Internal rules for PTSDA Groups:

       This is a mutual self-help group, not a clinical therapy group. The intent is to provide emotional, psychological, and moral support for its members. Each member is encouraged to participate to whatever extent they feel comfortable.

       The following ground rules facilitate the development of trust in the group and enable each member to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and caring environment.

1.         Confidentiality is essential; what is said in the group is not repeated or discussed at 

                any other time or place.

2.        We talk and focus on our own present feelings and experiences; we try not to give advice,

            to dwell on past experiences, or to tell war stories.

3.        We each share the responsibility for making this group work.  Alcohol and/or drugs have

            no place in PTSDA. 

4.        We try to accept people, just as they are, and we avoid making judgments. 

5.        We will avoid any direct verbal or physical confrontation in meetings.

6.        We try to give everyone an opportunity to share.

7.        We have the right to speak and the right to remain silent.

8.        We give supportive attention to the person who is speaking and avoid side conversations.

9.        We avoid interrupting. If we do break in, we return the conversation to the person 

               who was speaking.

10.     We have the right to ask questions and the right to refuse to answer.

11.      We do not discuss group members who are not present.

12.       We begin and end our meetings on time.