Michael D. Penticuff, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
(512) 454-9300
1600 West 38th Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78731
Group Guidelines
Confidentiality. Confidentiality is extremely important in a group setting, so that the group is a place where each person feels safe and comfortable. This means that if you talk to someone outside group about your experiences in group, you do not say anything that would allow the identification of another group member. It is okay to discuss your own feelings and experiences; just be careful about what you disclose regarding other group members. In addition, you should know that there is a respected school of thought that holds the view that discussing group events outside group "waters down" the group experience, thus yielding you less benefit or taking longer for you to achieve the same gains. This is, of course, your decision to make.
Attendance. Being in this group means attending the group every week, unless you are ill or have some kind of emergency. You will probably find that it is very noticeable when someone is absent and that the group works best if everyone attends regularly. Please plan to notify me if you know you have to miss a session in the future; also, please call to let me know if you are going to be late.
Individual Therapy. If you are also in individual therapy with me, you should know that it is almost always best for you to work out group issues in group rather than in individual therapy. This doesn't mean I will neve rallow you to talk about the group, but it's likely that if you bring up a group issue, I will ask you to talk about it in group. I will, though, never discuss other group members with any individual group member outside of group.
Commitment to Group. While I do not require a formal commitment to stay in the group, I do ask that you allow at least eight sessions before deciding whether to remain. Groups take time to develop the level of trust that allows real progress to occur. It can be extremely rewarding to work through the initial fear or discomfort that you (and the other members) are likely to feel and get to the point that the group is a real source of growth and support in your life.
Group Structure. This is an open-ended group that will meet every week. There is no time limit for the group; in other words, the group will meet for as long as it has members who want to continue. I may add new members over time, depending on the size of the group and the compatibility of potential members. I am also open to the possibility of creating new groups as the need arises. If you know or meet someone you believe might benefit from this or another group, please have that person call me for a meeting. There are no rules, further, regarding what will be discussed in group; the group will decide what to talk about as time goes on. While it may at times seem otherwise, my principal role is to maintain a safe atmosphere.
Outside of Group. Many therapists believe that it is best if while in the group members do not form relationships independent of the group meetings. My own experience is that such relationships often seem to lead to enhanced growth of those involved in them. Nonetheless, there is potential for others inthe group to feel unsafe when this goes on; it is therefore best if extra-group relationships are not kept secret and if material that might be relevant to group that emerges outside group is brought back to the group and discussed in open group.
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