SUPPORT GROUPS AGREEMENT

I am very pleased that you have decided to join us for this support group/healing circle. This agreement helps to explain the terms and expectations of all participants.

Confidentiality: Being in a group environment for many people may feel uncomfortable . For all members to feel safe in sharing their experiences, you make the following commitments regarding confidentiality:

a) I agree to not discuss anything from the group with anyone outside of the group; including WHO I see, or WHAT I hear.

b) I agree to not video or audio record any of our group sessions.

c) I acknowledge and agree that the facilitator will not discuss or share anything with anyone outside of the group, including WHO is attending or WHAT is discussed within the group.

d) I acknowledge and agree that although it is encouraged, it cannot be guaranteed that group members will maintain the confidentiality of any group members, and as such, confidentiality between group members is often based on mutual trust and respect.

e) I acknowledge and agree that I will maintain a boundary of NOT discussing topics or conversations that others brought up in the group with the facilitator OUTSIDE the group, and any attempt to do so will be declined.

f) I agree that I do have the right to notify the group facilitator at any time if I feel that anyone has breached the group agreement, but I am encouraged to communicate directly with my group members if a breach occurs (in other words, we model healthy communication by communicating directly with others when there is conflict).

g) I acknowledge and agree that the group facilitator may have limits to confidentiality if I or any other group member is: 1) participating in child or elder abuse, or 2) threatening SERIOUS harm to themselves or someone else (this may be reported to the police or appropriate authorities). However, as it relates to number 2, please know that the facilitator understands and normalizes these types of thoughts as parts of the human condition at times, and a conversation will always be had with you before any reports are made.

Attendance: Group cohesion depends on you being there when you say you will be there. Therefore, you promise to make the following commitments regarding attendance:

a) I agree to come to each session I register for.

b) I agree to arrive to the session on time.

c) I agree to stay for the entirety of the session and not leave early unless there is an emergency.

d) I agree to turn my cell phone (and smart watch) off, put it on vibrate, or mute the notifications during the session (being on call for work or having children in another person’s care are the exceptions) as to give my full attention to the sessions and minimize distractions.

e) I agree to participate in the group sober and free of any illicit substances.

Group Structure:

a) I acknowledge and agree that this is NOT a psychotherapy/counseling group, and psychotherapy/counseling will NOT be provided.

b) I acknowledge and agree that this is an OPEN group and that new participants may be added later (all new participants are encouraged to come to a Meet and Greet/Info session prior to them attending the group, and current members are encouraged to attend if they want to meet the new attendees prior).

c) I acknowledge and agree that this is a group that will uplift and center marginalized voices; this includes and is not limited to, Black, BIPOC, Persons of the Global majority, persons with disabilities, and LBTQIA+ communities. Therefore there is a zero-tolerance policy racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and other harmful language and practices within the group.

d) I acknowledge and agree that the group will not run if less than three people are registered for the scheduled session.

Other Agreements:

a) I acknowledge and agree to maintain respect and professionalism with other attendees and the facilitator during sessions.

b) I acknowledge and agree that any payments made towards group attendance are NON-REFUNDABLE but can be transferred to a future group session.

c) I acknowledge and agree that the group facilitator reserves the copyright to all materials and content created and provided to and/or shared with me in connection with my participation.

d) I acknowledge and agree that the facilitator has a right to remove any participant from the group at any time if that participant is contributing to the deterioration or lack of safety in the group.

e) I acknowledge and agree that I have the right to stop attending the group at any time, for any reason. Any payments made in advance will be forfeited.

As the facilitator of this support group/healing circle, I make the following commitments to you:

1. Safety and Integrity

I agree to create and uphold a space that is emotionally, culturally, and physically safe for all participants. I will model respect, boundaries, and compassionate communication at all times.

2. Confidentiality

I agree to maintain strict confidentiality about who attends and what is shared in this group, except where legally or ethically required to report imminent harm or abuse as outlined in the group agreement.

3. Transparency and Boundaries

I agree to be clear about my role and limitations. I will not provide psychotherapy, diagnoses, or clinical advice within this group, and I will communicate openly if a participant’s needs appear to require additional or different types of support.

4. Cultural Humility and Inclusion

I agree to approach all participants with cultural humility, recognizing and honoring the lived experiences, intersecting identities, and wisdom of each person. I will actively address and interrupt any oppressive or harmful dynamics that may arise in the group.

5. Presence and Preparedness

I agree to arrive on time, fully prepared, and grounded to hold space for the group. I will manage logistics, materials, and the structure of sessions so participants can focus on their healing and connection.

6. Shared Power and Voice

I agree to cultivate a collaborative space where participants’ voices, feedback, and experiences guide the direction of our collective healing. I will regularly invite feedback and adapt practices to better meet the group’s needs.

7. Accountability

I agree to receive feedback with openness and humility, repair harm if it occurs, and model the same accountability I ask of group members. I will engage in my own ongoing self-reflection, supervision, and healing work to facilitate with integrity.

8. Care and Follow-Through

I agree to check in with participants as needed, provide appropriate resources or referrals when necessary, and maintain communication regarding any changes to the group schedule or structure.