For Families - Services Available

Family Program

Family group series that meets on either weekly (two distinct six week periods) or monthly basis. Each session, the groups focus on a single theme or psycho-educational goal. Participants are divided into sections based on their age, with one section for parents meeting concurrently to the children’s sections. Sections are directed by a Certified Group Psychotherapist and run by licensed mental health clinicians with mental health professionals and paraprofessionals assisting. While the objectives for all sections are the same, the activities and discussion in service of those objectives are developmentally targeted to the age of the participants. Several times throughout the group sessions all family members are brought together to work on projects that are designed to provide strategies for processing loss and to highlight and reinforce family strengths.

Children's Counseling Support Groups

Monthly groups that meet for 1.5 hours and are led by two Licensed Mental Health Clinicians. These groups traditionally serve children between the ages of 4 and 13. During the group sessions children are engaged in activities and discussions that are centered on specific psycho-educational goals. Activities for the group sessions are custom designed to reinforce the themes of resiliency and personal strength and in the past have included creating art (such as quilts and jewelry), writing (such as journaling and letter writing) and craft projects. The groups feature regular communication between the Licensed Mental Health Clinicians and the families of the group participants. This communication is designed to address both concerns that parents may have about their children related to their loss and to provide information about the themes discussed in group to reinforce the concepts at home.

9/11 Women's Counseling Support Group

Formed after the attacks of September 11, 2001, this group meets bi-weekly with two Licensed Mental Health Clinicians to discuss post 9/11 adjustment issues affecting them and their children. Using an empowerment theory of community intervention, these support groups recognize the importance of providing continuing support to those families who suffered losses on 9/11. Discussions and activities in the group recognize the resilience of the participants and use cognitive techniques to address some of the challenges created by complicated bereavement.

Adult Counseling Support Groups

Monthly groups that meet for 1.5 hours and are led by two Licensed Mental Health Clinicians. These groups serve all adults grieving the loss of a spouse, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the death. Discussions and activities in the group recognize the resilience of the participants and use cognitive techniques to address some of the challenges created by complicated bereavement.

Family Events

Three hour programs for the entire family (nuclear & extended) are offered two to four times a year. They are designed to highlight family strengths and enhance communication and teamwork. These events bring families together to engage in creative activities, recognize the deceased as a continuing part of family life and strengthen family support networks. Events in the past have included outdoor competitions (i.e. The Amazing Race), creative projects (i.e. The Gingerbread House of Dreams), and special rituals. These events also provide opportunities for connection with other families with similar losses, further strengthening the sense of 'community'.