to fight with everyone and kill each other. If I weren’t drinking, I often wonder if I would have been able to save my buddy (Shaking his head).

Counselor: John, I am happy you realize the strong connection between alcohol and violence. According to the National Center for injury prevention and control, alcohol was related to 80% of suicides and 70% of homicides among Native Americans.

John: But there’s nothing better to do on the rez, except to drink.

Lucas: (Reaching for the beer can) Yeah, that’s the way I feel too. I mean, what else is there to do?

Bryan: (Being passed the can) Well, I have never touched alcohol before, but I have lived my entire life with it. Both of my parents are alcoholics and since I am the oldest, I have been taking care of my younger siblings. I see how alcohol controls them and I don’t like it. That’s all they do day in and day out. Wake up and drink, eat and drink, go gamble and drink. It’s as if we aren’t even there most of the time. Last year I decided to join sports in high school and I would see all my buddies’ parents come to the games to watch. Not once did my parents come. Because I hate what alcohol has done to my family, I try to find other things to do, and I know there are others out there like me who don’t want alcohol in their lives.

Counselor: Well, Bryan, I decided to bring in a panel of other Native Americans who want to share what activities they become involved in to distract them from alcohol.

After an hour passes, the group becomes restless. They thank their visitors for coming in and sharing their information with them.

Counselor: I want to thank you all for being so patient and listening to our panel. I hope you have all gained something from our visitors. I look forward to our group meeting next week. Take care and goodnight.