Adolescent Informed Consent for Fearless Mental Wellness Class

The success of Teen Anchor depends upon a high degree of trust between you, your group facilitator, and fellow group members. This document has been prepared to fully inform you and your parents about what to expect from group and from your group facilitators.

Understanding Group Processing

Group processing helps you understand more about yourself and others in a safe environment. During group, you will have the opportunity to explore patterns of thinking and behaving that are similar to how you relate to others in your life. Objectives of group processing include, but are not limited to:

Develop tools to assist you in reaching your goals
Learn coping skills for mental wellness and stability
Experience community and learn how to build relationships with others
Experience intimacy with Christ
Identify and explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors that hold you back

You are welcome to share as much or as little about yourself while in the group, however, the more open you are the better experience you will have. You are welcome to ask questions at any time. The more deeply you understand this process, the more effectively you will be able to incorporate positive change into your life.

Your group facilitators and the therapeutic relationship

The relationship between you and your group facilitators is special and unique. You will be sharing information in group that is sensitive and personal. Your group facilitators are Michelle Chabot and Angie Turbyfill.

The role of your group facilitators

This is your group. Each group member will have an equal opportunity to share. The role of a facilitator is to create an atmosphere of safety and support in order for you to get the most out of group. Your group facilitator will encourage each group member to be honest, vulnerable, and respectful about his or her feelings and observations in the group.

If you are ever feeling unsafe in group you are encouraged to discuss this with your group facilitator. If for any reason you experience any negative reactions or blocks towards participation, please share this with the group. Your voice is your power and your right.

Potential benefits of a Teen Anchor group

Participating in a Teen Anchor group can result in a number of benefits to you, including a better understanding your mental health, your personal goals and values, improving personal and spiritual relationships, and resolution of specific problems you are facing in your life. It is important to recognize that group processing is not magic, and change does not occur overnight. Your willingness to participate fully in group and apply the principles that you learn to your life will play a role in how much you gain from group.

Knowing the risks of group processing

There can be discomfort involved in participating in a group. You may remember unpleasant events, or experience feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other unpleasant feelings. If these distressful emotions arise during group, please talk with your group and with your group facilitator.

During this process, it is normal to have intense feelings and reactions to other group members or even towards your group facilitators. Again, these are understandable emotions that should be discussed and processed in the group setting. If you believe that group is not the most appropriate setting for you to heal and grow, please talk with your facilitator about other possible options.

Confidentiality

It is important that you feel comfortable in your group to talk freely about whatever is bothering you. Sometimes you might want to discuss things that you do not want your parents or guardians to know about. You have the expectation of privacy in group sessions. As a general rule, group facilitators do not talk to your parents about what you discuss in group without your permission.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In some situations, in accordance with professional ethics and state laws, your facilitator may disclose information without your permission. Some of the circumstances where disclosure is required by law are:

If you, another minor, a dependent person, or an elder adult is being abused
If you are in danger of hurting yourself, someone else, or another person’s property
When a family member communicates to your facilitator that you present a danger to others

If you are doing things that could cause serious harm to you or someone else, your facilitator will use professional judgment to decide whether a parent or guardian should be informed. In these situations, your facilitator will talk with you about his/her concerns and discuss the best way to include your family in order to get the support that you need.

Except for situations as described above, your parents/guardians will not be told of specific information you disclose in group. This includes activities and behavior that your parents/guardians would not approve of or be upset by, but that do not put you or others at risk for immediate harm. It may be important to let your parents know some information that is protected by confidentiality and you may be encouraged to share that information.

Also, parents and guardians may be able to be more helpful if they have general ideas about themes discussed in your group (such as achievement or the status of symptoms) and your group facilitator may have specific suggestions for parents that do not involve breaking your privacy.

Parents are strongly urged to respect the privacy of your treatment and the related records.

Group member’s agreement for confidentiality

All members of the group will be asked to agree to a high level of confidentiality in the group sessions. This means that each participant agrees not to share any other group member’s identifying and personal information with others. It is appropriate to share your personal reaction and feelings about group with others, but please do not share other people’s stories with anyone outside of the group.

Online reviews and Social Media

We understand that the use of the Internet, online reviews, and social media impact virtually all aspects of our lives – especially as teens. Please be aware of the implications of posting information about your group online! If you post an online review, status update, tweet, or blog about your experience in group, you are publicly acknowledging a group therapy relationship and have thus waived your right to privacy. Please consider any potential negative impact that this could have either today or in your future.

Emergencies

If you are in need of emergency assistance, call 911. For the Colorado Crisis Services 24/hr Hotline, call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.

Thank you for the time and attention that you took to read this document. We look forward to having you in group!

Participant, please sign below to indicate that you understand and agree to the above, and consent to group processing. You are encouraged to keep a copy of this form, and refer to it from time to time during group.

Colorado Community Church is an interdenominational, multi-cultural church located in Aurora, Colorado. We exist to transform our city and beyond by connecting people to Christ, Community, & Calling!

Saturday Service5:00pmSunday Services9:00am & 10:45am**Live ASL interpretation

info@coloradocommunity.org(303) 783-383814000 E. Jewell Ave. Aurora, CO 80012

Saturday Service
5:00pm

Sunday Services
9:00am & 10:45am*
*Live ASL interpretation

info@coloradocommunity.org
(303) 783-3838
14000 E. Jewell Ave. Aurora, CO 80012