Women with Breast Cancer

Coping with diagnosis/trauma; Treatment issues; Managing body image issues; Regaining a sense of control over your body; Empowering the body to be your ally.

In a landmark study by Stanford University researcher David Spiegel (1989), it was found that women with metastatic breast cancer who participated in professionally led support groups lived twice as long as those who did not participate in group therapy.

Adult Chronic Pain

Give individuals the tools to better cope with, and in some cases, lessen physical symptoms, as well as symptoms of anxiety, frustration and depression that often accompany pain-related illness; Understanding the “gates of pain,” and what we can do to “close the gates.” Focused breathing; progressive muscle relaxation; visualization; guided imagery.

In a 2008 study by Burleson from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine, 24th Annual Meeting), it was found that relatively modest exercise leads to improved mood and physical capacity, as well as decreased levels of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic pain.

Adult Chronic Illness

Coping with the stress of illness; “Sick of feeling sick and tired;” Identifying triggers that increase pain or discomfort, as well as behaviors that improve symptoms; Honing in on the mind-body connection through visual imagery, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, and exercise.

Much empirical research supports the efficacy of group psychotherapy for coping with chronic illness, especially with respect to improved mood, self-efficacy and social support, as well as reduced levels of depression, pain, distress, and hopelessness (Ciccolo, Jowers, & Bartholomew, 2004; Frantsve, Sledge, Kerns, & Desan, 2008; Fulk, Kane, Phillips, Bopp, & Hand, 2004; Sellick, & Crooks, 1999).

Childhood Chronic Illness

Coping with “feeling different;” School absences; Friendship/sibling issues; Using the mind/body to more effectively tolerate medical treatment.

In studies examining psychosocial support in children with chronic illness (Barlow and Ellard, 2004), it has been found that there is effectiveness on variables such as self-efficacy, self-management of disease, family functioning, psychosocial well-being, reduced isolation, social competence, knowledge, hope, days absent from school and fatigue.

Children’s Social Skills

Social interaction games to enhance social skill learning; Understanding body language and non-verbal cues; Dyad/group exercises to facilitate social exchange.

Among the vast research that supports the efficacy of social skills groups, DeRosier’s study (2004) found that children who attended a social skills group experienced increased peer liking, enhanced self-esteem and self-efficacy, and decreased social anxiety compared to controls.

Children with Impulsivity

Learning about the mind-body connection to become more aware of what we might be feeling inside; Techniques to help us not “explode like a volcano.”

In a study by Archer and Kostrzewa (2012), it was found that physical exercise provides a plethora of beneficial effects against stress, anxiety, depression, negative affect and behavior, and poor impulse control, concomitant with improved executive functioning, working memory and positive affect. 

Children struggling with overeating issues

Exploring the feelings associated with these struggles; Focusing on healthy body image; Forming a healthy relationship to food; Strategies for coping with emotional needs that are currently being met with food; Learning the power of exercise.

Adults Struggling with Overeating Issues

 Focusing on healthy body image; Forming a healthy relationship to food; Strategies for coping with emotional needs that are currently being met with food; Learning the power of exercise.

Post-Bariatric Surgery Group

Post-surgical follow-up; Coping with body changes and new eating habits; Gentle exercises to get you started (after medical clearance); Making and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes.

In a study by Beck NN et al. (2012), it was found that patients attending psychotherapeutic interventions or support groups in combination with bariatric surgery appeared to experience greater weight loss results than patients treated with bariatric surgery alone.

Adolescent Girl Self-Empowerment 

Will focus on positive body image; Finding value for the self and other; Making positive choices; Navigating peer pressure and bullies; Issues concerning identity formation and self-esteem; Understanding the effects of social media on our developing selves.

Children Dealing with Bullies 

Understanding body language/non-verbal cues; Exploring why children bully other children; Learning assertive language skills and coping strategies; Gaining a sense of control over one’s environment through exercise.

Caregivers to Family Members with Dementia

Supportive psychotherapy group focused on caregiver burnout.  Exercises designed to facilitate a sense of strength and empowerment.