“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller
Group Counseling
At Ivy Counseling, we believe in creating a safe, confidential environment for you, so that all parts of you feel welcome. In group, members learn how to speak for parts of themselves, instead of from parts of themselves. Members, on behalf of their parts, are strongly encouraged to notice and share feelings, struggles, and goals in a supportive, nonjudgemental environment and, in return, receive tremendous understanding, support, and encouragement from other members facing similar issues. This allows you to gain different perspectives, ideas, and viewpoints on your parts and issues. Most group members, though somewhat apprehensive at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations.
Why Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a powerful venue for growth and change. Unlike individual psychotherapy that focuses on helping you improve through interventions from a therapist, group therapy allows you to observe others in the group, receive valuable feedback, and benefit from social interactions. Group therapy has the major goal of helping you to transcend your struggles by experiencing your common humanness with others fighting the same battles. Benefits of group therapy are virtually endless by cultivating a community of trust, compassion, respect, and honesty in which you can grow.
Unconditional Support
One of the best aspects of group therapy is its ability to create a close-knit community of members coping with similar problems in a non-judgmental setting. Finding support from others is a major factor in helping you overcome the negative effects of mental health issues. All group members are given the chance to develop trusting, healthy relationships with other people. People often push themselves harder when they see other members successfully overcoming their fears or struggles too.
Building Relational Skills
Group Therapy is helpful for easing a sense of isolation in the world by giving you the opportunity to practice engaging with others. Even if relational skills are not the focus of the group sessions, they are by default gained by interacting with other group members. Group provides an opportunity to see just how you relate to others in the moment, and more importantly how you relate to yourself. Group members are encouraged to practice different ways of relating. Participants are taught how to communicate their feelings more clearly and open up about their difficulties in a group context. Group therapy also provides the chance for you to acquire strong listening skills and craft good questions. We have participants try out new behaviors, role play with others, and model healthy social skills.
IFS Therapy Group:
Facilitator: Erin Webb, LPC
Date & Time: Every Other Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
School Readiness Group:
Facilitator: Ethan Moutner, MSW, LSW
Age Group: Rising 7th – 9th Graders
Date & Time: Mondays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Age Group: Rising 10th – 12th Graders
Date & Time: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm