Current News:   

Our ADDNashville support group meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2020 at 6:30 pm is ON -  meeting virtually via Zoom. 

We'll be sending links and instructions about how to access it (as well as suggestions to ensure we all feel comfortable in a virtual group setting) in the regular announcement going out Saturday morning - so be sure to check your inboxes! If you're not already receiving emails,  click to send me a request to be added to the list.

Here's this week's topic: Multiple Layers of Awareness in Communication

Particularly now when many of us are in close proximity with family or other loved ones, dealing with the complexity of multiple layers of awareness can make effective communication a challenge. In conflict we may
 
(1) get too stuck on our own thoughts and lose ability to listen with an open and flexible mind (try to “win" an argument);
(2) experience rejection sensitivity and either back down or overpower the other to avoid rejection or perceived disrespect; or
(3) get confused in the complexity of the communication and see our brains become scrambled (or oversimplify and repeat ourselves).
 
We'll take a closer look at the subject and share our experiences.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone, and hope that this message is finding you all healthy and safe.

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ADDNashville is a support group for adults diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. There is no cost, but you must have an actual diagnosis of ADD/ADHD in order to attend. The group offers mutual support and an opportunity to share successful coping strategies. To sign up for email reminders of meetings, click to email me a request to be added to the list. Please put "Add me to the ADDNashville List" in the subject line.

The group is hosted by Terry M. Huff, LCSW, and Sara Skillen, COC®, CPO®. Additional details:

• First and third Mondays of each month 
• 6:30 to 8:00 pm
• Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37207 
• Room A392. 

Guidelines 
These guidelines are intended to encourage a safe, accepting, and supportive environment. We want everyone to participate. Our 90-minute meeting provides opportunities to practice being mindful of others when speaking and listening, to maintain awareness of time and balanced participation, and to share ideas and strategies for living well with ADHD. 

Awareness of individuals:
1. Practice listening.
2. Avoid interrupting.
3. Be mindful of the time and others who want to speak.
4 Avoid language that can offend.
5. Practice acceptance of differences (gender, cultural, ethnic, personal).
6. Do not offer advice unless the speaker is requesting it.
7. If your attempt to speak goes unnoticed, make yourself visible as necessary

Awareness of the Group:
1. Avoid getting lost in long stories.
2. Don't carry on a conversation with the person next to you. Address the group instead.
3. Refrain from sharing personal stories and names of participants outside the group.
4. Silence electronic devices. You may use them to look up pertinent information.
5. Try to arrive on time, but respect that time-blindness is an ADHD feature.
6. Be a participant, not a therapist or group manager.
7. Avoid divisive speech and political discourse. We all belong in this group.

​Questions? Contact me to learn more.