GROUPS

Group therapy is by design an atmosphere to learn, grow and pursue change within the context of supportive relationships. With the therapist offering guidance, insight and structure, the group provides a safe place to explore new ideas, gain support and begin relating in new ways.

Psycho-education Groups

Positive Parenting I, II & III (8 sessions with an optional 4 session extension)
I Parents of Pre-school ages 0 to 5
II Parents of Elementary ages 6 to 11
III for Parents of Adolescents ages 12 to 18
For Individuals or Couples

Adolescent Empowerment I & II (8 sessions)
I Early adolescence ages 11 to 14
II Late adolescence ages 15 to 18

As girls become women, the forces of culture and puberty create tornados of pressure and emotion that most girls' find difficult to escape. Recognizing that every girl wants to be known, cared for and accepted in the eyes of others, they can find themselves in a battleground of false images, unpredictable changes and unfair expectations. In this group we examine such topics as:

• the dynamics of girls' friendships
• dealing with gossip, rumors and backbiting
• positive relationships
• making good choices
• self confidence
• body image
• family changes
• healthy conflict resolution

Drawing on current research as well as current trends in youth culture, this group informs and equips young women to make positive choices in their lives. Adolescent Empowerment breaks down barriers, exposing the truth of girls' experiences in order to build them up to becoming confident and secure young women.

Anger Management (8 sessions)
For Individuals

"Anger is a powerful force. You can suppress it, deny it, let it control you, or learn to manage it...harness its energy to cope with pain and resolve problems"

Based on the book Make Anger Your Ally by Neil Clark Warren, Ph.D. this is a powerful and proactive approach to anger management. By providing a safe environment to uncover unhealthy and detrimental expressions of anger, individuals are given substantial practices, resources and support for finding new and healthy expressions for their normal human emotions. In addition to sound research and practical help, this group offers an integrated faith and counseling perspective that draws on scriptural references for additional insight and support.

Based on availability, psycho-education groups may be offered in other locations if your particular community would benefit from that option. For more information or to register for the next group call 206-459-7994 or send an e-mail to counseling@heathersund.com.

Ongoing Support Groups

Bloom: Women's Postpartum Support. Giving birth and welcoming a baby home may be the single most significant change a woman faces in her lifetime. The joys are overwhelming, but sometimes so are the anxieties. Women typically experience a wide range of emotion during this time from elation to depression, confidence to insecurity. This can make her feel as if the life she once lived and the person she once was has escaped her. Sleep deprivation, minimal opportunities for self-care and hormonal shifts don't help. Suddenly life is all about a tiny being who is dependent for its every need and the life a woman once lived has been completely transformed.

Whether this is your first child, or your fifth, this group can offer you the support you need to make the most of this precious and fleeting time with your baby while maintaining your identity as a woman.

Bloom meets on a weekly or bi-monthly basis.

Young Adult Life: It is normal, healthy and important for young adults to be asking big questions about the meaning of life, their purposes in it and how to live that out, yet at the same time these questions can be confusing, daunting and overwhelming. This "in-between" stage of "not-yets" can make one's head spin as they seek for answers and direction both within themselves and in observing the world around them. This group is aimed at helping young adults discover who they are and who they want to become in a variety of key transition areas of their lives. Some common issues discussed are:

• choosing a career/areas of study
• developing and fostering life-giving relationships
• changes in family dynamics
• questions/changes of faith
• self-worth
• identity

This group offers a safe and supportive place to take a concentrated look at discovering your voice and empowering you to follow your dreams.

Young Adult Life meets on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. In consideration of the financial restrictions of the average college student/young adult, and to validate the importance of seeking support in this particular season of life, I offer a reduced rate for counseling and for group therapy if needed.