Please text (713) 927-4568 or email (thach@lifestrategieshouston.org) to acknowledge that you have read the Group Guidelines and Consent. Review these guidelines carefully before you join. Thank you.
Group Guidelines
These guidelines are here to help create a safe, respectful, and supportive space for everyone to learn. Our goal is for you to have a great experience with learning with a hope to exceed your expectations.
Arriving & Attendance
- Please log on 5-10 minutes before the group begins. You will be admitted within 5 minutes after the hour.
- Please have your full name visible on Zoom, and your face should be well-lit when you enter groups.
- To receive credit, you must attend the entire session.
- If you’re having trouble logging in, please text right away for assistance.
- Any issues such as special requests should be resolved prior to attending groups.
- Once admitted, please be seated, settled, and clearly visible on camera. Avoid moving around. If you need to go to the bathroom, leave a note in the chat. If you are not back within 5 min, you will be remove from groups. Once removed, you will be not able to log back in.
Confidentiality & Environment
- There is zero tolerance for not following confidentiality rules. No one else may be in the room with you or observing our group. If another person appears on screen or you appeared to have a conversation with someone, you will be removed immediately.
- Please join the group from a private, quiet location. You cannot be outside or in a car.
- Confidentiality is critical and essential — what is shared in group stays in group. All members in groups are confidential, reaching out to other members outside of groups is prohibited.
- Recording, screenshots, or photos of group sessions are strictly prohibited.
- Headphones are welcome and encouraged.
Zoom Etiquette
- Mute yourself upon entering and unmute only when you’d like to speak.
- During group, please avoid eating, lying down, sleeping, smoking, walking, playing on computer, sitting outside, driving or riding in a car, working, watching TV, using the phone or ipad, or multitasking. Participate as you would if you were attending at an 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.
- If you are removed from the group and receive a request to review the group guidelines again, the second removal will result from automatically termination from the program without notice.
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 for privacy.
Homework
Homework is required to turn in to graduate from the program. Visit the Homework page to complete homework #1 and #2. You must complete all your homework in order to graduate. Homework #2 must be completed before you can attend the last session.
Other Important Information
Missing more than one day for IOP or one week for SOP, without communication or failing to make up missed sessions, will lead to termination from the program without notice. Please communicate any absences as quickly as possible.
Once terminated, you will be subjected for a review and will be required restart the program.
Refunds are not issued upon termination from the program or if you fail to start the program within 30 days after your payment or you have violated your probation.
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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.
