Rules of Confidentiality in Support Groups

Support groups are mutual self help groups, not therapy groups. While confidentiality can never be guaranteed, as there is no realistic way to control and observe everyone outside of the group, rules regarding confidentiality and the meaning of confidentiality must be absolutely clear.

Content

• While confidentiality rules vary from group to group, many support groups urge that you do not discuss what you hear in your support group outside of your support group. Some groups use the expression, "What you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here." Other support groups say that it's okay to discuss what you heard in your support group, as long as you don't offer any identifying information about the people involved: no names, addresses, jobs or any individual information about a person.

Recognition

• Confidentiality rules in support groups usually include modes of conduct when running into a group member at outside events. Some support groups specify that you cannot express any recognition for this person and must act as though you're meeting them for the first time. Other groups state that it's fine to behave as though you know this person, but you must not reveal that you know them via the support group. Thus, if pressed, you'll have to make up a reason for how you know them.

Exceptions

• Two rules or conditions act as exceptions to confidentiality rules. Namely, if you hear or see something at your support group that causes you to believe that a child is in danger or being abused, you should report it. Similarly, if you think that an adult is going to harm himself or someone else, you must report that as well.