COHORT COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
By reading over this you are agreeing to the following cohort community guidelines. If you have any questions regarding any of these guidelines please email Jaime at womenbecomingwhole@gmail.com prior to our first scheduled meeting.
Confidentiality
Everything that is said in the group stays in the group. The identities and personal information of participants are not to be shared publicly or privately, in person or electronically, with anyone outside of the group. Participants are not required to reveal their last name if they do not feel comfortable doing so. Leaders or participants who compromise the identity of other participants may be asked to leave the counseling cohort.
Safety
If someone in the group is experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of self harm, Jaime will manage the scene and call 911 or the appropriate mental health support as a mandated reporter. If you also are a mandated reporter within the group, please utilize all training you have learned and direct it towards communicating with Jaime prior to reporting unless you deem it is necessary to act quickly and with your best judgement to keep the individual safe while in the video chat session.
Grace-filled Community
All WBW Counseling Cohorts cultivate spaces where women can experience the freedom to be their authentic self, to pursue spiritual connection with others, and to grow in an environment that celebrates differences and diversity. We ask that all members work towards speaking and acting with grace towards all members in the community cohort. These guidelines are not meant to imply a lack of trust within our cohort participants, but to communicate our deep commitments to protect each other and to cultivate safety and exemplify God’s love and grace towards each other. We recognize the vulnerability that can manifest in community where people may be sharing their lives with significant levels of emotional and spiritual depth and ask that all members focus on being in an environment of support.
Leader & Participant Roles
As your counselor, my role will be to offer guidance and support from a biblical perspective. However, I kindly ask that as participants, you refrain from providing direct advice to one another. Instead, I ask that you focus on active listening, empathy, and sharing your own experiences within the context of our faith. You are welcome to encourage participants or thank participants for sharing. By doing so, we can foster a space of understanding and compassion where we can grow together in our spiritual and personal journeys.
Building Relationships
I am thrilled about the opportunity for us to build meaningful relationships during our time together in the counseling cohorts. These connections are vital for our growth and support as we navigate life's challenges through the lens of our faith. However, I kindly request that during the eight weeks of our sessions, you refrain from communicating outside of our designated meeting times with other cohort members. This ensures that our focus remains on the valuable discussions and activities we engage in together. Once our sessions have concluded, you are welcome to continue nurturing these friendships outside of our structured meetings if you so desire. Let's cherish this time together and respect the boundaries set forth for the benefit of our collective journey. (If you do desire to communicate with Jaime during the cohort sessions, you are welcome to email her directly at womenbecomingwhole@gmail.com)
The following will not be tolerated in a counseling cohort
Racism, sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and all other forms of discrimination
Physical, verbal, mental or any other form of abuse towards or harassment of a participant or leader
Sexual harassment, inappropriate/unwelcome comments and behaviors
Disruptive or disrespectful behavior that derails conversation in the group
Informal counseling or unsolicited advice by those not professionally trained to provide mental health or pastoral care.
Violating participant privacy (posting private communications, participant information, etc.);
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our shared goals!