Groups
We believe that our group structure with the varied elements we offer is helpful in a number of ways to those facing emotional challenges and working toward greater autonomy. Our participants:
- increase emotional stability
- develop skills for responding to emotional challenges
- develop and/or use varied creative expressive modalities
- learn and/or "brush up" on daily living skills
- understand, accept and find empowerment relative to one's emotional challenges
- develop healthy supportive relationships with others and the world around us
- develop and achieve appropriate vocational/educational goals
- remain abstinent from substance abuse
- improve physical health
Life Skills Program Groups |
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Anger: A Pathway To Personal Power and Self Esteem will explore patterns of anger, inviting it to become our teacher, learning its lessons so it can be transformed into something that nourishes and supports. The group looks at creative ways to both manage and express anger so it becomes an ally on a journey of self-change. Community Meeting brings staff and residents together to discuss "house business," announce newcomers, plan events and provide support. Once a month we use some of this time for "How Are We Doing?" Meeting where we solicit resident input about the program. Cooking Group brings together elements of nutrition, basic cooking skills, and working with others to help participants take better care of themselves by developing healthy eating and food preparation habits. Emotional Management Skills is a skills- based group that utilizes information from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and other treatment models that address cognitive distortions, communication and self esteem. Expressive Arts uses discussion and the arts (art, poetry, drama, writing, and music) to explore a variety of topics such as preferences, motivations, emotions, strengths, conflicts, values, and relationships. Willingness to try something new is a requirement but "talent" is not necessary. First In Fitness takes place at a local health club offering opportunities to exercise and develop a personalized fitness plan. Group Check-In brings community members together each day to review their day, ask for support, evaluate their use of the program and discuss group concerns. Leisure Group provides opportunities help participants expand their repertoires of leisure time activities. Members learn about local resources and activate old and new interests. Men's Group is a weekly gathering in which members focus specifically on their experiences as men. Meetings serve as a place to celebrate being male and feel good about oneself as a man. Movement and Journaling focuses on assisting residents in becoming more in tune and better connected with their body, mind and feelings in non-verbal ways. Open Studio/Outdoor Living is a time for residents to use art materials to explore the subtle, non-verbal expressive self, followed by verbal processing of the imagery. A time for residents to pursue their own creativity in writing, music or the arts or explore one activity in depth in the art studio. During warmer weather this may include outdoor living skills as well. |
Positive Changes combines team-building activities with personal reflection. The team-building component utilizes intentionally-designed group initiatives to develop communication and problem-solving skills, behavior change, and supportive peer interactions. Personal reflection provides an opportunity for clients to explore, within a group setting, their personal progress during the week and identify potential challenges and areas for support in the upcoming week. Recovery Techniques focuses on elements of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, a concept developed by Mary Ellen Copeland. We explore triggers and early warning signs and a variety of approaches to deal with daily stress and crisis. The wellness toolbox includes: meditation techniques, music, visualization, breathing, nutrition and exercise, and "holistic" approaches to health. Relapse Prevention Group meets daily to help those struggling with addictive behaviors to give and receive support for abstinence that day. Relationship Group focuses on identifying the elements of healthy relationships, such as trust, honesty and communication. We explore a wide variety of relationships (including our relationship with ourselves) and consider ways to repair, strengthen and/or improve them. Spirituality Group is an opportunity to explore through exercises and personal sharing, that which is beyond the "little self" or personality; where one finds meaning and a sense of connection, compassion and contribution to self, others and the world. Substance Abuse & Addictions Group is an ongoing group to help individuals examine the consequences of addictive behaviors, explore alternative behaviors and develop their abilities to maintain motivation, cope with cravings, process slips, think rationally and lead a balanced lifestyle. A number of approaches will be used including: alternatives or supplements to 12 Step NA and AA meetings, S.M.A.R.T .(Self Management And Recovery Training) and EA (Emotions Anonymous). Therapy Group is a psychotherapy group intended to help members understand themselves better via examining one's relationships with others. Vocational/Education Group is designed to gather employment and educational history, dreams, career interests/exploration, identification of strengths and challenges and development of short and long term goals. Women's Group is an opportunity for female residents to strengthen their relationships with one another while exploring issues unique to women. Yoga/Guided Visualization is provided as an alternative to going to the local health club. Yoga is known to increase core strength and flexibility which carries into the emotional realms. Calming the breath calms the mind and central nervous system. Relaxation invokes joy, well-being and is proven to promote better sleep. |
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