Lonely Therapy Club
Meets Every Sunday from 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Donations only for the first two months
This a chance for people to hang out and check-in with other live experience individuals once a week. It is a general co-ed group for adults struggling with mood disorders or personality pathology.
It is important to note that it is not a full-fledged psychotherapy group, in the sense that we will not handle too much depth and cannot be billed as such. It is more of an opportunity to meet other "lonely" individuals seeking connection. This meeting is also a good fit for those who are skeptical about the benefits of group therapy.
This is a great chance to see the benefits at a low cost before investing in DBT skills groups or interpersonal process groups which I think is where the real rapid change can occur.
Please read carefully
1. Confidentiality
Anything said between any two or more group members at any time is part of the group and is confidential. I understand that everything said in group is confidential. I agree to keep secret the names of other members of the group and what is said in the group. I agree to keep secret anything which occurs between or among group members. I understand that there is an exception to this confidentiality which applies to the group leader. If the group leader believes that someone is in danger, the leader has a professional obligation to take direct action in order to keep everyone safe.
I agree not to keep secret from the group anything which occurs within the group. Anything which occurs between or among any members is part of the group is kept secret from anyone outside of the group but is not kept secret from the group. This also applies to any individual meetings you may have with a group leader. I understand that if I violate this confidentiality I could be removed from the group.
2. Privacy (The Stop Rule)
No group member is ever required to answer any question, to participate in any activity, or to tell anything. If I am asked questions or asked to participate in an activity which makes me feel uncomfortable, I understand that I have the right to pass, that is, the right to refuse. I agree that will never pressure other group members to participate in any discussion or activity after the member has passed or refused. I understand that the group leader is obliged to protect this right. I also understand that I will benefit more from group the more I am able to take risks in sharing and participating.
3. Dignity
No group member is ever humiliated, hazed, or abused in any way. I agree to avoid this destructive behavior.
4. Violence or intimidation
Violence or intimidation toward other group members is never tolerated. I understand that I must never be violent or intimidating toward other group members and that if I threaten to harm persons or property I will be asked to leave the group.
5. Alcohol and Other Drugs
Group members cannot participate in the group under the influence of alcohol or other mind altering drugs. When under the influence of chemicals, persons do not have access to their emotions and have less control over their behavior. I understand that if the leader believes that I am under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, I will be asked to leave the group.
6. Exclusive relationships
Dating and other exclusive relationships between or among group members are not a good idea. The relationships can make other group members feel left out. When a couple breaks up, for example, this can be most painful and may make it impossible for these people to continue in the group. Since anything which occurs between or among group members is part of the group, members who are dating or in very exclusive relationships may be embarrassed when their intimate moments are discussed in the group.
7. Gossip
Gossip and secret grudges can be very destructive in a group. I agree that if I have something to say to another group member, I will try to say it to the member directly rather than talk about him/ her behind his/her back.
8. Internet Connectivity
I feel very strongly that the members of the group should form and participate in an online group limited to the group members. Of course, the same cautionary notes apply to the internet communications in terms of both confidentiality and inter-group sharing. (I have used this model very successfully, and it significantly enhances a healthy form of interconnection.)
9. Responsibilities
I understand that it is the group leader's responsibility to enforce these procedures and guidelines. The group may, when it wishes, propose other procedures and guidelines which will be up to the group to monitor.
10. Termination
Usually, group members decide, within the group, with the leader, when it is time to leave the group. Sometimes it is necessary for a group member to leave the group unexpectedly. This can cause group members to wonder if they have harmed the leaving member. I promise that if I must leave the group unexpectedly, I will come to a last group meeting and tell the members that I am leaving and say goodbye. I agree to announce this at the beginning of the last meeting so that the group has time to ask questions and say goodbye. If I decide to leave the group the group members may express their concerns but also respect the decision of the person wishing to leave.
11. Emergency
In the event of an emergency, I understand that I will call 911 or check-in to the nearest emergency department. I understand that Steven Wright, the group facilitator, has the right to remove me from the room and he is not directly responsible for my well-being. I understand just because I am attending this group work session that I am still responsible for my mental well-being. I understand that, even though the intention of this group is to share and be real, that we still must abide by state and federal guidelines regarding emergency situations. When in doubt, consult your individual therapist and local authority.