Sharing—Feeling heard and validated is essential for this group meeting to be healthy. We invite you to share as much as you want but be mindful that we have only a bit over an hour, and others may like to share as well. When you share, do so from your perspective and grief experience.

Being nonjudgmental—Everyone’s grief is unique, as are religious beliefs, backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Although we may disagree with what we hear, we ask for a nonjudgmental zone. Hearing about others’ experiences offers space for each of us to develop ideas that may work for ourselves.

Advice Giving – We understand that sometimes we might want to offer advice when we hear others share their struggles. As a reminder, this is not an advice-giving group. However, if you ask for advice, you’ll probably receive some.

Be Respectful of Others – Moving about, doing tasks, and dropping in and out of the group while in session can be disruptive. Although we understand that interruptions and personal needs may occur, we ask that you stay present as best possible. So, we ask you to find a comfortable space for our time together.

If you should need to leave the group before our time ends, please chat with us and let us know before you do so. This way, we’ll know it was due to a personal matter and not a grief trigger and that no follow-up on your well-being is necessary.

The “I Pass” Rule—Many people find support in listening to others or might need time to become comfortable sharing. We want to allow this flexibility so people with all personalities and comfort levels might participate in the group. So, if you prefer not to participate when invited, simply say, “I pass.”

Silence—We recognize that there may be moments of silence at times. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but we are going to allow it. We find that it might take a moment to sit with a thought before responding.

Confidentiality—Although we join from different places, we have learned it’s a small world. So, confidentiality is essential. We, as facilitators, always keep what’s said in the group confidential. We ask that you do the same.

There is one exception. We, as facilitators, must break the confidentiality rule: If you express the intention to self-harm or to harm or be harmed by another person, we will do everything we can to help you and ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Connections—Last, we recognize that some might find strong connections to others during these groups. To help foster that, a group chat will be created to include all participants from this group. Should you not want to be included in that chat, use the chatbox and send me a private message telling me not to include you, and we will respect that.