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Group Social Contract

We uphold a Social Contract to create a safe and supportive environment. Grievers are entitled to confidentiality and to experience their healing process at their own pace. While sharing is encouraged, choosing to remain silent is equally respected. The following list outlines these principles in detail.

  1. Thoughts, feelings, and experiences shared in this group will stay in this group. Respect others’ RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY. Do not use the names of fellow participants in discussions outside of the group or on social media.
  2. Please do your best to ARRIVE ON TIME, and we will end the group on time. You can attend the group meetings for as long as you desire. There is no set time when you must stop coming.
  3. SILENCE PHONES AND PUT THEM DOWN during group to respect others and to make the most of our limited time together (unless you are using your phone to sign onto the video meeting).
  4. Your grief is a UNIQUE JOURNEY shaped by your individual experiences and emotions. While you may find common ground with others in the group, it’s crucial to respect and accept the shared and unique aspects of your grief.
  5. Grief is not a disease that can be cured or a race that can be won. It’s a PROCESS, A JOURNEY of healing that unfolds at its own pace. There’s no need to set a specific timetable for your healing or that of others in the group.
  6. Feel free to talk about your grief. However, if someone in the group listens without sharing, please respect their preference. Remaining SILENT or passing is respected.
  7. Create an atmosphere of willing, INVITED SHARING. If you feel pressured to talk but don’t want to, say so. The group will respect your right to quiet contemplation.
  8. Remember, GRIEF HURTS. Guard against being offended or taking things personally, and show mercy to others as they express their feelings.
  9. This group values ACTIVE LISTENING as much as expressing grief. Not interrupting when someone else is speaking is essential to ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.
  10. Allow each person EQUAL TIME to express themself so a few people can’t monopolize the group’s time.
  11. Share YOUR STORY, experiences, and ideas that help, but avoid “advice giving” unless a group member specifically requests it. If advice is unsolicited, don’t give it. Remember, each journey is unique, and what works for one person might not work for others.
  12. Recognize that thoughts and feelings are neither right nor wrong. So, please enter into the thoughts and feelings of other group members without trying to CHANGE OR FIX them.