Traumatic Stress Wellness Workshop Consent
This form addresses the requirements and expectations for being part of P.A.L.S. Traumatic Stress Workshop that includes EMDR Integrative Group Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) and goes into detail about what to expect.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We respect each and everyone's right to privacy and confidentiality and we shall make sure to maintain it that way. Certain limitations to your confidentiality are as follows:
1. Threat to personal life or another person's life.
2. Disclosure of sexual, physical or emotional abuse towards a minor or elderly person.
Sharing in a group can be anxiety-provoking; therefore we ask that you keep all information discussed in this group confidential. This request means that you may not discuss the identity or identifying information, or share the reactions of any member of this group with anyone outside of the group. You may talk about your own personal reactions, and are even encouraged to do so outside of group, but not about others’ identifying information or reactions.
CONDUCT AND RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER GROUP MEMBERS
No group member is ever to be humiliated or abused in any way. We encourage members to engage in active listening, with the aim of listening for deep understanding as opposed to listening to respond. Members will be cognizant to take appropriate time in sharing their thoughts/ideas so that all group members will have time to participate. Members should maintain conduct that brings respect to fellow members' thoughts, emotions, or behavior and respect others’ differences, religious beliefs, cultures, gender identities and sexual orientation. We are committed to embrace and celebrate diversity in all its richness, and to invest in creating a community based on mutual respect, understanding and openness. As a part of the group, we expect that we will support each other in the process of self-exploration around issues of diversity and other personal difficulties, challenging our own biases and engaging in courageous dialogues for growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The workshop will begin and end on time and last for 3 hours, during which, we will ask that you turn off or silence your mobile devices. You will engage in yoga movement (please remove shoes while on the provided yoga mat), therapeutic art making (no art skills needed), and EMDR Integrative Group Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) that includes individually processing trauma (with self-administered tapping) through guided instruction from the facilitator, drawing and writing. No prior yoga experience is needed and you are welcome to participate in the movement to whatever level you are comfortable. Mats and necessary props will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if desired. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes which allow for movement such as bending and stretching.
The possible benefits of EMDR treatment include the following:
• The memory is remembered, but the painful emotions, physical sensations, disturbing images and thoughts are no longer present.
• The brain’s natural healing process is utilized to reintegrate the memory and store it in a more appropriate place in the brain.
The possible risks of EMDR treatment include the following:
•Reprocessing a memory may bring up associated memories. This is normal and those memories will need to be reprocessed at another appropriate time. Reprocessing disturbing memories can be uncomfortable physically and/or emotionally.
•Reprocessing of the memory normally continues after the end of the workshop. Other memories, flashbacks, feelings, and sensations may occur. You may have dreams associated with the memory. Frequently the brain is able to process these additional memories without help, but arrangements for individual therapy at P.A.L.S. for Healing or at another agency should be made in a timely manner.
SELF CARE
This workshop alone is not adequate in treating serious psychiatric disorders. If you are dealing with severe triggers, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, domestic violence, or other serious issues, you agree to access additional appropriate resources outside of this group setting, such as individual therapy. The group facilitator will not be held liable if you fail to get additional support.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Group sessions will sometimes involve engaging in trauma informed yoga movements and therapeutic art making. Members are encouraged, but not required to participate in these physical activities. By signing below, a group member
agrees to not hold the group facilitator responsible if an injury results from the movement and to release her from any claims of liability.
CONSENT
I agree to adhere to the norms and expectations for the Traumatic Stress Wellness Workshop at P.A.L.S. for Healing as indicated above.