Tele-Health Virtual Group Rules and Room Etiquette

1. Privacy and Confidentiality

• Private Space: Please ensure you are in a quiet, private area where you cannot be overheard by others. Using headphones is strongly recommended to protect the privacy of what others in the group may share.
• No Recording: Recording, taking screenshots, or capturing video of the session is strictly prohibited to protect the confidentiality of all members.
• "What is said here, stays here": Respect the privacy of your fellow group members. Do not discuss specific details about other participants or their stories outside of this group.

2. Virtual Room Etiquette

• Be Punctual: Please log in 2-3 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure your technology is working. Late entry can be disruptive to the group process.
• Camera Policy: For the most effective therapeutic engagement, we request that you keep your camera turned on. This helps build connection and allows the facilitator to observe non-verbal cues. If you must turn your camera off for a specific reason, please notify the facilitator.
• Mute Your Microphone: Please keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking to minimize background noise (e.g., typing, pets, household traffic).

3. Communication Guidelines

• Be Respectful: Avoid interrupting others. Wait for the speaker to finish their thought before contributing.
• Active Listening: Give your full attention to the person speaking. Minimize distractions such as checking emails or using your phone during the session.
• Use "I" Statements: Focus on your own experiences and feelings rather than offering unsolicited advice or criticism.
• Constructive Language: Please refrain from using offensive or exclusionary language. We strive to maintain a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their background or experiences.

4. Technical Issues

• If you experience a technical failure, try to log out and log back into the session.
• If you are disconnected, the facilitator will attempt to resume the session once the connection is stable. If the connection cannot be restored, the facilitator will contact you via email or phone to provide instructions.