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(JD) · Sep 12, 2011, 04:47 PM

I'm a visual person as well, but not all people are... but I've found that those who are not, can become visual.

(No put down intended.)

Ok... as I posted that list, I thought it might add to this thread for discussion, since you brought it up.

peer principle (finding affiliation with someone with similar life experience and having an equal relationship), I think this occurs almost automatically, as members post in forums that pertain to their own disorders, for support
the helper principle (the notion that being helpful to someone else
is also self healing), Again, I think this is something that "just happens" as many of those posting on this thread have suggested.
empowerment (finding hope and believing that recovery is possible; I broke these two apart... isn't the goal of the site and subsequently our posting aiding the seeking member in these?
taking personal responsibility for making it happen), This is one that is more difficult. It's tough to point out (and not always a good idea) that hey, Member, you do have control and you are letting this occur--or causing this to occur... I think this is something they find along the way, with the above encouragement?
advocacy (self and system advocacy skills), We certainly see this in many threads, where the member begins to realize they CAN respond, they CAN talk to someone IRL, they CAN... and then they, with PC member encouragement and requests for feedback, go and DO.
choice and decision making opportunities, I think this is another area that is almost automatic simply by the mere variety in the responses given. How others solved the issue etc, people who post links for more information etc. all aid the seeking member in making decisions.
skill development, Here at PC this is limited except in the area of social networking. I had isolated for about 5 years before coming here...and have tried to redevelop my social skills while posting here.
positive risk taking,PC is great for this IMO. A member can put forth a dilemma and the responses might give ideas on solutions, but will also caution the member in what might be realized as a "non safe" risk.
reciprocity, We've already talked about this "rec·i·proc·i·ty
noun \ˌre-sə-ˈprä-s(ə-)tē\ plural rec·i·proc·i·ties
Definition of RECIPROCITY 1: the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence "
support, We've discussed the give and take of support here, and can find other ideas in other threads....
sense of community, This is a little more difficult as the site grows, however, statistically it shouldn't feel that way... the average scope of a person's "community" is about 80 people, no matter how large the organization. I have over 400 "friends" here... and while others might not be keeping track with the available tools...they probably do have the 80 average. What IS PC if not "community"???
self help, DocJohn has a myriad of tools to use for self help: the resources in articles, quizzes, blog and journalling etc. A person can find help here even without interacting with other members.
and developing awareness Again, I think this is automatic especially after a period of active time here at PC. It's a "given" imo, for the average member.

Is this still complicated?