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related links (application and rules and guidelines) are located at the bottom of this page
MDSA is Unique
The modest $5/month membership fee provides many features and benefits not commonly found in online programs, including:
- access to a private and completely AD-FREE, fully featured, chat room and message forum
- priority registration for in-person MDSA events, such as workshops and retreats
- thematic message boards to supplement healing, including forums for inner child work, the safe expression of emotions, personal history telling, creative expression, family life (parenting and intimate relationships with life partners),and physical health (addressing the mental obstacles and past issues that get in the way of diet, exercise, seeking medical care, etc.)
- safety emphasized through the application proces, the well-formulated rules and guidelines, and the moderated forums, based on the Director's 9+ years of experience with MDSA and clinical knowledge as a psychotherapist
- online anonymity when conversing with other members, balanced with the benefits of accountability and responsiblity as all members are screened, and have dedicated themselves to their membership by paying a modest fee (which also verifies identity and makes it less likely that a member who has been removed for violating the rules and guidelines will be able to return)
- the opportunity to share in a supportive, private, active, community of women who are all survivors of mother-daughter sexual abuse, as opposed to only sexual abuse or childhood abuse in general
- the opportunity to be part of and support an organization that has a global reach, and is at the forefront of educating, inspiring and supporting survivors, professionals and the general public
- the opportunity to become part of the MDSA staff; staff members have their membership fee waived and receive other fringe benefits
Privacy and Confidentiality Addressed on Multiple Levels
1) a secure application process that utilizes similar technology used to transmit financial information, i.e. Secured SSL (128-bit) connection
2) advanced security applied to the storing of your membership information, and your correspondence with staff, including Secured (128-bit) email and files folders used by all members of the MDSA staff (please be aware that email sent directly from your email account may not be as secure as our email service - therefore be aware that transmitting email is usually not a 100% secure process unless BOTH parties have a secure connection)
3) All email messages that are sent to more than 1 member are blind carbon copied (BCC:) to protect members' privacy. MDSA does not believe in nor promote third party advertising on its web site or related spyware/tracking software, and does not engage in the practice of selling and distributing the email addresses and personal information of its applicants and members. [When you apply, please provide your primary email address. Your membership will be removed, and you will have to reapply if MDSA cannot send you an email message.]
4) Ethical behavior is taken very seriously in regard to programs, services, and confidentiality. The MDSA Director has a doctorate in clinical psychology and as a member of the American Psychological Association, is required to abide by the APA code of ethics.
MDSA also offers weekly 90-minute "real-time" self-help group sessions
In addition to the benefits outlined above, MDSA also offers its members the opportunity to sign up for ongoing 90 minute self-help group sessions. Some features of these groups include; only 5-6 members each, pre-group screening, and an intense focus on healing and group processes and development. All members make a 10-15 week commitment to the group, depending on the predetermined group schedule. New members may enter groups or current members may leave groups at the beginning/end of the 10-15 week cycles.
A modest fee is charged for this additional and optional benefit.
The MDSA online self-help group is not meant to be a substitute for face to face individual or group therapy.
You should join the MDSA online program if...
- you are a survivor of mother-daughter sexual abuse
- you are ready to actively share with other survivors
- you understand that the program is not a substitution for professional help or advice, or even a face to face support group; in many cases our online program has helped members decrease their isolation by encouraging them to seek appropriate support services and/or improve existing interpersonal relationships
- you believe that you can follow the program's rules and guidelines
related link:
rules and guidelines and the membership application
Disclaimer and Terms of Membership:
1. MDSA strives to provide a safe and confidential (when legally and ethically possible) program for adult (18+) female survivors of mother-daughter sexual abuse. This includes any female who was sexually abused by her primary female caretaker during childhood or adolescence.
2. Adults participate at their own risk. MDSA, its director, group leaders and members, are not responsible for any negative outcomes as a result of participation in the program. Although MDSA screens potential members, and asks members to agree to maintain confidentiality, MDSA cannot guarantee that members will follow all rules and guidelines and maintain confidentiality in a group setting.
3. A membership fee of $5/month is charged to all members. The purpose of this fee is to cover the payment of paid services used by MDSA, including but not limited to, the domain name, web site design and content, an advertisement-free web site, private, advertisement-free message boards, secure email accounts and file folders used by MSDA staff, and web site hosting. Its secondary purpose is to cover administrative costs. Finally, funds collected through membership fees may also be used to fund special projects and community outreach performed by MDSA to educate the public and mental health care professionals.
4. The $5 membership fee is not payment for online therapy or counseling. The MDSA program is not meant to be a substitute for professional help or advice. All members are encouraged to speak with their mental health care provider about their participation with MDSA.
5. Membership fees are paid through a subscription service sponsored by PayPal. Members may subscribe for a 1, 3, 6, 9, or 12 month membership. Membership subscription payments operate on a automatically recurring basis. Upon being accepted to the program, members are sent a membership guide and are required to purchase a subscription before accessing the Member Forum and Chat Room. Membership fees are only refunded at the discretion of the MDSA Director.
6. A member who wishes to leave MDSA is responsible for canceling her subscription through her PayPal account. Canceling one's subscription to MDSA will result in removal from the MDSA membership program, and her yuku user name will be banned from the members-only forum. If a member wishes to rejoin, she must fill out a new application through the public web site, no exceptions.
7. Membership in the program is offered and maintained at the discretion of the MDSA Director. In certain instances, membership may be revoked by the MDSA Director. These instances include but are not limited to; if a member violates the rules and guidelines set forth at the MDSA web site, compromises the security of the MDSA and its programs/services, or fails to keep a current email address on file with MDSA. If a member is removed by the MDSA Director, a refund of her membership dues are entirely at the discretion of the MDSA Director.
8. An additional fee of $15/session, is charged for the self-help group program which requires a separate application. These groups are based upon the availability of qualified leaders. The fee collected is to provide a stipend to the group leader, and is not considered full and reasonable payment for online therapeutic services nor a substitute for individual or group therapy.
9. Applicants may only join MDSA, and use its services, for personal reasons related to their own healing from their abusive experiences. This means that they may not join for professional reasons, including but not limited to, to gain information or research for an article or book, to expand professional knowledge, or to recruit other survivors for such projects. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the MDSA Director BEFORE submitting an application. In certain circumstances, applicants may both meet their professional needs AND become members, however this arrangement must be made with the explicit consent of the MDSA Director.
10. The rules, guidelines and format of the MDSA program are subject to change at any time. These changes will be made with the intent of improving the program, and usually with the requested input of all members involved. Members' continued participation in the program, or failure to withdraw their membership after being made aware of any policy changes, will confirm their acceptance of all policies, and their desire to fully comply with them.
11. Although there are currently no plans to suspend or terminate the online program for survivors, MDSA does not guarantee that its online program will be available indefinitely. In the event that MDSA must suspend or terminate the online program for any reason, members with valid email addresses on file with MDSA will be notified as soon as possible, and refunds for unused membership dues will be issued within 90 days.
rules and guidelines and the membership application