Group Therapy
Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy can be a wonderful addition to individual therapy, or it can be a fitting alternative to more traditional one on one services. If you're feeling alone with the issues that you're struggling with, group therapy might be a good option for you. Benefits include (but are not limited to) the opportunity to develop a supportive community of like-minded individuals, improved communication and social skills, the opportunity to experience both giving and receiving support from peers, and increased confidence.
Time Investment
Group therapy sessions vary in duration and frequency based on goals and content. While some groups that I offer are "drop-in" groups and do not require a specific time commitment, other groups will have a beginning date and an end date and will require a commitment to the entire process. Typical time commitments for these types of groups are anywhere from an hour to two hours per group and usually span six to eight weeks.
Group offerings will be posted here and will be updated regularly.
Telehealth
Currently I am conducting all group therapy sessions via Telehealth from my office in Portland. This will continue for the foreseeable future, with the understanding that I will move back to in-person sessions once the current health crisis has been managed. I utilize the Zoom platform which is HIPPA compliant. My clients that utilize this platform have the responsibility of being in a confidential location and having stable internet access.
Experience
Over the past twelve years I've facilitated several different types of therapeutic groups with various populations. Examples include eating disorder/body image groups with girls ages 13-17 at an inpatient psychiatric center, community-based social skills groups with children under 10 years old, Art Therapy psycho-educational groups for mental health practitioners, and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) groups for parents in recovery from substance use issues.
From 2017 to 2020 I had the opportunity to lead Clinical Art Psychotherapy groups with women in recovery from substance use issues at an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Every session included a group discussion about a specific clinical topic, art making based on a directive related to the clinical topic, a group share, and an "open studio" portion.
You are not alone.
Current Group Offerings
Details: This is a weekly "drop in" group for women and other gender minority groups who are in recovery from substance use issues. Groups are held on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00PM. Groups utilize a combination of verbal and nonverbal modalities (such as art making) in every group. Goals include identifying triggers, providing mutual support to peers, increasing knowledge of addiction, developing coping tools, and healing from past trauma related to substance abuse.
Time commitment: Group members are expected to arrive on time and to remain engaged for the duration of the 1.5 hour long group. There is no requirement to attend the group every week, but group members will be required to "sign up" for groups a week in advance and to provide at least 24 hours notice if attendance will not be possible. Late cancellations and no shows will be subject to the full out of pocket fee for the group.
Payment: Sessions are $35 each. Insurance will not be accepted at this time but is subject to change. *If you are currently experiencing issues related to financial hardship, please inquire about the sliding scale fee structure.
Requirements: Participants will be required to have access to a stable internet connection, a computer/tablet/phone or other device where camera/audio is functional. All group members will be asked to participate from a location where confidentiality can be maintained as this is an important part of safety within the group.
Details: This is a closed group for women and other gender minorities ages 18 to 25 who are seeking deeper connections, more peace, and increased fulfillment in everyday life. Together we will utilize both verbal and nonverbal techniques to creatively cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression, increased isolation due to the current health crisis, life transitions, and various other topics. Every session will center around a specific clinical topic and will include group discussion and the opportunity to practice new creative coping tools.
Telehealth: Groups will be held virtually via a HIPAA compliant Telehealth platform until it is safe to meet in person. During the warmer months, groups may be held outside if all group members are able to do so in a safe manner.
Time commitment: Groups will meet for 1.5 hours each week for six weeks. Sarah Evelyn Art Therapy will facilitate three six week long group sessions over the next year. Group members are expected to arrive on time and to remain engaged for the duration of the 1.5 hour long group. Dates for the groups will be announced soon!
Payment: This group is completely FREE for participants who are experiencing financial hardship due to a generous donation from Madigan Cogger of Lulubelle Artistry. Madigan's senior thesis project involved the production and sale of one-of-a-kind masks. You can read more about her project on her Instagram page @lulubelle_artistry . All proceeds from this project have been donated to Sarah Evelyn Art Therapy and will cover group admission fees and art supplies.
Admission: Potential participants will be required to fill out an application form. Please reach out via my contact form or by email at sarah@sarahevelynarttherapy.com to receive an application. Groups will be limited to 6 participants per session.
Art Supplies: Each group participant will receive an "art kit" with various supplies that will be utilized in groups. Art kits may include: watercolor crayons, sketch books, pens, various collage materials, watercolor paper, etc.
Requirements: Participants will be required to have access to a stable internet connection, a computer/tablet/phone or other device where camera/audio is functional. All group members will be asked to participate from a location where confidentiality can be maintained as this is an important part of safety within the group.