Technical Guidelines

1. After being screened, each individual will be told when the group will meet and they will be given a link to use at the designated time for the group. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THIS LINK OR DISCUSS SCHEDULING WITH ANYONE, EVEN IF YOU DEEM THEM APPROPRIATE TO THE GROUP.  Instead, please refer them for a screening.

2. Use the link at the appropriate time. For safety reasons, the facilitator will not allow unknown people in to the group.

3. When you come to group, please enter your name (or initials) as well as your preferred pronouns so the facilitator and other group members will know how to address you. Each individual’s preferred pronouns should be respected.

4. As best as you can, please participate in the group in a quiet place, free from distractions and interruptions. Please alert anyone who is sharing your space that group time is a private time. Headsets may be helpful if you are in a shared space.

5. Please turn on the “Do Not Disturb” function of your device.

6. Cameras must remain on during group.

7.  Please give the group your full attention. Please do not multitask during group.

General Guidelines

1. Above all else, please treat others with the kindness, respect and care that you would like to receive yourself. This will ensure a successful group.

2. Be courteous to fellow attendees: Please arrive on time and let the facilitator know if you need to leave early (in advance). If you do start group late or have to leave early, please do so quietly.

3. EVERYTHING FROM GROUP SHOULD BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

4. This is a place to focus on our feelings. Avoid sharing graphic details or information on the method of your loss, which can be extremely upsetting to other attendees. If you are compelled to speak about these things, please speak to the facilitator about finding a referral in addition to attending group.

5. While sharing and asking questions is encouraged, it is crucially important to respect each other’s boundaries: No one is required to talk if they don’t want to.

6. Find the balance between listening and sharing. Be mindful not to interrupt and do your best to not take more than your share of time.

7. Respect the opinions of others, and try to be accepting of different ideas in the recognition that not everyone share your religious, spiritual and/or cultural beliefs.

8. We learn best by hearing experiences of others, not necessarily by getting advice. Give fellow attendees the room to learn by listening and allow them to choose their own path.

9.While the hope is that you will take much away from attendance, be mindful that people process grief in different ways: what works for you may not necessarily work for someone else, and you should not carry an expectation of others to have all the answers.

10. Expressing pain is a healthy way to heal; if a group member expresses a deep pain, avoid trying to “fix” their grief. The best thing to do is to be present, allow them to express their pain, and to respect their personal boundaries.

11. Offer support, compassion, and encouragement to others, and they will offer you the same.