To create a safe, courageous learning environment for interactive relationships, we ask you to commit to the following agreements when you join an authentic communication group.
Boundaries
I agree to honor the three boundaries of process groups:
- Task: To explore how we show up in the here and now, uncover the patterns and dynamics that emerge between us, and experiment with new ways of being and relating.
- Territory: The processes that emerge belong to the whole group, even when they arise between two members. I will avoid privately resolving relational issues that could offer important learning to the group. Within the here-and-now framework, we can support connection by practicing Nonviolent Communication, Internal Family Systems, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
- Time: I agree to attend each session, and start and end on time. If I must miss a session, arrive late, or leave early, I will notify the group beforehand and listen to the recording. If I miss more than two sessions in a quarter, I will explore with the group what may be happening, including unconscious processes and the impact of my absences.
Confidentiality
I will hold personal information shared in the group confidential, and will not identify members or reveal details that could identify them. I will ensure that group recordings are not accessible outside the group.
Honesty
I intend to be vulnerable and honest about how I feel toward others, even when I worry about the consequences. When someone asks for feedback, I will strive to offer what is true for me rather than what I think they want to hear. If I do not yet feel safe enough to be honest, I can take time to develop trust.
Creating Safe, Brave Space
ACG can be emotionally challenging. I am responsible for my own safety, self-care, boundaries, and needs. When I’m triggered, I will pause, notice my reactivity, and speak about my experience without blame. When others are reactive, I will practice curiosity and remember that they may also be in pain.
I intend to:
- Name when something feels challenging and help slow things down.
- State my needs and ask for what I want.
- Stay curious about my impact on others.
- Speak my truth while considering the group as a whole.
- Support experimentation and new ways of relating.
- Respect choice: no one is required to answer a question or reveal anything.
Self Focus
I intend to focus on my own experience rather than analyzing other people. When I react to someone, I will empathize with them while also being honest about my internal response, without blaming or shaming. I will speak directly to people rather than talking about them. I will avoid talking about a member who is absent. I will focus on my own feelings and experience rather than analyzing others.
Initiating Interactive Work
I will take responsibility for initiating interactive work rather than waiting for someone else to do it. If something in the group triggers me, I will bring it to the person or group as soon as I am able. I agree to deepen my awareness of my impact and increase my interpersonal effectiveness by experimenting with new behaviors. I will explore unconscious power dynamics related to race, gender, sexuality, caste, class, religion, nationality, age, and other differences. This work may evoke anger, shame, guilt, relief or other feelings. I will take responsibility for my feelings, ask for what I need, and ask for support when I am triggered.
Supporting People in Conflict
When two or more people are in conflict, I intend to support them rather than take sides. When someone is receiving feedback, I will be mindful of the tendency to gang up or pile on and will help prevent overwhelm and protect human dignity.
Commitment
When I join, I commit to staying in the group for at least six months. I intend to attend every session unless I have an emergency, something important to attend to, or am on vacation. If I miss two consecutive sessions, I may no longer be part of the group unless the group chooses to make an exception.
Leaving the Group
If I decide to leave, I will give at least two weeks’ notice and use my final meeting to process feelings and needs, acknowledge what I have contributed and received, and support closure. I understand that leaving without a goodbye can affect the remaining members and deprive the group of valuable learning.
Holidays
Because ACG groups are diverse and international, most days are a holiday somewhere. In general, we meet on holidays, and I will make a request if I would like a meeting moved because of a holiday.
Payment
I agree to pay the group fee at the beginning of each month, including for sessions I miss. If I have financial difficulties, I will arrange a payment agreement. After my first six months, I can cancel my subscription with two weeks notice.
Technology
I will take responsibility for being clearly seen and heard on Zoom. If I have lighting, sound, technology or bandwidth problems, I will take steps to address them before the session.