Group rules

This form explains the expectations, rights, and responsibilities for participating in a group offered by Macedone Counseling. Please read it carefully. Your signature indicates that you understand these guidelines and agree to follow them for the personal growth, safety, and benefit of all participants.

Purpose of Group

Groups are designed to provide support, education, and growth in a setting where participants learn from one another. Group participation can help individuals build insight, practice new skills, and explore thoughts and feelings in a safe and structured environment.

Voluntary Participation

Participation in group is voluntary. You may choose to stop participating at any time. If you decide to discontinue, you agree to inform the group facilitator prior to leaving so the transition can be handled respectfully and with appropriate closure.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential in group work. The facilitator will keep information private within the limits of the law. These limits include suspicion of abuse or neglect, danger to self or others, or court orders.

Group members also share the responsibility of protecting one another’s privacy. By signing this form, you agree to the following:

• You will not share the names, identities, or personal stories of any group member outside the group.

• You will not record or photograph any part of the group process.

• You will respect the privacy of all participants and protect what is shared as confidential.

• You understand that although confidentiality is strongly emphasized, the facilitator cannot guarantee that other participants will always uphold it.

A breach of confidentiality may result in removal from the group.

Group Expectations

To ensure a safe and productive experience, group members agree to:

• Arrive on time and participate to the best of their ability

• Treat all members with respect

• Allow others to speak without interruption

• Share personal experiences rather than giving advice

• Practice empathy, patience, and cooperation

• Maintain appropriate boundaries

• Refrain from substance use before or during group sessions

• Inform the facilitator if something feels unsafe or concerning

The facilitator has the right to redirect conversations, set limits, or remove a participant if their behavior disrupts the safety or integrity of the group.

Risks and Benefits

Group participation has potential benefits, including improved insight, increased support, new skills, and emotional growth. There are also risks, such as feeling discomfort when sharing personal experiences or hearing perspectives that differ from your own. You understand that participation does not guarantee specific outcomes.

Communication Outside Group

Group members agree not to engage in soliciting, marketing, harmful or pressuring communication with one another outside the group setting. Social connections that occur outside of group are the personal choice of members, but they should not interfere with the functioning or safety of the group.

Emergencies

Group is not a crisis service. If you experience a crisis or safety concern, you agree to contact appropriate emergency resources or speak with the facilitator as soon as possible.

Consent

Before being accepted into group, you will be asked to sign a document that shows consent for:

• You have read and understand this agreement

• You understand the expectations for participation

• You agree to maintain confidentiality

• You agree to participate in a respectful and safe manner

• You understand the limits of confidentiality and the voluntary nature of group participation