Do you ever wonder why you are a people pleaser? Why you shy away from conflict? Do you frequently feel overlooked? Like you don’t fit in?

Participating in a group is a powerful way to expand self-awareness and improve how we connect with others, work through conflict, express hurts and desires, etc. In group, members are invited to notice what they feel and experience inside themselves and towards others and put that into words. Trying to interact in this way helps people get more comfortable expressing the full range of emotions and expand relational skills. It shows members the areas they shine and the places they struggle.

Why join a group?

What happens within the group often mimics other relationships in your life. Group provides an opportunity to work on these recurring dynamics you seek to heal and improve. If you’re shy in your life, you’ll be shy in the group; if you tend to “people please” you’ll do so in the group; if you monopolize conversations, it will show up in the group.  The group, provides a “laboratory” for you to experiment in a safe place and try on different ways of interacting, while receiving feedback, so you can learn what works well and what can be improved. It’s an opportunity for you to practice being more authentic with yourself and others in a safe, confidential setting.

Through practice, people pleasers get better at expressing anger and desire. Analytical folks get better at expressing sadness and vulnerability. People feel less alone as they realize others relate to the thoughts and feelings they usually keep silent or manage in unhealthy ways. Attachment patterns become clear and less rigid as old wounds emerge for healing.

Process groups don’t have a specific topic beyond the desire to relate better to others, feel connected, communicate thoughts, feelings, needs, and challenges, and understand and harness the power of emotions. Process groups are for people who want to learn about themselves in a deeper way in the company of others who are also on a journey of self-discovery. Topics may include relationships, identity, careers, life transitions and stressors, negative patterns we find ourselves in, parenting. Any topic that group members bring to sessions are welcomed.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Group therapy provides a safe and supportive atmosphere to explore interpersonal dynamics, practice new ways of communicating and relating to others, and to give and receive feedback. All of this makes group therapy a powerful tool to help you to gain confidence, feel relief from unpleasant feelings of loneliness and isolation, and modify your view of yourself.

Group therapy is beneficial for most people. An Interpersonal Process group is particularly beneficial when someone has already done some individual or couples therapy and has a little practice putting their thoughts and feelings into words in a therapeutic setting.

In order to benefit from Interpersonal Group Therapy, it is most helpful to make a commitment to join a group for at least 12 weeks.

Good group clients are curious about themselves and others, motivated to grow, able to tolerate both sharing and taking up time and committed to showing up each week. It’s a great adjunct to individual therapy, or can be a stand-alone therapy if someone has done lots of individual work and is ready for the dynamic nature of group.

Groups With Current Openings

Fees and Insurance

The fee for group is $80 per 90-minute session. Anyone interested in joining a group is required to complete an intake process, which involves two individual intake sessions. Each group has 1-2 spaces for sliding scale participants, so please inquire if the full fee would be prohibitive for you.

Although I do not take insurance as an in-network provider, I can provide a superbill, which contains the information needed to submit an out-of-network claim with your insurance company. Most insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage; you will need to check with your individual plan to find out how much they are able to cover.

Want to get a sense of what group is like?

Check out this YouTube series called “Group.” Elliot Zeizel, PhD, a highly skilled real-life group therapist, works with a group of actors who have been given character backgrounds, but are doing an improv of a therapy group. Watch as they navigate everything from sex to jealousy to abandonment to sadism. The episodes are just 15 - 20 minutes and I highly recommend watching the full first season, which you can find here!

Curious, but not ready to jump in?

It’s a big investment to join a long-term group! I’m committed to making sure you have all the information you need to decide if this group is right for you.

Let me know what questions you have about the women’s group and I’ll follow up with you.