Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where one or more trained therapists work with a group of individuals simultaneously. The group is typically composed of people who share common issues (such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, or stress) or similar goals (e.g., improving communication, relationship skills, or managing emotions).

Unlike individual therapy, group therapy emphasizes interaction and mutual support. The therapist facilitates the group dynamics, but the group members themselves play a significant role in each other’s healing process.

Structure:

• Sessions typically range from 3 to 12 participants, meeting on a regular basis (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.).

• A typical session lasts around 1 to 2 hours and can continue for a few months or longer, depending on the goals of the group.

  Therapist’s Role:

• The therapist’s role is to guide discussions, set boundaries, maintain a safe environment, and facilitate exercises that promote growth. They may also intervene in moments of conflict or emotional distress, ensuring the group remains respectful and productive.

  Group Dynamics:

• Group members are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

• Feedback from others is typically constructive and aimed at helping individuals gain new perspectives and insights.

  Confidentiality:

• Everything shared within the group remains confidential, creating a safe space for vulnerability and trust.

  Types of Groups:

• Therapeutic groups: Led by a trained professional and focused on mental health treatment.

• Support groups: Peer-led, providing emotional support for shared experiences (e.g., grief support, addiction recovery).

• Skill-building groups: Focused on improving specific areas, such as communication skills or anger management.

Case Management

Case management is a professional service where a case manager (usually a social worker, counselor, or healthcare professional) works with individuals to coordinate and manage their care. This process involves assessing needs, creating personalized care plans, and helping individuals access necessary services and resources, whether for health, mental health, housing, or other social support systems. The case manager would help work through the barriers that one is facing like applying for jobs, finding resources, practice/encourage coping skills, and much more.

Benefits of Case Management

Holistic Support

• Comprehensive Approach: Case management takes a whole-person approach by addressing a person’s physical, mental, social, and economic needs. It doesn’t just focus on one aspect of a person’s life but looks at everything that might be affecting their well-being. This holistic care model ensures that individuals receive the support they need across all areas of life.

  Coordination of Care

• Case managers coordinate all the different services an individual might need. This ensures there is no duplication of services or gaps in care. For example, an individual might need mental health therapy, housing assistance, and employment training—all of which need to be managed and coordinated to avoid overlap or missed opportunities.

  Personalized Care Plans

• Every individual has unique challenges and goals. Case management allows for tailored care, ensuring that each person receives a plan that is specifically suited to their situation. Whether someone is recovering from addiction, managing a chronic illness, or seeking housing, the case plan will be designed to meet those needs.

  Advocacy and Empowerment

• Case managers often act as advocates for their clients, especially in navigating complex systems (e.g., healthcare, social services, housing). They ensure that clients receive the services and support they are entitled to.

• They also empower clients by helping them understand their rights, make informed decisions, and become more self-sufficient in managing their care.

  Improved Access to Resources

• Many individuals face barriers to accessing necessary services, whether due to lack of knowledge, financial constraints, or logistical challenges. Case managers help bridge that gap by connecting clients with vital community resources and ensuring that they receive appropriate care.

  Reduction in Crisis Situations

• By proactively managing care and addressing issues before they escalate, case managers help prevent crises. For example, someone with mental health needs might avoid a psychiatric emergency because the case manager is ensuring they stay on top of their therapy and medication.

  Better Health and Life Outcomes

• Individuals involved in case management often experience improved health and better life outcomes. The structure and support provided can reduce hospitalizations, enhance recovery rates, increase employment, and improve overall quality of life.

  Cost-Effectiveness

• Effective case management can also be cost-effective. By helping individuals navigate services efficiently, case managers can reduce wasted resources, prevent unnecessary hospital visits, and ensure that people receive care at the right time and in the right setting.

Case management is a critical service that ensures individuals have the support and resources they need to navigate complex systems and achieve their personal goals. It’s particularly helpful for people facing multiple challenges—whether related to mental health, healthcare, addiction, or social circumstances. With personalized care and an emphasis on coordinated services, case management can greatly improve an individual's quality of life and support their path to greater independence and stability.

Presentations/Speaking Engagements

Presentations or speaking engagements involve conveying information, ideas, or research to an audience in a structured format. These can take various forms, from formal lectures and workshops to informal talks or panel discussions. The purpose is to educate, raise awareness, or provide support on mental health issues, and it can be targeted to a range of audiences such as students, professionals, caregivers, or the general public.

Some topics but not limited to…

• Understanding Mental Health: Definitions and Stigma

• Mental Health in the Workplace

• Managing Stress and Anxiety

• Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

• Mental Health and Social Media

• Suicide Prevention and Awareness

• Mental Health in Children and Adolescents

• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Addiction and Mental Health

• Self-Care and Mental Wellness

• Psychotherapy and Counseling: Different Approaches