Contract

Question 1

contract

Answer 1

= explain group rules, group norms, guidelines for group behaviour

• time of sessions, length of sessions
• estimate number of sessions
• procedures for changing any of these terms
• identification of group members expectations

Question 2

rules

Answer 2

• all groups should have rules about attendance, tardiness, being reasonably cooperative and sensitive to others, one person talking at a time; eating, smoking, drinking during the session
• most counselling, therapy, support and growth groups have rules about attacking others, putting others on the spot, and keeping shared personal disclosures confidential (skapegoating)

Question 3

who makes the rules?

Answer 3

• in most cases the leader makes the rules: leader understands groups and what rules need to be in place for the group to be successful
• sometimes use deciding of the rules as a group discussion activity: can be mistake because certain rules may be deemed unimportant by members; can take up valuable time

Question 4

how should rules be discussed?

Answer 4

• presentation or discussion of rules should be in pleasant, positive manner
• general rules (eating, drinking, attendance) can be shortly discussed because decided by leader

Question 5

confidentiality

Answer 5

• rules about confidentiality of the information shared among members need more attention
• very important that everyone understands what it means and that everyone agrees to keep thing confidential
• leader will want to get some acknowledgement from each person