OPEN DIALOGUE NETWORK MEETINGS

What to Expect in a Network Meeting

Trying something new can feel daunting. This page walks you through everything – from setting up your device to what happens after the meeting ends.

Before You Join

A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring the conversation feels smooth and safe for everyone.

  • The Link: You will receive a meeting link at least 48 hours before your scheduled meeting. If you haven’t received it, check your spam folder or contact us at info@dialogueroom.com.au

  • Your Device: Even if you are in the same house, we ask that each person logs in from their own device (laptop, tablet, or phone). When people share a screen we cannot see faces clearly, which makes it harder to ensure every voice is being heard.

  • Your Space: Find a quiet, private spot where you feel comfortable talking without being overheard. We recommend using headphones to avoid audio echoing and to protect your privacy.

  • Before You Start: Check that your device is charged and your internet connection is stable. Joining a few minutes early gives you time to settle in before the conversation begins.

A Note For The Nervous

Feeling anxious about joining a telehealth session is completely normal. Here’s what we want you to know before you join.

  • You Don’t Need To Prepare

    No speeches, no answers, no solutions. Short thoughts, feelings, or stories are fine. Whatever feels natural.

  • You Can Go At Your Own Pace.

    It’s okay to a, think, or even stay quiet for a while. Silence is welcome here.

  • We’ve Got You

    We are there to guide the conversation and make sure everyone feels heard. You don’t need to worry about how it should go. That’s our job.

What Happens in the Meeting

Network Meetings feel different from standard therapy. There is no rigid agenda, no list of problems to tick off. Here is how a meeting typically unfolds.

  • 90 Minutes: Every meeting runs for approximately 90 minutes. This gives us enough time to slow down, let everyone settle in, and make sure we aren’t rushing toward a fix in the last five minutes.

  • Two Facilitators: Every meeting is attended by two practitioners who hold the space together. Having two people in the room means we can hold the tension without it becoming overwhelming, and ensure the quietest voices are heard.

  • Reflecting Team: At key moments, the two facilitators will pause and speak to each other about what they’ve heard – while you listen. This isn’t a private conversation. It happens in full view of everyone in the meeting. It gently introduces new ideas or perspectives without us telling you what to do. It gives you a moment to breathe and reflect on what you just heard.

     

  • Dialogue, Not Monologue: The conversation moves freely between everyone. Our goal is to help you find your own words for what you are experiencing, not to provide expert interpretations of it.

  • Nothing About You Without You: There are no pre-meetings about you. There are no hidden clinical notes. Any decisions or next steps are made together, right there in the meeting.

How We Talk

We leave the jargon at the door.

  • No Advice: We focus on truly listening without rushing, interrupting, or giving expert suggestions. We believe the answers lie within your relationships, not in our advice.

  • Everyday Language: We avoid medical labels and clinical terminology. We just talk like humans.

  • Shared Decisions: There are no secret plans. Any decisions or next steps are made together, openly, with everyone present.

  • Your Safety: If a topic feels too unsafe to discuss, you can say so. We respect your boundaries. You do not have to speak to participate, listening is a powerful contribution. If you want to sit and hear what others have to say, that is completely valid.

After the Meeting

  • The “Next Step” Discussion: We never assume you want to come back. In the last few minutes of the meeting, we will discuss as a group whether another meeting feels right. If you want to go away and talk about it privately as a family or network before deciding, that is completely fine. Your autonomy is the most important part of this process.

  • Be Gentle With Yourself: Deep listening is hard work. You might feel tired or emotional after the session. That’s normal. Be gentle with yourself for the rest of the day. Reflect on even the small moments — sometimes the quietest insights are the most important ones.

  • If You Have Questions: You can always contact us after the meeting if you need clarification or want to explore next steps. We are here.

Want to Share This With Someone?

Sometimes it helps to have something to send to family members or support people before the meeting. Download our Network Meeting Snapshot – a simple two-page guide that covers everything on this page.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

If you haven’t booked yet, the first step is a free 15-minute call. We’ll talk through your situation and help you figure out whether a network meeting is the right fit.