Guidelines for Group Therapy
Guidelines exist to protect the confidentiality of the space and the nature of the relationships built in group.
Everyone who participates in a group with Homebody is asked to agree to the following guidelines:
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I understand that everything said in group sessions is confidential. I agree to keep confidential the names of other members of the group and what is said in the group. I agree to keep confidential anything that occurs between or among group members. I understand that there is an exception to this confidentiality which applies to the group leader, who must keep group members safe.
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I agree not to keep secret from the group anything that occurs within the group.
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If I experience thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others, I will share this either with the group or my therapist. If I am in crisis, I commit to seeking out the help that is required to keep myself and others safe.
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I understand that no group member is ever required to answer any question, to participate in any activity, or to disclose anything personal. I agree that I will never pressure other group members to participate in any discussion or activity after the member has passed or refused. I also understand that I will benefit more from the group the more I can take risks in sharing and participating.
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I understand that group members cannot participate in the group under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering drugs.
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I understand that dating and other exclusive relationships between or among group members are not a good idea. The relationships can make other group members feel left out. When a couple breaks up, for example, this can be most painful and may make it impossible for these people to continue in the group. Since anything that occurs between or among group members is part of the group, members who are dating or in very exclusive relationships may be embarrassed if their intimate moments are discussed in the group.