Confidentiality.
It is very important that things that are talked about in the group are not repeated outside. You may, of course, want to discuss your experience with people close to you but even then it is important not to attach names or specific information to the talk. In our experience, it is extremely uncommon for there to be any important break in confidentiality in therapy groups. Please be sure that you don't talk about others, just as you don't want them to talk about you outside the group.

Attendance and punctuality.
It is very important that you attend all sessions and arrive on time. Once a group gets going, it functions as a group, and even if just one member is absent, it is not the same. So both for your sake and for the sake of all of the members, please be a regular attendee. If for some reason it is impossible for you to make a session, then call in advance and discuss it with your therapist or at least leave the information. Then the group will know you are not coming and won't wait until you arrive to get down to work. It is sometimes useful for the group to spend some time periodically talking about major absences such as trips or vacations and discussing how to plan for these as a group.

Initial commitment.
Most groups meet for at least a few months and some are intended to be long-term in nature. The exact number of sessions will vary according to the design of the group and the clinical judgment of the leader. It takes time to appreciate how much a group can help you, so it is important that you commit yourself to the group and that you discuss with your therapist before the group starts what the expectations are in terms of the length of your particular group.

Alcohol or drugs.
Groups are places for sensitive personal discussions. It is important that you do not come to sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs except medications. This is not to say that it is good or bad to use alcohol or drugs, but they get in the way of making the most of the group experience. As a general rule, you will be asked to leave the session if your behavior is significantly affected.

Socializing with group members.
It is important to think of groups as being a treatment setting and not as a replacement for other social activities. Group members are strongly advised not to have outside contacts with each other. The reason for this is that if you have a special relationship with another group member, that relationship gets in the way of getting the most out of the group interaction. The two of you would find yourselves having secrets from the group or not addressing issues because of your friendship. If you should have some outside contact with group members, then it is important that this be talked about in the group so that the effects can be taken into account. You are asked to make a commitment to report such contacts with the group.

Group Solutions Network, Inc. expresses its gratitude to K. Roy MacKenzie, M.D. for his permission to reprint the above material.