Group Guidelines and Consent

Please text (713) 927-4568 or email (thach@lifestrategieshouston.org) to acknowledge that you have read the Group Guidelines and Consent. Thank you.

Group Guidelines

These guidelines are here to help create a safe, respectful, and supportive space for everyone to learn.

Arriving & Attendance

Log on at least 5-10 minutes before the group begins so we can start on time. You will be admitted 2 minutes after the hour.
To receive credit, you must attend the entire session with your camera on.
If you arrive more than 2 minutes late, you will not be admitted.
If you’re having trouble logging in, please text me right away — I’m happy to help.
Identification & Presence
Once admitted, be seated, settled, and clearly visible on camera. Do not move around. If you need to go to the bathroom, leave a note in the chat.
Your name must be visible on Zoom, and your face should be well-lit.
If your camera is off, you are moving around, or lighting is insufficient, you will be removed from the group. Do not text after being removed. We will discuss the issue later.

Confidentiality & Environment

Join the group from a private, quiet location.
Confidentiality is essential — what is shared in group stays in group.
No one else may be in the room or observing. If another person appears on screen, you will be removed immediately and will be subjected to being terminated.
Recording, screenshots, or photos of group sessions are strictly prohibited.
Headphones are welcome and encouraged for privacy and sound quality.

Zoom Etiquette

Mute yourself upon entering and unmute only when it’s your turn to speak.
During group, please give your full attention — no eating, lying down, sleeping, smoking, walking, driving, working, watching TV, phone use, or multitasking.
Participate as you would if you were attending a group in person at the office.
If an emergency requires you to leave early, please text me and follow up privately afterward.
Leaving the group without notice will result in termination from the program.

Respect & Group Conduct

Treat everyone with respect and care.
Offer support, encouragement, and understanding to one another.
When sharing, please speak from your own experience rather than giving direct advice.
Be kind, patient, and attentive when others are speaking.

Background & Appearance

Use a neutral, distraction-free background.
Racist, anti-Semitic, prejudiced, hateful, extremist, vulgar, or threatening images are not permitted.
Virtual backgrounds are not allowed, but you may blur your background if needed.

Homework

Homework is required to turn in to graduate from the program. Visit the Homework page to complete homework #1-#3.

Other Important Information

Missing more than 2 days or 2 weeks without communication or attending fewer sessions than you missed will result in termination. Make sure you are communicating of any absences whenever possible.

If terminated, an assessment will be required to determine eligibility to return and restart the program.

Refunds are not issued upon termination.

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CONSENT AND CONTRACT

CONSENT: I understand that all information shared with a therapist and in groups is confidential and no information will be released without my consent. During the course of treatment, it may be necessary for my therapist to communicate with other associates, such as a Community Supervision Officer. While written authorization may not be requested, prior to any discussion, I understand that my therapist will discuss the communications with me. In all other circumstances, consent to release information is given through written authorization. Verbal consent for limited release of information may be necessary in special circumstances. I further understand that there are specific and limited exceptions to this confidentiality which include the following:

A. When there is risk of imminent danger to myself or to another person, the therapist is ethically bound to take necessary steps to prevent such danger.

B. When there is suspicion that a child or elder is being sexually or physically abused, a therapist is legally required to take steps to protect the child or elder, and to inform the proper authorities.

C. When a valid court order is issued for the records, the therapist is bound by law to comply with requests.

I understand that while counseling may provide significant benefits, it may also pose risks. Therapist may elicit uncomfortable thoughts and

feelings, or may lead to the recall of troubling memories. If I have any questions regarding this consent form or about the services offered, I may discuss them with my therapist. I have read and understood the above. I consent to participate in treatment offered to me. I understand that I may stop treatment at any time.

The following information and financial agreement is provided for me so that I can understand the fees and payment agreements as related to my treatment.