Rules for EDTLA Virtual Support Groups

This is a self-help group, not a therapy group. Hopefully, this group will provide emotional, psychological, and behavioral support for its members. Each of us is encouraged to participate to whatever extent we feel comfortable. The following ground rules facilitate the development of trust in the group and enable us to share our thoughts and feelings with each other.

1. Please test your equipment and get on the call about two minutes prior to make sure there are no connection issues.
2. Please be seated in a private space and a quiet room to reduce the likelihood of being disturbed.
3. If there are other people in adjacent rooms, please wear headphones to protect the confidentiality of what is said in group.
4. Please enable your video camera so the group can see your face.
5. Because confidentiality is essential, we expect that each person will respect and maintain the confidentiality of the group. What is said in the group is not to be repeated or shared except in generalities with all identifying information disguised.
6. Please turn off notifications, phones and anything else that could be distracting to you or members of the group.
7. We are here to share our own feelings and experiences; we try not to give advice.
8. We try to give everyone an opportunity to share.
9. We have the right to speak and the right to remain silent.
10. We give supportive attention to the person who is speaking. Only one person talks at a time.
11. The group is intended to be a safe place to share feelings and to obtain and provide support, information, reassurance, and encouragement.
12. The group does not replace individual therapy.
13. Eating during group is totally fine!!!
14. We begin and end our meetings on time. If you will be late but still want to attend or need to leave early, please notify the therapist.
15. The therapist is a mandated reporter. If any of the following situations arise or are discussed during group, I am mandated to take actions (e.g., notifying the proper authorities) to protect the reported parties.
    1. A danger to self, such as threats of self-harm or suicide
    2. A danger to another person, such as threats of violence against another person
    3. Actual or suspected child neglect/abuse or elder/dependent neglect/abuse
16. Group members may choose to contact each other outside of group if it is mutually agreed upon.
17. Please rename your display name on zoom to include your pronouns, e.g.: Lauren (she/her).