Confidentiality and Group Participation Agreement
Your right to confidentiality and privacy is a priority for both group leaders and fellow group members. Confidentiality in a group setting is a shared responsibility built on mutual trust and respect. While group leaders are bound by professional, legal, and ethical guidelines to maintain confidentiality, the same protections do not extend to communications among group members. Therefore, it is crucial that all participants respect and uphold the confidentiality of group discussions.
Confidentiality Guidelines:
Group leaders will not disclose any participant’s communications or information except as required by law. Group members are expected to keep all shared information private and refrain from discussing it outside of the group. This includes, but is not limited to, names, physical descriptions, symptoms, and the specifics of any interactions or discussions.
Legal and Ethical Exceptions to Confidentiality:
OCD and Anxiety of The Woodlands, PLLC adheres to the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines established by recognized organizations and Texas state law. Exceptions to confidentiality include, but are not limited to:
- A clear or present danger to harm yourself or someone else.
- Knowledge of abuse or neglect of a minor child, an elderly person, or an incapacitated adult.
- Court subpoenas or other legal requirements for disclosure.
Group Participation Guidelines:
Respect: Members must treat one another with kindness and refrain from using demeaning, insulting, or dismissive language.
Punctuality: Arrive on time to minimize disruptions and ensure the group can start and end as scheduled.
Use of Electronics: Turn off or silence cell phones and other electronic devices during group sessions to maintain focus and respect for others.
Personal Space and Boundaries: Respect the personal space and emotional boundaries of other members. Physical contact, such as hugging, should only occur with explicit consent.
Sharing and Participation: Share your experiences openly, but allow others equal opportunities to speak. Avoid monopolizing discussions. Participation is voluntary, and no one should feel pressured to share more than they are comfortable with.
Prohibited Activities:
To protect confidentiality, participants agree to refrain from the following:
- Recording any part of the meeting.
- Taking photographs or screenshots of the meeting or its participants.
- Engaging in any activity that may risk the confidentiality of fellow group members.