S&D Group Leaders
The S&D Institute exists to widen opportunities for people living with chronic pain and illness to experience Darlene’s teachings to benefit their lives. Our major focus is on developing group leaders to facilitate groups all over the country and online. In order to ensure that the heart and soul of these teachings are consistent with Darlene’s approach, the Institute was formed to develop, train, and certify group leaders.
If you are interested in becoming a certified Suffering and Delight facilitator, please contact info@sufferinganddelight.net.
Certified Group Leaders
Ready to Make a Change?
Email us to find a group leader to find out about online groups or groups near you.
S&D Group Leader Code of Ethics
NO MORAL OVERLAY; SUSPEND JUDGMENT AND CRITICAL MIND
S&D is based on a ground of non-critical, nonjudgmental attitudes and values. Students and leaders are encouraged not to apply a “good” “bad” or “right” “wrong” model to their experience, but to stay open to the experience as it is and work from there.
NO SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS
It is essential for a healthy group to keep clear and clean boundaries with group members. Leaders do not enter into “special” relationships with members of their groups, including any kind of sexual or intimate relationship so tthat everyone can feel free in the group.
MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is one of the “five Cs” of S&D and an essential feature of all S&D groups. Even membership in a group is confidential, as well as what is said in meetings. When talking with others about group sessions, we use initials or pseudonyms, never identifying anyone.
GIVE CREDIT
We don’t take credit for what others do, create or offer and we give credit whenever we use what others do, create or offer in S&D.
NO FAVORITISM TOWARD GROUP MEMBERS
No student is treated as more special or desired than any others. All are equal members of the S&D community and all, including the leader, are in S&D for one purpose only–to support themselves and one another in continuing to practice with meditation and pain.
WHEN SOMETHING ARISES THAT IS OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE, GET INPUT FROM S&Di OR A PEER LEADER
It is not uncommon for deeply personal and complex to come up in group meetings. If a leader feels they need perspective or help with something that comes up, they have agreed to contact the Institute or a fellow certified leader to get what they need.
SUBMIT AND SHARE ALL MATERIALS YOU DEVELOP OR USE WITH S&D GROUPS WITH S&Di.
This may include pertinent articles, new syllabi, or resources on meditaiton and pain or living with pain that will never go away. Syllabi will be copyrighted to S&Di. Leaders agree to obtain permission before using something developed by someone else and to give credit.
CONTINUOUSLY DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING AND SKILLS IN LEADERSHIP, FACILITATION AND PAIN TEACHINGS
Group leaders agree to keep learning throughout their lives and keep improving their knowledge and skills to lead meditation groups for people with chronic pain and illness.
DYNAMIC DOCUMENT
This Code of Ethics is dynamic and alive–it will change and grow over time as we continue to learn and develop S&D and the Institute. This dynamism is intended.
For more information: info@sufferinganddelight.org.