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. 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 learn as much as you can, with the hope that exceed your expectations. So come to groups with with high expectations.

Arriving & Attendance

Log on at least 5-10 minutes before the group begins so we can start on time. You will be admitted within 5 minutes after the hour. Please be patience. Thank you.
Your full name must be visible on Zoom, and your face should be well-lit.
To receive credit, you must attend the entire session.
If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, you will not be admitted.
If you’re having trouble logging in, please text right away for help.
Any issues such as payment or special request should be resolved prior to attending groups.
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. 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

Join the group from a private, quiet location. You cannot be outside or in a car.
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.
Recording, screenshots, or photos of group sessions are strictly prohibited, and subject to immediate termination.
Headphones are welcome and encouraged.

Zoom Etiquette

Mute yourself upon entering and unmute only when you’d like to speak.
During group, give your full attention and face the camera— no 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 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.
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-#3. You must complete all your homework in order to graduate from the program.

Other Important Information

Missing more than two consecutive days in IOP or two consecutive weeks in SOP—without communication—or failing to make up missed sessions will result in termination from the program without notice. Please communicate any absences whenever possible.

If terminated, you will be required restart the program if you are allowed to come back.

Refunds are not issued upon termination or if you fail to start the program within 30 days after your payment.

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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.