On the first day of the six-week session, every participant will be provided with a conduct agreement fostering respect and safety, and they will be required to sign no judgment.
Grief takes many forms—it’s not limited to the loss of a loved one. This group is designed for individuals who have experienced a significant loss within the past four years and are seeking support as they navigate their pain and move toward embracing a new normal.
All participants should understand that this is not therapy. While the group founder is a Certified Grief Counselor and Death Doula, she is not an NYS-licensed therapist. Certified Counselors Certified grief counselors help individuals navigate and cope with the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of loss through compassionate support & guidance. No assumption should be made otherwise. This is strictly a forum for those dealing with grief to explore their feelings, learn techniques to better cope, and understand daily feelings that may arise. If the group leaders feel that you would benefit from formal therapeutic interventions, they will let you know privately and have resources for you to contact if you choose.
Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays in the group. No one is to share what goes on in the session outside the meeting room. It will demonstrate safety and respect for your fellow participants. If this is not maintained, there will be immediate dismissal from the group.
Respect: Be respectful of others’ experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Furthermore, we will not discuss religion, race or political beliefs. If “hot topics” arise, the group leaders will redirect the dialogue.
No Judgement: This is a nonjudgmental space. All grief journeys are valid. Feelings are neither right or wrong – they simply are. If a participant feels that they are not respected, we will immediately handle. This is a safe place to be ourselves.
Listening: Allow others to share without interruption or offering unsolicited advice. If there is a time when something is unclear, wait until the speaker is done and then respectfully seek clarification.
Participation: Participation is encouraged, but not required. We also encourage topics you would like to have us cover. This is YOUR experience and we want to offer you the best outcomes.
No Disruptive Behavior: Aggressive, harmful, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. You will be eliminated from the group immediately.
Social Media: At NO times will anything that is discussed by our groups or names of participants be shared. This would violate their privacy and erode the safety net we provide our group members. If we see any social media posts, you will be eliminated from further participation in any Good Grief Rochester activity.
No Children Allowed: Because of the limited timeframe to be together, we cannot have disruptions. Topics will be sensitive and emotions may erupt that younger folks will not understand. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for your children < 14 years of age to remain home.
Participants: Those accepted into the sessions are those actively grieving, not for observation or general interest. Each registrant may bring one support person if desired.
[ ] I acknowledge and agree to abide by the group conduct guidelines above.
[ ] I understand this group is not a substitute for professional mental health care or therapy. This is a community program to support the difficult journey of the group. The group leaders are NOT NYS-licensed therapists but can recommend community resources if that is appropriate.
[ ] I agree to be contacted regarding group meeting dates and updates.
Printed Name: ________________________________________________________
Signature: Date: / /