Everyone who wishes to share has an opportunity to do so. No one person should monopolize the group time.
- One person speaks at a time
Each person should be allowed to speak free from interruption and side conversations.
- What is said here stays here
This is the essential principle of confidentiality and MUST be respected by all.
- Differences of opinion are OK
We are ALL entitled to our own point of view.
We accept cultural, linguistic, social, and racial differences and promote their acceptance.
Because we do not participate in discussion groups as credentialed professionals, NO ONE CAN INSTRUCT. We can share from our own personal experiences. We can say: “when I was faced with a similar problem, I…” Always put things in the context of our own experiences. We cannot say – “you should do X.”
- We avoid the following topics as they may unintentionally harm some participants: politics, graphic sexual themes, suicidal methods, and details of traumatic events.
People do not have to share if they do not wish to. Much can be gained by just listening.
- PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE while attending an online group meeting:
This is to obey the laws of the road and also not to be a distraction to the driver or the group, and to stay safe.