The success of group therapy depends upon a high degree of trust between you, your group facilitator, and fellow group members. This document has been prepared to fully inform you and your parents about what to expect from group therapy and from your group facilitators.
UNDERSTANDING GROUP THERAPY
Group therapy is a process of understanding more about yourself and others in a safe environment. In group, you will have the opportunity to explore patterns of thinking and behaving that are similar to how you relate to others in your life. Objectives of group therapy include, but are not limited to:
• Develop skills to assist you in reaching your goals
• Feel a sense of support from other group members
• Understand more about yourself and your family system
• Identify and explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors that hold you back
• Learn how to improve relationships with others.
You are welcome to share as much or as little about yourself while in the group, however, the more open you are the better experience you will have. You are welcome to ask questions at any time. The more deeply you understand the process of therapy, the more effectively you will be able to incorporate positive change into your life.
YOUR GROUP FACILITATOR(S) AND THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP
The relationship between you and your group facilitator(s) is special and unique. You will be sharing information in group that is sensitive and personal. Your group facilitator’s primary responsibility is to create an atmosphere of safety and support in order for you to get the most out of group. Your group facilitator will encourage each group member to be honest, vulnerable, and respectful about his or her feelings and observations in the group. If you are ever feeling unsafe in group, you are encouraged to discuss this with your group facilitator. If for any reason you experience any negative reactions or blocks towards participation, please share this with the group. Your voice is your power and your right.
CONFIDENTIALITY
It is important that you feel comfortable in group to talk freely about whatever is bothering you. Sometimes you might want to discuss things that you do not want your parents or guardians to know about. You have the expectation of privacy in group sessions. As a general rule, group facilitators do not talk to your parents about what you discuss in group without your permission. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In some situations, in accordance with professional ethics and state laws, your facilitator may disclose information without your permission. Some of the circumstances where disclosure is required by law are:
• If you, another minor, a dependent person, or an elder adult is being abused
• If you are in danger of hurting yourself, someone else, or another person’s property
• When a family member communicates to your facilitator that you present a danger to others If you are doing things that could cause serious harm to you or someone else, your facilitator will use their professional judgment to decide whether a parent or guardian should be informed. In these situations, your facilitator will talk with you about their concerns and discuss the best way to include your family in order to get the support that you need.
GROUP MEMBER’S AGREEMENT FOR CONFIDENTIALITY
All members of the group will be asked to agree to a high level of confidentiality in the group sessions. This means that each participant agrees not to share any other group member’s identifying and personal information with others. It is appropriate to share your personal reaction and feelings about the group with others, but please do not share other people’s stories with anyone outside of the group.