Group Counseling

Relationship Enhancement Workshop (Adult couples)

Based on the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement research supported materials, this workshop teaches 10 skills important for couples to improve the foundation of their relationship.  The two essential skills are Empathetic and Expressive.    Couples learn key skills in discussion/negotiation, problem/conflict resolution, facilitation, conflict management, self-help and nurturing the other, generalization and maintenance. Skill building is by practicing with supportive coaching.

Depression Anxiety and Stress Group (Adult individuals)

The core of group is to build coping skills that break the patterns of depression, anxiety and reduce stress.  The “big four” are meditation, journaling, exercise, and decreased alcohol and caffeine intake.  Participants set personal goals regarding the “big four” and receive group support for their effort to make these changes in their lives.  The evidence based cognitive behavioral curriculum provides in depth psychoeducation regarding depression, anxiety and stress.  Each session includes a guided meditation as well as experiential activities to expose participants to the variety of ways they can be empowered to make changes in their life.  These include therapies such as music,  color and art as well as self care through yoga, nutrition, clearing clutter and laughter.  A better name for this group is the Joy, Balance and Inner Peace Group

The 7 Habits for Healthy Kids (School age children)

Based on the work of Stephen and Sean Covey, this primary psychoeducatonal group empowers elementary school children with life-long skills.  The foundation habit (or skill) is to be responsible for your life.  For the children, this concept is translated into “I have the power (to make choices in my life)!”  The next habits are (in kid terms) make a plan, prioritize, win-win, empathy (view other with both your eyes and heart), teamwork (all together now), and balance your inner and outer life.  The focus is developing and using skills to make your life what you want it to be!

Dealing with Family Changes (School age children)

Family changes, including dramatic ones such as divorce, incarceration and new relationships, are a part of modern life.  Children experience enormous stress and confusion going through family changes. This group provides education, support, and skills building for children whose lives are have been turned upside down by their parents choices.  Building resiliency begins with learning what one can control and not control. From the International Resiliency Center comes the concepts of I am (a good person), I can (make choices in my life), and I have (resources and the ability to ask for help).  Awareness of stress and relaxation skills are also key to coping with intense changes.  Healthy communication and assertiveness with “I statements” empowers the children to speak up for themselves when there is no one else there to do so.  Participants learn they can triumph over traumas, bouncing back when times are tough.

Healthy Anger Group (For Youth Ages 11-17 years old)

The Healthy Anger group focused on teaching students about healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger, which stem from underlying emotions. The group discussed escalation pattern’s putting water on the flames and using “I” statements rather than statements that lead others to put up their defenses. The groups focus was on teaching the students these concepts through the use of art, clay, role play, checklists and personal discussion. The group also worked on teaching the students how to identify anger in their body. A variety of checklist were used one which scaled different ways the students react to situations and how often they have these reactions. Another checklist was focusing on identifying troubling thoughts, and things that tick them off. Lastly, a checklist was used which details communication with defenses such as denial, attacking and blaming.  The group was psycho-educational with an emphasis on understanding anger, expressing anger appropriately and developing healthy coping skills.