“Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.”

- Bob Marley

How do I know the information I share in group stays in group?

Although it can be difficult to maintain confidentiality in a group setting as we cannot control others, the mutual respect between the members creates a sense of community to follow the guidelines that structure the group. Having agreements that everyone in the group upholds helps create a shared understanding between members about the importance of keeping the information from group in group.

I have never been in a group before. How do I know if it is right for me?

It can be a scary idea to go to a group with many strangers and share about some of your challenges, begin asking yourself, why am I interested in this group? The more clarity you have about what interests you about attending the group, the more you can explore if it's a good fit. Explore what the group offers, the time commitments, who can participate and if there is a limit for participation. It may be scary to share with strangers and it can also be a place of community, shared experiences and new learning opportunities.

If there are people who don’t get along in the group, how is conflict managed?

Conflict is a normal part of a group as there are many personalities, perspectives and experiences in one space, when this happens each conflict is addressed and protocols are practiced to regain resolution. Conflict resolution begins between the individuals where the conflict began. When the conflict impacts the group as a whole and group dynamics, the conflict is then addressed with the group. The group facilitator is present for all conflict resolution discussions. Depending on if conflict is unable to be resolved with these protocols, further steps will be taken on a case by case issue.

I’m shy and/or my child/teen is shy and has a hard time speaking up. Will I and or they be able to have time to share?

Before the first group, please let me and or the other group leader (if applicable) know of this concern; we can work together to find ways to help you and/or your child/teen to share more. It can be hard finding the time to speak in a group setting for many reasons. Group settings can be a natural way to practice in-the-moment skills to reduce those challenges. I like to try and give all group members a chance to share; however members will know it is ok if they do not want to participate. Sometimes people get a lot out of a group without verbally engaging with others.

Frequently Ask Questions