Introduction to the Foothill Pulmonary Patient Support Group

  The FPCC patient support group has been in existence for almost 10 years now, with new members joining continuously.  I think you will find it a caring place to meet with others learning to cope with respiratory disorders, to listen to their stories, and to share your own.  It is a place you will be able to find your own special place, if you choose to seek it, and where the relationships with group members and with the group as a whole will grow deeper and more rewarding over time.   RELATED ARTICLE

Ordinarily, interested patients are invited to visit the group once or twice to start.  Then, if you think it might be beneficial to you, you are asked to make a 3 month commitment (the reason for this is to provide yourself with a fair chance to get used to the group, to get to know everyone, and to "find your place").  By the end of 3 months, you'll have an accurate idea of how the group works and what it may add to your life.

There are 2 more important points for you to understand and agree to if you decide to join the group.  First is your promise of confidentiality.  This means that you promise not to talk about specific group members and their problems outside the group, just as they make the same promise to you.  Confidentiality is vital in order for the group to feel like a safe place for members to share their more vulnerable feelings.  Sometimes individuals may give others permission to share outside the group about what they've said—but that is the only exception.  Please keep in mind how important this is, and that this group isn't an ordinary "social" situation.  Every member of the group trusts every other member to keep their confidences confidential.

The other basic commitment is to give attending group every week a high priority.  Obviously, the more regularly you attend, the more you will get out of the group.  In addition, the group will miss you if you're not there, and especially will worry about you if they don't know why you're absent.  On the other hand, it's expected there will be times—possibly for health-related reasons—when you will not be present in a meeting.  In those cases, please remember to call me and leave a brief message to let me know. That way, the group and I will know not to expect you.

Again, welcome!  We value your participation and look forward to knowing you better!

     Suzanne M. Lake, Psy.D.
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