In addition to the standard 50-minute individual counseling sessions, which cost $100 each, I can also offer group sessions at a discounted rate of $40 a person.
My group's are relatively small and intimate - I limit capacity to 8 people - so once a group is "developed" there may be a short wait until new group members can be invited in. My groups are generally part teaching in nature and part peer support, and usually last about 6 weeks.
Over the years, I have been heavily involved in moderating groups. There can be tremendous synergy in a properly looked-after group. The peer support, nurturing and sharing that takes place in a group is invaluable, and many times can offer something above and beyond what individual counseling can do. I have witnessed time and time again when someone starts to use individual counseling as a springboard for change, but later begins a course of group therapy and really starts to blossom in a safe and supportive group. Many times, the friendships and bonding that occurs in groups can continue beyond counseling; indeed it can sometimes last a lifetime!
Therefore, I am a big proponent of group therapy, and I am always developing new group modules if I see a new opportunity to help. If I think the progress in our individual sessions can be augmented - or even better served - by your participation in a group, then I will always discuss this with you. Toward this end, I am always developing new group modules where I think there is a need for them. Below are four special groups that I am very passionate about. They are the culmination of my experience, as well as feedback I have gotten from others.
Relationship | Men's Issues | Living with Chronic Pain | Addiction, Dependency, and Beyond
Relationships Group
At the heart of each of our successes, and sometimes our failures, is a living, breathing relationship. This wonderful group is a place where you can get heartfelt support, experiment with solutions, and receive tried-and-true feedback about what has worked and what hasn't worked with others in all sorts of relationships. As in any relationship, this group tends to take on a life of its own, and is a great adjunct to the counseling I provide individually. Individual counseling with me is not necessarily a pre-requisite to participating in this group. However, I have found that it is usually best for someone to develop relationship work with me privately before a sufficient comfort level will allow one to get the most out of this group. Perhaps moreso with this group than with others I have had the honor to moderate, you definitely get out of it what you put into it!
Men's Issues Group
As a man, are you struggling to defy stereotypes? There's certainly more to a man's emotional expression than anger. Perhaps you're not always using the right opportunity to emote or express your feelings. Men are "fixers," not feelers, right? Well, not exactly. Men have the same need to communicate their issues as women, but this often gets lost in translation. This group is strictly for men. It's an opportunity for men to come together in a group to understand, share, and be understood. This is a rare and unique experience for men, and a great opportunity to garner support among your peers in a safe group setting. Believe it or not, men often must participate in a group as a result of a court order (i.e. anger management). In my experience, men come who are forced to participate in counseling in a group setting come into the situation "kicking and screaming," so to speak. But by the time the group begins to get more comfortable in its own skin, its male participants are extremely eager to continue coming to group because they finally feel undertsood by peers and are able to make some amazing breakthoughs. Don't let a court order be the reason why you find out about this rare opportunity!
Living with Chronic Pain
Are you or a family member a survivor of chronic pain? Are you struggling to cope with a painful condition or back problem that has not responded to medical treatment? Has your quality of life suffered? Are you concerned about dependency or addiction to pain medication? If so, then this is a group for you! The group will be moderated by me - a chronic back pain survivor and professional therapist who helps run a chronic pain program at the Texas Back Institute. Our groups will teach pain coping skills, as well as basic body mechanics, anatomy and social issues related to chronic pain. The group will also engender peer support and local referral sources will be made accordingly. By its very own nature, chronic pain, like any chronic condition, is perfect fodder for a supportive group environment. Group participants often return for follow up to share success stories or get periodic "tune ups" if the pain has taken them for a bumpy ride recently.
Addiction, Dependency and Beyond
In this day and age there is a strong negative stigma attached to the use of substances - whether they prescribed, over-the-counter, or illicit. All morals aside, the issue of addiction or dependency is very serious. Sometimes, this issue can be a matter of life and death. Are you afraid you're in too deep? You don't have to hit "rock bottom" before making a change for the better. Addiction and dependency is a chronic illness, but a manageable one much like any other chronic condition. This group will help support the recovery process and maintain sobriety goals over the long haul. AA/NA tenets are integrated into groups, as well as coping skills and insight-based therapy and processing of current issues and support among peers. Local referral sources for additional support will be made accordingly.