Guidelines
In order for a group to be a productive and useful experience, it is important that individual members agree on the following guidelines:
Respect for Privacy
Trust is an essential element of any successful group. Nothing would be more disruptive and potentially detrimental to all, than to have a member's privacy compromised in some way. Never discuss anything concerning the group with anyone outside the group meetings. Out of respect for privacy, the identities of group members or the information they share should not be revealed to others. It is also recommended that you refrain from discussing issues concerning the group with other group members outside the regularly scheduled sessions.
Attendance At Meetings
Continuity is another element of a successful group. Whenever possible, it is important to attend every session. Missing sessions makes it difficult for the group to develop and follow ongoing themes and may cause unnecessary resentments. Whenever an absence is unavoidable, please contact a group leader at the Counseling Center (x3363) in Hogan 207 prior to the group meeting time. All members of any group are asked to attend at least the first three sessions before making a decision about whether or not to continue as a group member. Any member contemplating a decision to discontinue attending a group should discuss this with a group leader so that others in the group may be informed of the impending loss of a member in an appropriate and timely fashion. A group may be canceled after the first three sessions if there are less than five members attending.
Responsible Participation
Participation in a group implies a certain level of commitment to the other members. Members are expected to arrive at sessions on time, and to conduct themselves in a socially appropriate and non-disruptive fashion. While participation levels may vary among individuals, all members are expected to listen attentively to others and to make contributions when prepared to do so. Likewise, interactions between members outside group time should be respectful- behavior toward other members even outside session, may have effects on individual members and on the group as a whole.
Adjunct Services
A potential member who is already receiving some other form of assistance for personal concerns should check with the counselor/therapist to make certain that participation in a group is recommended. Members who have an interest in initiating concurrent individual or group counseling from other sources may consult with a group leader who will provide assistance or make a referral. Please feel welcome to approach a facilitator at any time between group meetings to discuss questions or concerns related to these guidelines or any other aspects of the group.