Group Norms

1. KEEP CONFIDENTIALITY
We maintain confidentiality at all times in all areas having to do with the group and its members. "What is said here - stays here." Who attends the group is also confidential. To keep our LLMDs & medical doctors safe & in practice, we ask that doctors' names not be mentioned during our meeting time.

2. MAKE "I STATEMENTS"
Avoid using "you" or "we" as one can only really speak for oneself.

3. STAY IN THE "HERE AND NOW"
Share what you are dealing with today or this week. Bring past history to the present.

4. SHARE FEELINGS. . .
about your experience, strength, hope, fear, frustrations, sadness, anxiety, etc. Feelings are neither right nor wrong. They are amoral! We accept one another unconditionally. No shaming or blaming.

5. NO FIXING
Avoid offering suggestions or methods for fixing another person's problems, allowing individuals to experience their pain without your interference. Each member grows as he expresses himself and listens to others. NO DISCUSSION of what someone else has shared; no hearsay. NO ADVICE .

6. NO CROSS-TALK or discussion
Speak only when it is your turn. Questions can be handled AFTER the meetin so that shareing will not beinterrupted.

7. TIME-LIMITED SHARING
Please raise your hand before sharing and limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes allowing everyone in the group to share once before you share again. For maximum benefit everyone is encouraged to share. No one should feel pressured to share but may "pass". The group closes promptly after 1 hour or other agreed upon time.

8. KEEP IT POSITIVE
When speaking or responding to others, be uplifting and positive. Use positive words when addressing others. Denigration will not be tolerated. We need to keep our group a safe place to share.