Group Guidelines

It’s important that everyone feel safe, welcomed, and accepted in the group.

Making a commitment to follow a set of guidelines will benefit both you and the other group members.

Group members agree to:

Listen

A great deal of healing can occur simply by hearing others talk about their grief experiences. When someone is speaking, focus on what that person is saying. Good listening also builds relationships, which you’ll need on your healing journey. Remember to refrain from cross talk (talking while someone else is talking).

Maintain confidentiality

Don’t talk about things you hear in the group to people outside the group. This will help develop an atmosphere of trust. (Keep in mind, there is no way the group can guarantee confidentiality, so use discretion about what you share.) A simple rule to remember: never tell someone else’s story!

Be respectful

Everyone in the group comes from different situations and backgrounds. Be respectful of the differences, knowing that group members are there to find hope, acceptance, and comfort. Don’t speak of others in critical or slanderous terms.

Share

There is no requirement to talk or share, but you’re encouraged to do so. And if you tend to be a “talker,” there are other people in the group who need to share too, so don’t dominate the discussion time.

Give and receive advice cautiously

The best time to give advice is when someone asks for it (and don’t insist that person take your suggestion). Also keep in mind, the advice you receive from others may not be appropriate in your circumstances. Carefully evaluate the suggestions you receive.



Complete the exercises in your book

Doing the weekly exercises in your participant guide benefits both you and the group. Group discussions reach their full potential when everyone does the exercises.

Not date within the group

This is a time for building emotional strength and learning to adjust to life after loss. Therefore, dating is not allowed among group members (or leaders and members). A new dating relationship often distracts a person from the inner healing that’s needed.

Contact us any time