THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING & CONSULTING
Wellness Groups
Being in a group is a unique experience that is hard to describe unless you have experienced it. The group can provide a space where individuals can share their daily anxieties/life stressors and relate to others who may be going through similar situations. Hearing multiple point of views and life experiences can be very helpful in our own personal growth and healing, as this can allow us to think of our own difficulties in a new way and figure out how to apply different skills in a variety of settings.
It is important to note that with individual therapy and group therapy, change is not going to occur if we do not try to put the skills into practice outside of the therapy time. It would be important for any individual wanting to join a group therapy session to plan a time daily (even if it is 5-10minutes) where they can reflect on what was learned/shared/taught in the group and practice the skills.
Current Group Topics
At the moment all groups are virtual. In person groups will be added in the near future!
Anxiety and Self-Esteem Workshop for Middle Schoolers
With Melina Johnson and Kelsi James as Group Leaders, Counseling Interns
Middle school is a crucial time for young people, making it essential for them to develop skills to cope with social, interpersonal, and academic stress. This group is designed to help students build confidence and manage anxiety during this transitional age. During this four-week program, we will work with middle school students to help them develop the skills needed to navigate their journey from adolescence to young adulthood. This group will be held on Saturdays from 10am to 12:30pm. All middle school students are welcome!
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Week 1: What is anxiety and how do I manage it?
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Week 2: How can my emotions help me?
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Week 3: Self-esteem. What is it and how can I strengthen it?
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Week 4: Self-trust as the foundation of self-esteem and alleviating anxiety.
Group Leaders
Cassidy Van De Graaf
Licensed Professional Counselor
Cassidy Van De Graaf is an experienced group facilitator with over two years of experience leading therapy groups in an inpatient setting, addressing a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Cassidy believes that group therapy offers a unique and powerful dynamic that individual therapy cannot.
In a group setting, individuals with shared experiences can come together to learn, grow, and be reminded that they are not alone. Cassidy fosters a safe, honest space where participants and the group leader collaborate to discuss and practice skills that help build a life worth living. The group environment encourages accountability, mutual support, and connection as participants progress through their journey.
Cassidy is committed to creating a supportive and secure atmosphere, ensuring that each group balances comfort, trust, and growth for all members.
Jenea Wiley
Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy
Jenea Wiley is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern with certification in Support Groups for Perinatal Bereavement Care. Having personally experienced loss, Jenea understands the profound impact it can have and believes in the power of group therapy as a valuable tool for healing. With compassion and expertise, Jenea has facilitated support groups to help individuals navigate their grief and find comfort in shared experiences. Learn more about Jenea here.
Group Prices
Self-pay options and insurance options are below.
We accept self-pay and most insurances! Please contact us if you would like to enroll in a group or click the enroll now button below. Group prices and insurances accepted vary by provider.
INSURANCE ACCEPTED
We accept most Medicaid plans to include Anthem, Aetna Better Health, Optima, and Optum/UHC. In addition, we accept most commercial plans to include Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, Optum/UHC, and Optima.
*Insurance accepted varies by provider.
Past Group Topics Include:
DBT Group for Anxiety
With Group Leader Cassidy Van De Graaf, LPC
This Dialectical Behavioral Therapy group addressed anxiety in daily life and how to implement skills from the DBT components of Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. The group focused on the difficulties of managing day-to-day life experiences, such as challenges with others—whether family, friends, coworkers, or partners—work/life balance, being present in daily life, managing anxiety in a variety of situations, and checking in with one's mind and body to connect with inner thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This was a 12-week group for ages 18+. The group covered all four components of DBT: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. What results did individuals gain from attending the group? Each individual gained a wide variety of skills to add to their “toolbox” for managing anxiety and calming stress. With continual practice of the skills learned, individuals experienced a decrease in anxiety symptoms in day-to-day situations and experiences. Participants also gained new resources and understanding in the realm of DBT therapy, along with any referrals they needed or requested from the therapist who led the group.
Bereaved Parents Support Group
With Group Leader Jenea Wiley, MFT Intern
The Bereaved Parents Support Group allowed participants to connect with others facing similar challenges, finding comfort while learning skills to assist in the healing process in a safe space. This was a 4-week group that ran for 80 minutes. The Topics included: Week 1: What does grief look like? Week 2: Creating healthy boundaries Week 3: Journaling Week 4: Coping skills for dealing with grief
FAQS
What if someone in the group is someone I know?
We recognize that it might be uncomfortable to be in the same group as someone you know. Please let your group leader or front office staff know immediately if you have an existing relationship with someone else in the group. If that happens it's up to the group leader and yourself on how to proceed. You have the choice to stay in the group should you both agree that it is okay and comfortable to do so. It may work out to have both of you stay in the same group, or it may be best to have one of you find a different group to join. If another group is recommended, the group leader will consult with you and the person you know and do our best to find another appropriate group that matches your needs and schedule.
What if I'm too shy and not able to talk as much as the other group members?
Most group members feel some anxiety when first starting a group. All our group leaders are trained and have experience with helping to initiate conversation and to discuss whatever anxiety the group may be feeling. Most new members find that the group process allows them to begin sharing in ways they had not expected.
How many people are in a typical group?
Most groups consist of 8-12 members with 1-2 group leaders.
Can I be in individual and group therapy at the same time?
Yes, many members seek both individual and group therapy. Often times, therapists will suggest some individuals to join a group of people experiencing a related topic or event. Group therapy can work in conjunction with individual therapy, and it is recommended and encouraged to continue with individual therapy while you are in the group.
How long does each group therapy session take?
The length of group therapy sessions is dependent upon the group. Most group therapy sessions are 90 minutes unless otherwise indicated.