Parenting Discussion Group: Group Agreement
Welcome
Welcome to the Parenting Discussion Group! This agreement explains how the group works so everyone can feel comfortable, safe, and ready to share. Please read it and reach out with any questions before you register.
What this group is: a small, facilitated support and discussion group for parents of children ages 2–6. We’ll talk about the emotional side of parenting, share ideas and experiences, and support one another.
What this group is not: this is not group therapy or individual treatment. It is not billed to insurance, and no diagnosis or treatment plan is made. If you’d like individual support at any point, I’m happy to talk with you about options or referrals.
Schedule and commitment
The group meets six times, on the first Wednesday of each month, 7:00–8:30 pm, at The Mill, 697 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ.
2027 dates: Jan 6 · Feb 3 · Mar 3 · Apr 7 · May 5 · Jun 2
This is a closed group, not drop-in: the same members meet for all six sessions, which is what lets trust build over time. By signing up, you’re committing to attend as many sessions as you can and to arrive on time.
If you can’t make a session, please let me know by email in advance.
This is a parents-only space, so please arrange childcare for the evening.
If a session must be canceled (for example, due to weather), I’ll let you know as early as possible and schedule a make-up date.
Fees, payments, and refunds
The fee is $300 for the full six-session series ($50 per session), due by December 18, 2026, to hold your spot.
Group size: the group is limited to 12 members. Spots are held in the order payment is received.
If the group doesn’t fill: the group runs with at least 6 members. If it doesn’t reach that number, you’ll receive a full refund.
Cancellations: if you withdraw before December 18, 2026, you’ll receive a full refund. After that date, and once the group has started, fees are non-refundable, since spots can’t be refilled.
Missed sessions: missed sessions aren’t refunded or credited.
Insurance: this group is not billed to insurance, and receipts are not superbills.
Confidentiality
What’s shared in the group stays in the group. Feeling safe to speak honestly depends on everyone protecting each other’s privacy.
As a member, I agree to:
Keep what others share private, including names, stories and details.
Talk about my own experience of the group with others, but never anyone else’s.
Not take photos, record audio or video, or post about other members on social media.
Respect that we’re neighbors. If I see another member around town, I’ll let them decide whether to say hello, and I won’t bring up anything from the group.
I understand that I can’t guarantee other members will keep information private, so I’ll share only what I’m comfortable with.
The limits of my confidentiality as your facilitator: as a licensed clinical social worker, I keep what you share private, with these exceptions required by law and professional ethics:
If I believe a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, I am required to report it.
If I believe someone is at serious risk of harming themselves or someone else, I will take steps to keep people safe, which may include contacting emergency services.
If I’m ordered to share information by a court.
Group guidelines
No judgment. There are no perfect parents here. Every family does things differently.
Share the airtime. Leave room for everyone who wants to speak.
Speak from your own experience. “I” statements work better than telling others what they should do.
Advice when invited. Ideas and tips are welcome, especially when someone asks for them.
It’s OK to pass. You never have to share more than you want to.
Phones away. Please silence phones unless you need to be reachable for childcare.
Come as you are. Tired, frazzled, still thinking about bedtime, in your PJs: you belong here.
Communication, safety and leaving the group
Contacting me: email janine@janineterritolcsw.com for scheduling or questions. Email isn’t checked around the clock and isn’t secure, so please keep personal details brief.
Between sessions: I won’t set up a group chat. Members are welcome to connect with each other on their own, but this is entirely optional.
In a crisis: this group can’t respond to emergencies. If you or someone in your family is in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
If the group isn’t the right fit: if I feel the group isn’t meeting your needs, or that you’d benefit from more individual support, I’ll talk with you privately about other options.
Leaving the group: you’re free to leave at any time. If you decide to stop coming, please let me know, and consider sharing a brief goodbye with the group if you’re comfortable.
How you agree
When you register online, you’ll be asked to check a box confirming that you’ve read and agree to this agreement, including the confidentiality and payment terms. Checking that box serves as your signature.
Janine Territo, LCSW, PMH-C · janine@janineterritolcsw.com