support group guidelines
Original: April 11, 2025
Updated: May 28, 2025
ABOUT US
Hello Healed® is a mental health private practice that has expanded to bring more services to survivors of trauma. Project 1442 is an expansion of Hello Healed® and a mission that aims to ensure people have a safe and comfortable space to heal. A space where people can relinquish stories of self that are limiting to their well. We are committed to bringing you services that work—services that are healing. We have developed services that give the community resources to prioritize their mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being in a way that allows people to feel their best. We are committed to ensuring our clients and community have the ability to lead their wellness journey, and we encourage all to be an advocate for their own mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. We are committed to providing an environment where you feel safe, heard, supported, and believed. We are a mental health and wellness practice that is designed to represent the whole person. At Hello Healed® & Project 1442, we help you cultivate the well you envision for yourself by connecting you with a variety of mental health and wellness resources that heal. We offer individual, relationship, and group therapy; support groups, workshops, and wellness events. Learn more at:
hellohealed.com or 1442project.com
A COLLECTIVE APPROACH TO HEALING
A support system is imperative to human existence. Support groups are a collective approach to healing—a group of people with a common bond, sharing our troubles, experiences, understanding, strength, and knowledge. We listen, explore options, and express our feelings. Our support groups do not prescribe, diagnose, or give advice—we suggest & we support. We are accepting and nonjudgmental. We know what we share is confidential and that we have the right to remain anonymous within the support group if we choose. We have the right to take part in any discussion or choose to pass. We have the right and opportunity to equal talking time. It is important that we actively listen when someone is talking and avoid having side conversations. We encourage "I" statements so that everyone speaks in the first person. We each share responsibility for making the group work. Having benefited from the help of others, we recognize the need for offering our help to others in the support group."
BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUP
There are many benefits of participating in self-help support groups, including
• Meeting peers with similar experiences
• Enhancing social connections
• Learning coping and self-help strategies
• Building skills in talking and relating to others
• Opening up in a safe, confidential space
• Increasing feelings of validation and empowerment
• Receiving psycho-education and information on support services
WHO RUNS THE GROUP?
We understand that it may be particularly difficult for people to feel comfortable in a support group environment. That's why we have trained facilitators on hand. Our support group facilitators are mental health advocates that are trained and supported by a licensed psychotherapist to deliver support to the community. Our support group facilitators are peers who have lived experiences similar to the group members themselves. The role of our facilitators is to ensure all participants feel safe, comfortable, and included. Their role is also to ensure that participants are following the group guidelines and to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. Our facilitator style allows for the groups to be primarily participant-led, where support group members provide each other with support, validation, self-care, and coping strategies.
CONTACT
Website: hellohealed.com or 1442project.com
Email: info@hellohealed.com or info@1442project.com
Phone: 904-909-0389
A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER
"I wanted to design a safe space where one is free from attack-where we embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation. A space where people are respected, valued, free, and encouraged to be their authentic self. A supportive space for people to share their perspective knowing they will be heard. A space where people feel a sense of belonging and safety.”
—Nastasia Freeman, LMHC, LPCC, LPC, Founder of Hello Healed® & Project 1442 & Licensed Psychotherapist
OUR SUPPORT GROUPS
The fundamental goal of support groups at Hello Healed® & Project 1442 is to help people cope and initiate a sense of belonging or relatability through understanding, which is achieved by sharing common experiences. For this reason, our support groups target specific concerns common to all members in attendance. Our support groups are influenced by the practice of healing in collectiveness, the very practice that Hello Healed® & Project 1442 were founded upon. Our support groups are about coping, support in collectiveness, belonging, renewal, and overall healing without judgment, without a timeline, and without intervention. Support group is a place to drop the “emotional backpack” and find support amongst those that know, understand, and have been there too. Our mission: to provide support to the collectiveness of humankind and to live amongst and connect with others empathetically and with compassion. Our support groups are thoughtfully designed to reflect the whole person. They are designed to support a journey of healing emotional wounds, reconnecting and getting to know oneself. We provide support to help you feel aligned.
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP ETIQUETTE
Hello Healed® & Project 1442 online support groups are very similar to face-to-face support groups. There are just a few extra things to be aware of:
1. Audio and Video: Your camera must be switched on for the duration of the support group. Please mute your audio when you are not speaking.
2. Background : Be mindful of what others can view in the background of your room.
Remove or cover any personal information that you would prefer others don't see (bills on the fridge, family photos, etc.). You can also set a background image on Zoom. Facilitators may ask you to briefly remove the background image at the start of the group to confirm that nobody else is in the room.
3. Confidentiality: Ensure the room you are in is private, confidential, and quiet. This is out of respect for the other participants who may share personal or sensitive information. You are welcome to use headphones or earbuds.
4. Caregivers: Caregivers are welcome to support participants during support groups.
We ask that caregivers always be visibly present for the first 10 minutes of the group, while facilitators outline our privacy and confidentiality guidelines. Caregivers may then be out of view of the camera if participants feel comfortable with this.
5. Raise hand: If you would like to ask a question, please use the "raise hand" function. This will let the group facilitator know that you would like to ask a question and help avoid us talking over one another.
6. Contact details: Facilitators will ask you to type in your mobile number or email address in a direct message to the facilitator at the start of the group. These details are collected 1) in case you or the group disconnects and needs help reconnecting, 2) if facilitators determine that you may require 1:1 support, and 3) if facilitators believe you are dealing with a crisis or medical emergency. Your personal information will not be stored or kept beyond this group unless duty of care requirements need to be followed through.
7. Support: If you need support during the group or would like to contact a facilitator, please use the chat function and send a direct message to the facilitator monitoring the chat.
8. Breakout rooms: If a facilitator identifies that a participant needs 1:1 support (they have become triggered, distressed, etc.), the participant will be moved to a breakout room. One facilitator will remain with the group, while the second facilitator will provide 1:1 support. Facilitators will always make the group aware of this as it is happening and provide a debriefing.
F&Qs
1. How long do the groups go for?
Our groups run for 1 hour.
2. Do I need to register?
Registration is required for all our support groups. You can register through our website at https://hellohealed.com/registration
3. I don't want to share my name. Can I still join?
You do not have to use your real name in a support group—you can use your initials, a different name, or even pretend to be "Batman" for the night! However, when you register we do ask that you provide your real information for safety purposes.
4. Do I have to speak during the group?
We understand that you may prefer not to speak during the group. A facilitator will never directly ask a participant to speak, and if the group is sharing (you are going around in a circle), you can either shake your head or say "Pass."
5. I need to leave the group early, is that ok?
Yes—but please wave or say goodbye so facilitators know you are ok. If facilitators are concerned, they may use the phone number you provided at the start of the group to check in on you.
6. Can we talk about anything in the groups?
Please refer to the group guidelines for appropriate conversation topics.
7. What happens if I become upset, triggered, or distressed during the group?
Online: If you need support during the group, please message a facilitator in the chat. You may speak to a facilitator using the chat or be moved into a private room.
In person: You may directly ask a facilitator for support. You will then move to a quiet space away from the group.
8. A participant has broken a group guideline. What happens now?
Facilitators will immediately inform the participant of the breach and remind them of the guidelines. The participant may receive a warning or be asked to leave the group. The Volunteer Support & Training Project Manager of Hello Healed® & Project 1442 will follow up and may provide a further consequence—in serious cases, participants will be banned from participating in the group.
SUPPORT GROUP GUIDELINES
Hello Healed® & Project 1442 Support Group Guidelines help to create safety and understanding between group members of what is acceptable and non-acceptable behavior.
1. Mobile phones: To be switched off or on silent as a sign of respect
2. Maintaining Confidentiality: "What's said in the group stays in the group." We don't use names or raise experiences or issues shared in a way that identifies any group member. Exceptions: All mental health providers must report any disclosed plans, intent, and/or urge to harm self or others to a law enforcement agency. Additionally, as mandated reporters, we have an individual duty to report known or suspected abuse or neglect relating to children, elders, or dependent adults.
3. People attending are to be free from alcohol & illicit drugs—it’s a safety issue for others, & being under the influence limits our ability to be present & participate fully.
4. Support group exit: If you need to leave the group for whatever reason, you are free to do so, but please indicate to us with a thumbs-up sign so facilitators know you are okay.
5. Boundaries around personal sharing: In order to ensure the emotional safety of self and others, be mindful of the detail and language we use when sharing (no aggressive/offensive/sexual/disrespectful language or tone) to ensure we don't trigger or leave others feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
6. Friendships: Often friendships can form, and while this is great, it's best to be careful and not jump in too quickly. In-group, we often share things at a much deeper level than we normally would when we first meet someone, and we might be more open and vulnerable. Also be aware that if the friendship goes sour, it may affect how you feel in the group.
7. Conflict: If you have any issues with anyone else in the group (including Hello Healed® & Project 1442 staff, volunteers, or facilitators), please avoid bringing it up publicly within the group session. Please speak to the facilitator afterwards or contact Hello Healed® & Project 1442 management at this email address: wellness@hellohealed.com or info@hellohealed.com.
8. Technical issues: During online groups, if one facilitator drops out with computer problems while the group is running and can't connect back into the group, the remaining facilitator will inform the group that the session must end. Our policy is that two facilitators need to be present for groups to function for the safety and comfort of facilitators and participants.
9. Punctuality: Please be mindful that all facilitators are volunteers, and we need to be respectful of their time. For in-person and online groups, the door or Zoom will be locked 10 minutes after the start of the group. Facilitators are available for 5 minutes at the end of the group for anyone that has questions regarding resources or concerns.
10. Personal information: For online groups, we request that all participants supply phone numbers (or email addresses if you don't have a phone number) in the chat to facilitators (not the whole group). This ensures that in the event of an emergency or crisis, participants can be contacted to see if they are safe/well. Your personal information will not be stored or kept beyond this group unless duty of care requirements need to be followed through.
11. Safe Rooms (breakout rooms): For online groups, if a facilitator identifies that a participant needs 1:1 support (they have become triggered, distressed, etc.), the participant will be moved to a breakout room. One facilitator will remain with the group, while the second facilitator will provide 1:1 support.
Facilitators will always make the group aware of this as it is happening and provide a debriefing. For in-person groups, 1 facilitator may leave the room with a participant to check in on them.
12. Respect and Equal Participation—No 'Advice Giving' or Interrupting
The focus of meetings is to listen and feel heard and understood while sharing strategies, rather than to ‘therapize.’
Everyone has the opportunity to participate in discussion safely and equally.
We all have a right & responsibility to share our issues & ideas in a respectful way while being treated with dignity.
We aim for equal listening time.
There is no obligation to speak (you can say 'pass').
You can use another name.
Use "I" language instead of 'advice-giving' ("I found that for me, __was helpful").
No solicitation of services is permitted.
NOTICE
Hello Healed® & Project 1442 may ask any member to leave the group if their behavior is disruptive, inappropriate, or may put someone else at risk.
Please note: All support group members must be at least 18 years of age.
DISCLOSURE
A support group is NOT group therapy (a treatment group). The goal of a support group is to help members cope. The goal of group therapy is to help clients change through treatment. Your participation in our support groups does not make you a client or patient of Hello Healed®.
A support group is not a substitute for professional therapy. Our support groups are facilitated by trained volunteers who have a diverse range of experiences but who are not qualified health professionals. As such, this group is not suitable for people with high levels of mental distress. We recommend that you do not attend this group if you are experiencing high levels of distress, as it is unlikely that it will be able to meet your needs. If you are in need of clinical mental health therapy or treatment and would like to speak to our clinical team, please contact us! We are glad to help!
For more information or to discuss whether this group is suitable for you, please email wellness@hellohealed.com.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that not all of our support groups listed on this page are active at the same time. Spots are limited and first come, first serve. Please check our calendar for active and upcoming support groups. You can also find our support group and event schedule here. Please keep an eye on your email. We will send a secure Zoom link to the email you provided at registration the day before your support group.
DISCLAIMER
The services provided by Hello Healed® are not intended for crisis situations and urgent needs. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or emergency, please call 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you are dealing with domestic violence, please call the national domestic violence hotline 24/7. Help is available.