This agreement provides information specific to the process group you join. A process group gives you the opportunity to learn with and from other people and to understand your own and others’ patterns of thoughts and behavior. The group can become a safe place to learn about the roles you take, to obtain valuable feedback, and to experiment with new ways of being and relating to others. Groups can be very powerful and effective and also carry some specific risks such as group pressure (not always in a positive direction) and scapegoating. In any process group, conflict and confrontation are inevitable aspects of the work which may be stressful and difficult for members to manage. Even so, many people find process groups worth the discomfort they feel.

An effective group takes a lot of work and faith to develop. The following are some agreements that I have found to be essential to a successful group. In entering into the group with me you agree to follow these guidelines.

Attendance

To attend at least one individual session with the counselor before starting group, where the nature of therapy is discussed and questions are asked and answered.

To make an effort to attend every session of the group or groups in which you are enrolled, as well as all individual appointments as scheduled.

To connect on time (meaning 5 to 10 minutes early) for the online group session and to remain the entire session.

To complete a Confidential Group Feedback Form during or shortly after each session that I attend. (I recommend bookmarking this form to help you find it after group.)

To notify the group of any planned absences in advance.

To call or email me about any unplanned absences or lateness, at 845-513-5002 or tom@choicesmhc.com. (See the office's Attendance Policy for more on this.)

Confidentiality

To keep confidential the identities of group members and all that they share; and to never record, screen-capture, or photograph the online group. If you choose to share your own group material with anyone else in your life you must do so in a way that does not potentially reveal the identity or any personal information about other group members. While I cannot guarantee that group members will abide by this most essential agreement. You are free to discuss any confidentiality concerns that you may have in group or with the facilitator.

As a general rule, I have both a legal and ethical duty to ensure that what a client and I talk about remains confidential. However, if I have a reasonable belief that a child is being abused or neglected, I am under the laws of New York State I am legally obligated to disclose this information. I am obligated to break confidentiality when doing so is necessary to protect an individual’s physical safety. If a court of law orders me to release information, I am required to provide that specific information to the court.

Online etiquette

To connect with both video and audio, unless other arrangements are made on occasion. If you are able to connect with audio-only, you must quickly identify yourself by saying your name after connecting with the group.

To arrange for a quiet room with full privacy and no interruptions. This includes no phone calls, emails, or texting during the entire session. Use of headphones or earbuds is recommended, if you have them, for added privacy. As a courtesy, some members may find it reassuring if you are able to visually pan the room that you are in with your camera to show that there is no one else present.

To stay focused on group interactions. This means keeping your face (at least) visible on video during the group and paying attention to others. If someone is speaking try not to interrupt, but interactive feedback is encouraged.

To connect from the same place each session, unless you are away and notify us of the change. (For legal reasons related to my professional license as a mental health counselor, under usual circumstances you must be physically located in the State of New York during each session.)

To connect from a laptop or a tablet, or smartphone with the best connection available (wired Ethernet on a PC or tablet is preferred, or a strong WiFi signal).

Fees

To pay for the sessions in advance according to what is agreed (whether full self-payment or any applicable cost-sharing under your insurance plan). If you have health insurance and this group is part of your plan of care for mental health or relapse prevention, group therapy is a covered benefit.

Outside Contact

To keep the relationships only in group, not social. Contact with group members outside of the group is generally not encouraged. However, an exception to this may be the formation of sober relationships with peers who are supportive of your recovery and you of theirs (for example, two women from group attending a local face-to-face 12-step women's meeting together or exchanging phone numbers to provide support). However, this group is not a place for romantic or sexual relationships. If such were to develop, by accepting this agreement both parties agree to privately inform the facilitator and understand that depending on the situation one or both could be assigned to another group or referred to a different treatment site.

If you know any group member from work or from prior treatment settings, to not discuss group topics with him/her that have taken place outside the group.

To bring outside interactions between group members back into the group for discussion as group business.

In case you have to terminate your participation due to unexpected events:

To involve the group in the decision of when it is appropriate for you to terminate, after first discussing the subject with the facilitator in an individual session.

To allow at least four meetings for the termination process once you have made the decision to terminate, and not to simply stop attending or vanish.

Group Process

To let others affect you and be willing to talk openly and honestly about your reactions as you become aware of them.

To use the group process to work actively on the issues that you want to bring into group or ones that you identify during the course of the group.

To put thoughts and feelings into words rather than actions.

Crises

If you have what you consider to be a psychiatric emergency between visits, Sullivan County residents should call Mobile Mental Health Crisis Services at 845-791-7123 (adults), 845-701-3777 (under 18), or 911, and let me know how you are doing as soon as possible so we can schedule an individual follow-up, either before or after your next group session. If you live outside Sullivan County, ask me at any time for the contact information of a similar service in your area.

Acknowledgment and Agreement

By signing this form, you are acknowledging that you understand and agree to what you have read above and that we have discussed and clarified to your satisfaction any questions you may have had. You may wish to save a copy of this form to your computer for future reference or find a copy on the choicesmhc.com website on the Forms page.