SUPPORT GROUPS AGREEMENT

I am very pleased that you have decided to join us for the “EXPATsion Soul Circle” Support Group”. This agreement helps to explain the terms and expectations of all participants. Please read in its entirety, then click the checkbox, and type your name. This will serve as your signature and that you agree to the terms and conditions of the group.

Confidentiality: Being in an environment where open sharing takes place can be stressful and may feel unsafe. 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 the group facilitator will maintain a boundary of NOT discussing topics or conversations that I brought up in the group with her 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.