Group structure

• Format: Check-ins, then discussion of topics, then check-outs

• Discussion Group is capped at 8. Split into two groups if 9 or more members show up.

• This is a support group, not a therapy group. We try to avoid anyone getting triggered, or digging deep into emotions.

• Agreements are made easily accessible for all members, provided to new members upon joining, and reviewed as a group on a regular basis.

• Agreements can be changed as needed.

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Rules

• No one is required to disclose anything.

• Respect confidentiality of all that is said.

• No interrupting.

• No slurs, hate speech, name calling, or yelling.

• No gatekeeping.

• Don't tell people what to do.

• Ask permission before giving advice.

• Don't label people.

• Anyone can leave at any time.

• Please give trigger warnings and include what the potential trigger is.

• Please wait to speak until it is your turn or the floor is open for discussion.

• Give space for others to speak. Allow silence to occur.

• Focus on being supportive and seeking support.

• Contact outside of the group is allowed and encouraged.

 

Facilitator responsibilities

• Enforces the rules.

• Checks in with people regarding challenging topics.

• Checks in with people who haven't spoken for a while.

• Checks in with people whose topic is being discussed, so they have plenty of chances

• to respond to developments in the conversation.

• Directs the conversation away from triggering content, arguments, and off-topic conversations.

• Initiates the beginning and ending of group. Keeps time.

• Asks prompting and clarifying questions when a person is explaining their topic. Opens the floor for discussion once that person is ready.

• Interjects if a conversation is getting too 1-sided or too back-and-forth. Redirects the conversation to the group.

• Ensures everyone gets an adequate chance to speak.

 

Challenging topics

• Facilitator goes through with each person, in sequence, to see in what capacity they

• are comfortable with the topic.

• Facilitator makes note of any limitations or boundaries that come up, and helps to

• enforce those boundaries during the discussion.

• Members have a chance to leave before the discussion is started, and will be called

• back in once it is done.

• We want to avoid making people leave the room if possible.

 

Examples of potential triggers

• Violence

• Abuse

• Graphic medical details

• Sexual topics

• Drugs and alcohol

• Self harm

• Parental issues

• Transphobia

• Ableism

• Food and diet