Guidelines & Registration

Support Group Guidelines

Each person’s grief is unique. Respect and accept both what you have in common with others and what is unique to each of you.
Grief is not a disease, and no “quick-fix” exists. Don’t set a specific timetable for how long it should take you or others to heal.
There is a difference between actively listening and expressing your own grief. Make every effort not to interrupt when someone else is speaking.
Thoughts, feelings, and experiences shared in this group will stay in this group. Respect others’ right to confidentiality.
Allow each person equal time to express themselves so a few people don’t monopolize the group’s time.
Attend each group meeting and be on time.
Avoid “advice giving” unless specifically requested by a group member.
If a group member poses a question, share ideas that helped you if you experienced a similar situation.
Recognize that thoughts and feelings are neither right nor wrong. Enter into others’ experiences without trying to change them.
Create an atmosphere of willing, invited sharing. If you feel pressured to talk but don’t want to, say so. Your right to quiet contemplation will be respected.

Support Group Ethics

Dignity & Worth Each group member has dignity and worth as a human being and as a person who has suffered a loss. Even when members express divergent beliefs, we encourage mutual respect and tolerance.

Confidentiality What is shared in our support group is private and should not be divulged to anyone. The only exception is if a group member expresses intent to harm themselves or others.

Social Justice Our group exhibits non-discriminatory practices and allows equal access. All members regardless of age, sex, race, origin, sexual preference, religious or cultural beliefs are welcome.

Mutual Responsibility The work that occurs in our group is a function of interdependence among members. Each member is valued as an important contributor.

Cultural Sensitivity A variety of cultural values, beliefs, and practices may be represented. This diversity is welcomed; we practice sensitivity and openness.

Empowerment Group members have the potential to take charge of their own bereavement process and guide their own growth and healing.

Self-Determination Group members have the right to join or leave whenever they choose, and their input on group logistics, format, and topics is encouraged.

Professional Competence We take pride in having the required knowledge and skills to lead this grief support group and strive to stay current on bereavement knowledge and group strategies.

Accident Waiver and Release of Liability

I HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN ANY/ALL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, including by way of example and not limitation, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault. I certify that I am physically fit, have sufficiently prepared for participation in this activity, and have not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional. I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude my participation in this activity. I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form will be used by the event holders, sponsors, and organizers of the activity in which I may participate, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said activity. In consideration of permitting me to participate in this activity, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows: (A) I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this activity, THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: Heart of Texas Pet Loss & Grief Support, PAWs Shelter of Central Texas, Lizzy's Animal Hospice, Sweetheart Pet Services, Coleen Ellis and Two Hearts Pet Loss Center (Organizers) and/or their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, and agents; (B) INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise. I acknowledge that the risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of participants, equipment, vehicular traffic, lack of hydration, and actions of other people. I hereby consent to receive medical treatment which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during this activity. The Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law in the State of Texas. I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT.

I further acknowledge that I have read the aforementioned waivers, guidelines, and ethics and I am entering into this agreement fully understanding the terms and conditions.

By submitting this form, I understand that I have electronically agreed to the aforesaid information in lieu of my actual signature. This contract will remain valid and in effect each time I attend any future support group sessions and related events.