Group Guidelines and Information

It may come as no surprise that behavior in therapy or support groups tends to mirror in important ways, behavior in other important relationships. For example, someone who routinely retreats from confrontation by assuming a placating or low profile stance at home or at work is likely to portray the same behavior as a group member. Among the many advantages that therapy and support groups offer, is the opportunity to examine our patterns of behavior in relationships; to consider relative benefits and costs of these patterns and to identify and try out alternative behaviors. The group also provides a context in which we can learn to identify, understand, and express feelings. My role as therapist/group leader is to facilitate this process while supporting the shared goal of open, honest communication.

In the group, we stress getting in touch with feelings because that’s something we all share and understand. We focus a great deal on the "here and now" or what’s going on within the group in the present, because we can all look at that much more effectively than we can a "there and then" memory. Needless to say, "here and now" feelings about "there and then" events are very much grist for the group mill.

In essence, group is a place to bring up and discuss things that are bothering us. It’s a safe place to take risks and talk about our real problems. It is also understood that for whatever reason, if a member does not wish to do something or talk about something, all s/he need say is "I don’t want to do (or talk about) that", and I won’t push you, nor will I allow the group to push you. However, if you say "I can’t - generally an avoidance reaction - we’ll gently bug you.

It should also be obvious that there will be no violence in the group. This statement is simply made to underscore the idea that participants are safe and that there are appropriate limits placed on exploration of feelings and behaviors.

Members have a commitment to talk about important issues in their lives that cause difficulty in relating to others or in living life fully. Members also have a commitment to talk about what is going on in the group itself as a way of better understanding their own interpersonal dynamics.

Members treat matters that occur in the group with utmost confidentiality. To that end, members are expected not to discuss other members with people who are not participants in the group. It is understood that you will want to share your experience with significant people in your life. The way to do this is to talk about YOUR experience and preserve the privacy of other group members by not identifying them as you share your experience.

Outside-of-group contact often has considerable impact on the group’s therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, any relevant interactions between members, which occur outside the group, should be brought back into the next meeting and shared with the entire group.

Three all day (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) sessions per year, scheduled on weekend dates are also included. These sessions give the group the opportunity to work in a time frame that allows issues of deep importance to emerge and to be addressed without the usual limitations of shorter meeting periods. Attendance at the full day sessions is vital. Because the absence of any member would negatively affect that member and the group, dates are chosen and protected to insure participation by all participants.

Payment for 2 hour group sessions (prorated at $50.00 per session/per member) is due monthly at the first group meeting, each month.

If any concerns arise regarding finances, it is requested that they be discussed in the group.

Because this is a closed group (as opposed to a drop-in group), space is reserved for participating members each week. Therefore, fees are not refundable for missed sessions.

Members remain as long as they find the group useful in working on important issues in their lives. New members make an initial three-month commitment in order to determine fit and value of the group for their particular needs.

Members notify the group if they are considering leaving the group. Because leaving the group is a process, just as joining is, members are expected to see this process through for at least three weeks following notification of termination.

Regular and timely attendance at all sessions helps the group to maintain continuity and to function at its highest level. Members have a responsibility to notify the group in advance when absence or lateness is unavoidable. Members may leave a message at (415) 472-5688 or notify another group member of absence. Because members develop close relationships in the group, they deserve to know if a member cannot attend on a particular evening or will be delayed.

In support and therapy groups, one size does not fit all. It is important that proper screening occur to determine whether an individual prospective member is a good fit for the group and whether the group is a good fit for its prospective member. Responsible group leaders take the time to conduct in-person interviews to assess each individual’s needs relative to group offerings; to confer regarding the possible usefulness of other modalities such as individual treatment and to provide referral options when necessary. The main goal of the screening interview is to help find a match between each prospective member’s needs and all available resources.

Well-led groups by trained and experienced group leaders provide opportunities for members to explore patterns of behavior and feelings in a safe environment. Adherence to group guidelines by individual members helps to insure the effectiveness of the group experience for all. Proper screening is necessary to determine whether a proper fit exists between prospective members and available group options. Consideration of alternative treatment options and referral should be considered and suggested when appropriate.

If you would like information about current group openings or to request a personal interview, call me directly at 415-472-5688. If you leave a message, please provide a phone number and some good times to reach you. In the event that I do not answer your call directly, I will return your call within 24 hours and often much sooner. You may also contact me by e-mail at DrPeltz@Psycounseling.com.