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Group Therapy
What is group therapy?
 
Group therapy is a dynamic and interactive approach for emotional healing.  For teenagers and
pre-teens, it can be especially effective.  Instead of meeting with a therapist as an individual or with the family, a teenager can become a part of a group of peers to explore life. 
 
 
 
Don't teens already waste enough time talking to friends?
 
Well, that depends on the kid.  There are a few reasons why my groups are more effective than just hanging out with friends:
  • the group is facilitated by a positive male role model (that's me by the way)
  • I help guide the interactions and discussions toward:
    • emotional growth and communication
    • responsibility and maturity
    • stronger social skills
    • making better choices
  • the group becomes a safe place to communicate and explore issues with other kids away from the judgments of their school peer groups
What's better, individual or group therapy?
 

After an initial meeting with you and your child, we will discuss his specific needs.  Individual therapy and group therapy can focus on the same issues in different ways.  Together, we will determine the best type of therapy that will help your child.  Sometimes participating in both types of therapy simultaneously can be a great asset.  In individual therapy, I provide specialized attention and create a non-judgmental environment for your child to explore his thoughts and feelings.  At the same time, in group therapy I will also provide a safe haven for your child to develop a stronger level of comfort among peers.  Your kid can take what he learns in individual therapy and put it into practice in group therapy.  Consequently, he will use these new social skills out in the real world.  After assessing the needs of your family I will recommend to you which approach best serves your child. 

 
An advantage for group therapy is that it's generally less expensive than individual or family therapy.  This can be a more economical way to start the therapeutic process if finances are a major concern. 
What groups do you currently offer?  
 
The first two I'd like to introduce you to are The Guys' Groups. 
What's a Guys' Group?  
 
Kids and teens are not always too keen on just opening up and exploring their inner psyches.  So instead of sitting around and pressuring these guys into self disclosure, I create fun activities for them to relate to one another. 
 
That's right.  Kids love having fun, and age-appropriate activities such as games and guided discussions about current movies, television shows and music can help them open up in a fun and non-threatening way.  This indirect approach fosters many opportunities to explore their feelings in a more nurturing and safe way.  
 
Remember that play is practice for real life and even though your kid is a teen, he's still learning how to be an adult.  Carefully chosen games can enhance your kid's ability to explore issues around:
  • self identity
  • peer relationships
  • self expression
  • confidence 
  • integrity
As these groups progress, the boys learn to trust one another and become more interactive.  In time these groups will eventually evolve more toward direct personal interaction.  Consequently, they will learn to develop stronger social skills and self-confidence.
 
For those of you with kids who are resistant to begin therapy, this is a great way to get them started.  It won't take long for your teenager to be excited about the group and see it as something to look forward to each week.
 THE GUYS' GROUPS
Guys In Middle School
  • The group meets on Fridays from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.  
     
  • An initial interview with you and your son will be required for enrollment.
     
  • This group is for boys, age 11- 14.
     
  • Space is limited to a maximum of six participants at a time.
     
  • Contact me at your earliest convenience to get more information.  I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. 
Guys In High School
  • The group meets on Wednesdays
    from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.  
     
  • An initial interview with you and your son will be required for enrollment.
     
  • This group is for boys, ages 15-18.
     
  • Space is limited to a maximum of six participants at a time.
     
  • Contact me at your earliest convenience to get more information.  I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. 
These groups are for boys only.  Do you work with girls?
 
Yes. I do work with girls in individual and family therapy, but The Guys' Group is not coed so there is more comfort and safety in session for the guys.  Teens are going through so much change and they tremendously fear being different.  Keeping the groups to boys-only relieves some of the pressures from unnecessary judgment and competition around socializing with girls.
 
If you are looking for a group for your daughter, check out the group below... 
What group do you recommend for teen girls?      
 

Backing Bravery is a wonderful group for high school girls who want to:

  • build self-esteem
  • stand up to peer and social pressures
  • create healthier relationships
  • strenghten the ability to speak their minds
Backing Bravery is led by Catherine Barrett, Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern under my licensed supervision.  She brings a wonderfully positive energy and strength to her work with teenagers.   Her confidence and understanding can be a great asset to your daughter while she tries to navigate through her adolescence. 
BACKING BRAVERY
Girls In High School
  • The group will meet Sunday evenings
     
  • An initial interview with you and your daughter will be required for enrollment.
     
  • A safe, friendly and secure place for girls (ages 14 - 16) to share feelings and experiences and discover healthier ways of relating.
     
  • Ability to give and gain support from other girls dealing with the same struggles.
     
  • Led by a positive female role-model.
      
  • Contact me or call Catherine Barrett at
    (818) 825-2416 for more details.  We'll be happy to talk to you more about how Backing Bravery can be an asset to your daughter.
What about parents?  Don't we need a little help too?      
 
Yes you do, and I'm here to lend a hand.  As you may know, throughout the school year I present parenting workshops to parents and several school organizations.  The positive feedback I repeatedly hear is:
  • I wish these workshops were longer.
  • Can you come back more often?  We really need this.
  • That was so much fun!  I love your energy!
  • I feel that I understand my kids better.
  • I am excited to go home and try your suggestions.
 
Well, you asked for it, now you've got it!  This is your opportunity to attend one of my fun and informative workshops.  If you've been to one of my past workshops, you'll like this one even better!  It will be longer and in a smaller setting, so your concerns are sure to be addressed.

The format will be an open discussion, so bring your questions. You'll leave with practical solutions that you can implement right away.  The goal is for you to gain effective strategies and alternatives to what hasn't been working for your family.

It's time to get out of that rut!
MONTHLY PARENT WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
  • Bring your questions, leave with answers.  This workshop is both fun and informative.  So stop on by and join me!
     
  • Learn more about better communication strategies, how to keep your cool when your kid doesn't, and how to prepare yourself for the challenges that still await you plus a whole lot more!
     
  • This monthly educational parent workshop continues on Tuesday, Sept. 28th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
     
  • The workshop is available to everyone, although space is limited.  RSVPs are strongly encouraged.   
     
  • The cost of this seminar is minimal; only $20 per parent or $30 per couple.
     
  • To save time, print out The Parent Workshop Consent Form and bring it with you to the first meeting.
     
  • For more information, please Contact me and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
I'd like to know more about group therapy, can you tell me a little more?
 
Sure.  give me a call or drop me an email and I can assist you with any concerns you may have.  Together, you and I can come up with the best way to help your son or daughter and your family.
  
 
   
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