Self-Compassion Institute
Participant Guidelines
We are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where participants can learn, grow, and practice self-compassion. To maintain this environment across all of the Self-Compassion Institute’s offerings, we’ve established the following guidelines for all participants in all types of programming (including workshops, courses, and coaching offered by SCI, as well as all activities within the Self-Compassion Community membership).
Core Values
- Respect for self and others
- Emotional safety
- Inclusive participation
- Non-judgment
- Supportive engagement
Expected Behaviors
- Go at a safe pace for yourself and take space for yourself if triggered or overwhelmed
- Treat all members with dignity and respect
- Practice active listening
- Honor the confidentiality of shared experiences, let each person tell their own stories
- Participate authentically while respecting boundaries
- Offer supportive feedback when appropriate
- Communicate needs and concerns constructively
Prohibited Behaviors
The following behaviors may result in a warning or dismissal:
During Events
- Making inappropriate comments verbally or in chat
- Disrupting sessions by talking over others or dominating conversations
- Recording or taking screenshots without explicit permission
- Sharing meeting links with unauthorized individuals
- Engaging in side conversations or visible behaviors that distract from the group process
- Attending sessions while under the influence of substances
In Online Communications
- Sending hostile, aggressive, or inflammatory emails/messages
- Making discriminatory remarks about race, gender, sexuality, religion, or other aspects of identity
- Sharing others’ personal information without consent
- Using community platforms to promote unsolicited services/products
- Sending excessive messages that overwhelm community channels
Concerning Behaviors
While we try to support participants through many of life’s everyday challenges by helping them practice self-compassion, certain behaviors may require intervention:
- Expressions of intent to harm oneself or others
- Persistent crisis states that disrupt group dynamics
- Inability to maintain appropriate boundaries despite feedback
- Using the programming as a substitute for professional mental health care
- Exhibiting signs of severely dysregulated mental health that negatively impact communication with the community staff or other members
Intervention Process
- First Minor Occurrence: Private message from one of our team members with specific feedback and clarity regarding future expectations
- Second Minor Occurrence: Temporary suspension from certain activities with clear conditions for return
- Serious/Continued Violations: Dismissal from the activity. (Each type of programming has its own refund policies. In some cases, a prorated refund may be possible.)
Support for Mental Health Concerns
We recognize that mental health challenges are a part of life. If you’re experiencing difficulties:
- We encourage seeking appropriate professional support
- Brief absences from activities may be recommended during acute periods
- Return to participation is welcomed when you can engage within the participant guidelines
Confidentiality Statement
The Self Compassion Institute offers programming that fosters a supportive space, but we want to be transparent about confidentiality limitations:
- No Guaranteed Confidentiality: While we value your privacy and will never share your information without your permission, we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality in any online environment where others may take screenshots or screen recordings. Please share only what you feel comfortable with others knowing. In Zoom meetings, you might consider using a pseudonym as your display name to protect your privacy.
- Appropriate Sharing: We encourage sharing personal experiences that contribute to our collective growth, but without detailed personal information that could compromise your privacy.
- Content Boundaries: Please refrain from sharing:
- Detailed personal information (full names, addresses, contact details)
- Explicit details of traumatic experiences
- Content that may be triggering to other community members
- Mutual Respect: Honor the vulnerability of others by not sharing their stories outside this community. Let people speak for themselves.
- Self-Care First: Always prioritize your wellbeing – share only what feels safe and supportive to your journey.
Commitment to Growth
These guidelines exist to maintain a healing space for all. We believe in growth and learning, and our approach emphasizes repair and restoration when possible. We look forward to supporting each other on this journey of self-compassion and healing.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@self-compassion.org
