step 1
INTEREST:
Learn about the groups we offer and the benefits of group therapy. We offer middle and high school groups for all genders, and run new groups throughout the year as needed. When you’re ready to get started, jump to step 2 and schedule your pre-group screening session and you’ll be ready to join in the next group opening.
step 2
INTAKE/ORIENTATION:
Schedule a brief virtual intake to assess your wants & needs, explore goals, learn about the group process, and determine best fit for group or other referral options. Your appointment will be confirmed with an email and a calendar invite including the Google Meet link for the time you scheduled.
*Please note that if you do not see an opening for a group intake session in the next 30 days, get on our waitlist here to be contacted when new screening sessions become available.
step 3
COMMITMENT:
If a group is determined to be a good fit, complete registration and payment prior to the group's start date. We generally offer 8-12 sessions in a group series and we ask everyone to commit to attending all sessions. Each group is charged by the week regardless of attendance/completion of participation. Scroll down for details on procedures and fees.
step 4
PARTICIPATION/INVOLVEMENT:
Begin a time-limited group series aimed to familiarize your child/teen with the group therapy basics, tools for growing and learning, and the benefits of peer connection. Each group session is generally one hour and will include time for sharing, reflecting, and learning through activities/exercises, brief teachings, and mutual engagement.
step 5
FEEDBACK/NEXT STEPS:
After the group series ends, take part in a complimentary 20-30 minute family session with the group therapist to discuss the group experience, integrate the experience into real life, and explore options for next steps (including taking part in another series or joining a longer term, ongoing therapy group).
Procedures & Fees
We offer groups year-round. Group intakes are typically scheduled at the start of each semester when most of our new time-limited group series begin. The busiest months for new groups to form tend to be January & February and August, September, & October. If you miss a window when we are actively forming new groups, you will be placed on our waitlist. The Group Coordinator will contact you when the waitlist indicates enough interest for a new group to develop (which happens often!).
When you enroll in a group, you commit to attend the entire series (generally 8-12 group sessions) and can continue in another group series as long as you continue to benefit from it. We also offer on-going groups for clients who have participated in at least one of our time-limited based series and are looking to make a longer commitment to group therapy. Our investment and commitment policies help to ensure continuity and group cohesion. Regular attendance is critical for the benefit of each participant and the group as a whole.
*We are out-of-network for insurance providers but can offer you a superbill at the end of the month or end of the group series to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
The Nuts & Bolts of a Time-Limited Group
Time-limited groups generally run 8-12 weekly sessions. The duration of the group will be communicated by the Group Coordinator and therapist prior to the first group
Time-limited groups are paid by each session regardless of attendance
1 hour groups = $65/session
1 hour 20 min groups = $80/session
Your fee reserves your spot in group and is due each week. This helps to ensure continuity and group cohesion.
Time-limited groups are closed to new members unless otherwise stated. Occasional exceptions are made for groups that have just begun.
The Nuts & Bolts of aN OnGoing Group
Ongoing groups run consistently throughout the year (with breaks determined by the group therapist in consideration of the group members’ school and summer breaks)
Ongoing groups are paid month-to-month
$65/60-minute session (An average month of group sessions is around $260); All sessions are paid in full at the beginning of the month regardless of attendance
A 30-day notice is required when you are ready to graduate from an on-going group
New members may join an on-going group at the discretion of the Group Coordinator and the therapist facilitating the group
Group Offerings
Schedule a group intake for our Middle and High School Groups starting this Fall. Groups will begin in September with enrollment through early October.
*We are assessing interest in a fall group for upper elementary students (3rd-5th grade). Please contact us here so we can include you on the interest list to receive updates on its development.
Group sessions are held at our office 5926 Balcones Drive, Suite 218
Group schedules & format arrangements will be discussed during the group intake session. If no group intake sessions are available in the next 30 days, please get on our waitlist to be contacted when new group intake sessions become available.
TweenTalk Middle School Group
starting this Fall
What: A group focused on developing and practicing social and emotional skills
Who: younger middle schoolers; for all genders/beyond the binary
Facilitated by: TBD
When: TBD
Investment: $65/session; includes intake and post-group feedback session for new enrollees
TeenTalk BLENDED Group
Starting this fall
What: A group to help adolescents experience a feeling of connection and compassion within themselves and with others
Who: 8th & 9th grade; for all genders/beyond the binary
Facilitated by: Vanessa Lai, LPC Associate
When: Saturdays 1-2 pm; Starting September 28th (accepting new members through October 12)
Investment: $65/session; includes intake and post-group feedback session for new enrollees
TeenTalk High School Group
Starting Septebmer
What: An interactive & experiential group focused on developing self-awareness, cultivating compassion for ourselves and others, and connecting with peers who are going through similar struggles
Who: 10th-12th grade, for all genders/beyond the binary
Facilitated by: Danielle Bartlett, LPC
When: Mondays 7:00-8:00 pm, Starting Sept 9th (will accept new members through the first week of October)
Investment: $65/session; includes intake & post-group feedback sessions for new enrollees
TeenTalk High School Group
Starting This fall
What: A group focused on interpersonal relationship skills and building connection with peers who are going through similar struggles
Who: high school students, for all genders/beyond the binary
Facilitated by: TBD
When: TBD
Investment: $65/session; includes intake & post-group feedback sessions for new enrollees
Please note: The Group Coordinator arranges each group with careful consideration of each individual’s needs and desires. Group placement varies according to best fit, availability, and goals. Groups may include a variety of grades and ages - at times we combine 8th & 9th graders or limit HS or MS groups to a certain grade to create the best fit for each person and the group as a whole. You will learn more about our formation process during the intake time and much more!
Group Therapy
Our groups are rooted in self-compassion, mindfulness, authenticity of the self and the power of connection.
Groups offer a unique way to connect, reflect and develop relational, social and emotional tools. Current offerings vary and we have group therapy available year-round, with enrollment windows throughout each quarter and new groups opening as needed.
What makes a GT Therapy group different?
Teens join our groups when they are struggling with depression & anxiety, when they've had challenging friendships & felt lonely or left out, when they've struggled with who they are & where they belong. Each group is unique and rooted in our values of integrating social-emotional skill-building with a non-curriculum, experiential experience that centers the members and their goals & needs. Each group session allows the members to bring in what's present & needs attention, while over time building the scaffolding for solid coping skills for managing difficult emotions, challenging relationships, and using mindfulness & self-compassion skills to create a more stable & cohesive sense of self.
Our groups support:
Emotion regulation & resilience skills
Self-compassion & self-worth
Developing a solid sense of self
Healthy friendships & meaningful connection
Pro-social behavior (i.e. learning how to engage in the world in a way that supports your goals, dreams, and relationships)
What is group therapy like at GT Therapy?
Our middle school groups use experiential activities and group discussion to create a safe, trusting environment for kids to learn more about themselves and each other. Groups focus on social awareness & skills, identity development, building self-confidence and self-compassion, developing empathy and a sense of connectedness, and helping kids navigate the transitions of early adolescence. From peer & family relationships, to body image and a rapidly changing sense of self, these groups help each individual celebrate their unique selves and foster healthy friendships.
Our high school groups help teens manage the stress that comes with high school and find balance with their academic, family, extracurricular and social commitments. High school is a time when the pressure to meet the expectations of parents, teachers and peers can become overwhelming, and our group gives teens the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from each other in a safe, supportive and collaborative environment. Our groups will give your teen the foundation to develop healthy relationships, a strong sense of self and coping strategies for dealing with the challenges high school can bring.
Why do people join group therapy?
People come to our groups for many reasons. Some are referred by individual therapists or school counselors, some ask their parents if they can have a place to talk about life stuff and others come to us from parents who are looking for ways to support their child or teen's mental health and well-being.
Challenging peer relationships, bullying (aka relational aggression), not fitting in
Emotion dysregulation: losing your temper easily, getting overwhelmed, feeling out of control
History of anxiety and/or depression
Family issues: divorce, separation, conflict between parents & teens
Changing schools or moving to a new city
Transition into middle or high school or another major life transition
Poor self-image, low self-esteem, feeling badly about who you are
What can group therapy do for me?
Group therapy can be an effective way to meet teens where they're most comfortable, in a small setting with like-minded peers. For group therapy members of all ages, groups can help you feel less alone. Some of our group members see us or other therapists for individual or family therapy, and use group to debrief with their peers, as well as give and receive feedback and support. Some group members have never tried therapy before and find the group setting to be more comfortable (even if they're nervous at first) than sitting one-on-one with an adult therapist. Therapy groups are different than group settings at school and extracurricular activities. They are therapist-guided to be safe, supportive, nurturing and engaging for group members from diverse backgrounds. The experience of being in group can be very healing, and is especially helpful for anyone struggling with social anxiety, difficulty in relationships, those who struggle with self-worth or those who just feel awkward and uncomfortable meeting new people. Some of the benefits of group therapy can include:
Feelings of confidence and connection
Learning more about who you are and how to be true to your values
Discovering how to use self-compassion instead of self-criticism
Building healthy friendships and stronger family relationships
Learning how to manage difficult feelings
Discovering your strengths, resources and inner resilience
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