Group Informed Consent
Group counseling is a unique relationship in which a group of people who are likely experiencing similar difficulties come together to both give and receive help from one another. Riaz Counseling attempts to create an environment where honest, interpersonal exploration will occur that will benefit all members. In order to create this environment, there are certain guidelines that need to be agreed upon by each participant.
Confidentiality
It is essential that you feel comfortable participating in group discussions and are able to speak openly about the topics addressed. There may be times when you wish to discuss matters that you do not want to be shared outside the group. You are entitled to privacy and confidentiality during group sessions. As a general practice, group facilitators do not disclose what is discussed within the group without your consent. However, please be aware that there are certain exceptions to this rule. In accordance with professional ethics and state law, facilitators may be required to disclose information without your permission in specific circumstances. Some of the situations in which disclosure is mandated by law include:
- If you, another minor, a dependent person, or an elder adult is being abused
- If you are in danger of hurting yourself, someone else, or another person’s property
- When others communicate to your facilitator that you present a danger to others If you are doing things that could cause serious harm to you or someone else, your facilitator will use their professional judgment to decide whether a duty to warn exists to ensure everyone’s safety. In these situations, your facilitator will talk with you about their concerns and discuss the best way to include your support system in order to get the support that you need.
Group Member’s Agreement for Confidentiality
All members of the group will be asked to agree to a high level of confidentiality in the group sessions. This means that each participant agrees not to share any other group members identifying and personal information with others. It is appropriate to share your personal reaction and feelings about group with others, but please do not share other people’s stories with anyone outside of the group.
Risk and Benefits of Group Therapy
There can be discomfort involved in participating in group therapy. You may remember unpleasant events, or experience feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other unpleasant feelings. If these distressful emotions arise during your therapy, please talk with your group and with your group facilitator. During the process of group therapy, is normal to have intense feelings and reactions to other group members or even towards your group facilitators. Again, these are understandable emotions that should be discussed and processed in the group setting. If you believe that group is not the most appropriate setting for you to heal and grow, please talk with your facilitator about other possible options.
Participating in group therapy can result in a number of benefits to you, including a better understanding of your personal goals and values, improving personal relationships, and resolution of specific problems you are facing in your life. It is important to recognize that therapy is not magic, and change does not occur overnight. Your willingness to participate fully in group and your openness to take feedback from your facilitators and other group members will play a role in how much you gain in therapy. In particular, the extent to which you are open and honest about yourself will play a role in how quickly you can achieve your goals.
Group Expectations
To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants, it’s important to follow these group expectations. These guidelines are in place to protect your privacy, promote respect, and foster a productive group dynamic.
- Confidentiality: All information shared within the group must remain confidential, even after you leave the group. This includes taking measures to protect your privacy when participating online or sharing posts, and ensuring your electronic devices are secure. While every effort is made to protect your confidentiality, please be aware that there are no guarantees. Any participant has the ability to save or share information, despite the group’s agreement to confidentiality.
- Emergency Situations: Group sessions are not intended for emergencies. If you are experiencing a crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please follow the emergency management plan outlined in your counseling agreement form. This may include calling 911 or reaching out to a mental health or substance abuse hotline.
- Extra Support: If you need additional support between sessions, you are encouraged to contact your counselor directly to make arrangements.
- Communication in Tele-Counseling: Due to the limitations of tele-counseling, such as the absence of non-verbal cues, comments may be misinterpreted. It’s important to clarify your interpretation of others’ statements and ask for clarification when needed. Similarly, be mindful of how you communicate and try to be as clear as possible in your own comments.
- Technical Requirements: For video counseling, you will need a computer with a camera and speakers to fully participate in the session.
- Session Etiquette: Please ensure you begin and end the session on time and remain present for the entire duration of the group. While you are not obligated to speak, you are encouraged to participate when you feel comfortable. Remember, your role is to be a supportive peer, not to solve others’ problems. It’s important to respect everyone’s opinions and avoid discussing participants who are not present.
By adhering to these expectations, we can help create a respectful, safe, and effective environment for everyone involved.
Attendance
Group therapy is successful (as is any form of therapy) when there is regular attendance on behalf of the participants. If you cannot attend a group meeting, please email or call to let your leader or co-leaders know as soon as possible. In your message please also indicate whether or not it is permissible for your leader or co-leaders to share why you are absent. Please arrive on time. You may, at any time during the course of your treatment, withdraw your authorization to this agreement. Simply contact your group leader at: Admin@riazcounseling.com.
Fees
Payment is requested at the beginning of every group session. Some group members may choose to pay in advance for services rendered on a monthly basis. If you pay in advance and have an excused absence, then that payment will be held as a credit for future sessions. Payment can be made by debit or credit card. If you miss and do not call ahead of time, you will be charged for the session ($50). It is important to note that insurance does not typically cover for missed appointment fees so those will be the responsibility of the group member.
Emergencies
Please know that therapists at Riaz Counseling do not provide twenty-four (24) hour crisis or emergency therapy services. If you are in a crisis during group therapy your facilitator will call your emergency contact person or 911 to assist with your care. Should you experience an emergency necessitating immediate mental health attention, you should immediately contact 911, your physician, your local emergency room, the local police department, or a crisis hotline. It is your responsibility to seek appropriate resources in emergency situations. Other hotlines include: the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 and the Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-784-2433.