Group Counseling Informed Consent
WHAT IS GROUP COUNSELING?
Group Counseling is a unique type of therapy in which a group of people who are likely experiencing similar challenges share their difficulties and learn new coping skills and tools. As a result, they give and receive help from each other.
We make sure to maintain a safe environment that is conducive to sharing and accepting each other, where everyone can grow and trust one another and feel respected and valued.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We respect each individual's right to privacy and confidentiality. Participation in Group Counseling means that you agree to keep the names and identities of group members confidential. Group Counselors will maintain confidentiality. Should you experience a concern pertaining to confidentiality and your privacy, please reach out to your Group Counselor for assistance. Please be mindful not to engage in any of the following actions:
PLEASE DO NOT:
- Ask other members of the group for their personal or contact information. This includes last names, phone numbers, social media usernames, etc.
- Seek out members of the group on social media platforms.
- Repeat private matters shared by members of the group outside of the group.
- Go up to a member of the group, should you see them in a public place. You never know what boundaries each person may have that could be crossed, despite the intention to be kind or polite.
- This list does not encompass all scenarios. If you are unsure as to whether an action may breach Group Counseling Confidentiality, please reach out to your Group Counselor for further advice.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Effective Group Counseling requires all participants to actively share thoughts, reactions, and feelings as they arise during group sessions to increase their self-understanding and contribute to the personal growth of other members. To support that goal, Group Counselors will strive to establish and maintain a climate of respect within the group and ask that you do your part to contribute to this as well.
ATTENDANCE
As a reminder, Group Counseling sessions are part of the treatment process. After completing your first two appointments, you will move from Individual Counseling sessions to Group Counseling. Additionally, if you check in for your scheduled appointment outside of the 15-minute grace period, you will need to participate in a Group Counseling Session. Otherwise, we may need to reschedule your appointment for another day. This is due to the impact late arrivals have on the daily schedule.
When attending group, you must keep your video on. The group counselor may intermittently turn on or off your audio to help maintain continuity. It is important to be respectful of other members' sobriety. As such, any individual who may be impaired or thought to be impaired will be removed from the group immediately.
Should you have any technological issues, please be sure to contact a member of our team right away.
RELATIONSHIPS
Members agree to engage group members therapeutically, not socially. The group provides an opportunity to learn about yourself in relation to others, within a therapeutic setting.
GROUP COUNSELORS
Please be respectful of Group Counselors at all times. Conducting a thoughtful and therapeutic Group Counseling session requires a great deal of preparation. Your Group Counselor is here because they care deeply about your therapeutic journey. Your relationship with the Group Counselor is one of a counseling professional and a client.
CONSENT
I agree to the requirements and expectations of Group Counseling as indicated above. I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to ask questions, and such questions were answered clearly and to my satisfaction.