Dr. Dana Putnam monitors the group, but does not lead it. The group is a support group and may be thought of as similar to a 12 Step recovery group, however it is not necessary for one to follow the 12 Step approach to participate. Thus, if you send email to the group then all members of the group receive the email that you sent. It is important to note that your email address will appear when you send email to the group, so complete anonymity is not possible. Nevertheless, as indicated below, group members are expected to keep this information confidential.
Differences of opinion are acceptable as long as they are expressed respectfully.
Anyone who participates in the group must agree to keep information disclosed in the group confidential. That means that the identity of persons in the group, and information they disclose, cannot be revealed to those outside of the group. General information about the group and topics discussed may be revealed as long as no information that would allow someone to identifying a group member is revealed. The goal of OSA is to provide a place that is as safe as possible for open discussion, however neither OSA or Dr. Putnam can guarantee that material discussed here will be kept confidential by the members, and neither OSA or Dr. Putnam are liable for the actions of group members. Nevertheless, efforts are made to create an environment conducive to development of trust.