We are always learning and growing, and connecting with others is what makes us thrive.  It is more fun to learn in a group of like- minded people.  Being part of a group can offer some of the most growth-producing opportunities in life.  Groups offer you a place where you can get to know yourself better and identify problems that are disrupting your life.

Different Types of Groups

• Traditional process groups are for people who want to receive feedback as to how they relate to others.  Your family-of-origin issues are worked through with people in your group who help you see what you cannot see in yourself. It is a good place to learn about your relational patterns and to be real.  For example, you might discover that you are either too easily controlled or you are often the controlling one in relationships.  Group therapy can give you a place where you can learn new skills and come out of denial regarding a problem you didn’t even know you had.  Knowing how to respect your own needs, while at the same time respecting the needs of others is a difficult skill to learn and requires practice.
• Support groups are for people who are struggling with a particular issue who join with others who have the same issue in order to gain insight and problem solving skills.  Support groups are about people healing hearts and learning to care about others. These groups offer a safe environment for encouragement and sharing where you can normalize your struggles.  These groups give less feedback and offer more of an environment of acceptance, which allows you space to find some of your own answers.
• Accountability groups are for people who want a place where people will ask you probing questions each week that will keep you focused on your particular goals.

Groups That I Offer

I believe that relationships are necessary if you want to be happy and that connectedness is foundational for growth.  My groups are supportive in nature, offering like-minded people a place to deal with similar issues in a place of safety and acceptance. 

A support group is a great place to learn about a particular topic and, also a great place to find an accountability partner.   

I create “circles of care” for small groups of 4 to 5 women who are struggling with the same issue.  I attempt to consider which “stage of change” each member is in so that everyone is at about the same level of motivation. (Article on the Six Progressive Stages of Change)  

Typical issues for women are relational, time management, health and weight issues. Being a part of a small support group is a place to process through what is important and what motivates you.  Knowing what your resistances are, and how to gently push past them with the interest and accountability of the group allows for forward movement. Out of these issues come discussions around connecting with yourself, accepting both your strengths and weaknesses and how to have better relationships.

After awhile, the group takes on a personality of its own as each member contributes her own uniqueness. Members come to care about each other in a deep way and provide consistency and strength that only relationships can offer.

Newest Group Offering

“Radical Self Care Group”

Spend the summer doing something special for yourself.  Join a small group of busy women
 who are wanting to regain their motivation and energy by making themselves more of a priority.

Today’s society calls for radical self-care.....those out-of- the-norm, consistent, high quality self-care activities that you once considered a luxury.  The high demands of today’s home and workplace require a high degree of support.  Perhaps you are you experiencing the stress due to the financial crisis by picking up the slack for those let go at your company, or fearing the loss of financial security.  Or, you are a busy student or Mom who is on the edge emotionally due to a demanding schedule.
 
It is when you are the most stressed in life that you need to stop and consider how constant stress subjects you to imbalances leading to physical pain and illness.  What better place than a group of like-minded women to creatively find the ideas and motivation to incorporate what used to sound like indulgent  practices into your daily regimen.

With ongoing support you can avoid burnout.  Develop a clear intention to manage your stress by not just “knowing” what to do, but by “doing” those things that strengthen your immune system, prevent illness and create more energy.  Learn about the adrenal system and how it works and the danger of ongoing exhaustion.

Get creative in finding ways to re-adjust the way you’ve been juggling the many responsibilities that use up your time.  Brainstorm different ideas and find out what is really fulfilling for you.  Self care means more than just spa treatments and getting more exercise.  Self care can also include lazy days off, reading an intriguing book, going to bed early, thinking kindly of yourself, becoming selective about who your friends are, prayer and meditation, simplifying the holidays, etc. etc......

Learn how to replace the things in life that aren’t important to you with what is by paying attention to your truest and deepest values.  The behaviors that occur at the same time of day every day are attached to what you deeply hold and value. Discover what really nourishes your soul. 

Contact me via e-mail for more information on the group length, dates, times, location and cost.
Join a free tele-class to learn about the group requirements, structure and format.