This is a mutual self-help group, not a therapy group. Hopefully, this group will provide emotional, psychological, and moral support for its members. Each of us is encouraged to participate to whatever extent we feel comfortable. The following ground rules facilitate the development of trust in the group and enable us to share our thoughts and feelings with each other.
1) Because confidentiality is essential, we expect that each person will respect and maintain the confidentiality of the group. What is said in the group is not to be repeated or discussed at any other time or place.
2) We are here to share our own feelings and experiences; we try not to give advice.
3) We each share the responsibility for making this group work.
4) We try to accept people, just as they are, and we avoid making judgments.
5) We try to give everyone an opportunity to share.
6) We have the right to speak and the right to remain silent.
7) We give supportive attention to the person who is speaking and avoid side conversations.
8) We avoid interrupting. If we do break in, we return the conversation to the person who was speaking.
9) We have the right to ask questions and the right to refuse to answer.
10) We try to be aware of our own feelings and talk about what is present to us now, rather than what life was like for us in the past.
11) We do not discuss group members who are not present.
12) We begin and end our meetings on time.
13) Please respect the doctors and medical professionals helping to take care of you.
The presentations/lectures provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care should be made with a healthcare provider who is able to consider the unique characteristics of the patient.