Groups
Outpatient group therapy is a treatment modality in which members meet together in a group for a dedicated time period, and connect around a shared topic, experience, stressor or acquisition of a desired skill. Some groups may be structured by topic and include formal learning of skills or practice with the goal of achieving enhanced mental, emotional, and/or physical well-being. Other groups may be less structured and more supportive and interpersonal in nature. Please Note: the majority of groups are held IN-PERSON. Hybrid/virtual options may be available (please inquire).
Group Offerings
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ACCEPTING REFERRALS FOR: September 2024
Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 4-4:50pm
NOTE: This Group meets IN-PERSON
▸ High School age group
▸ Maximum of 8 members
▸ Reviews all four modules of skills: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness
▸ Each group meeting includes a mindfulness practice, review of homework, teaching of a new skill, an activity using the skill and the assignment of homeworkRequirements:
▸ Completing an intake prior to the start of group
▸ Willingness to commit to the full 24-weeks of the curriculum
▸ Currently participating in individual therapyLed by: Alayna McGarty, LMHC & Anna Berestova, MA
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ACCEPTING REFERRALS FOR: September 2024
Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 5-5:50pm
NOTE: This Group meets IN-PERSON
▸ High School age group
▸ Maximum of 8 members
▸ Agenda-based group, each member is asked to put themselves on the agenda to discuss DBT skills used or assistance with using DBT skills in the future.Requirements:
▸ Willingness to make a commitment of at least 12 weeks
▸ Completing the full DBT Skills curriculum and demonstrating an understanding of the skills
▸ Currently participating in individual therapyLed by: Alayna McGarty, LMHC
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ACCEPTING REFERRALS FOR: September 2024
Meets weekly on Mondays from 4:00p-5:30pm (90mins, $180)
NOTE: This Group is held IN-PERSON (preferred) with a HYBRID option if needed
▸ Adults (26+)
▸ Maximum of 8 members
▸ Runs on a 12 week, 90min, curriculum; New members may join at the start of a new module during the cycle
▸ This structured group focuses on providing members with a comfortable environment in which to learn the DBT skills from the modules of: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness
▸ Groups include experiential skills and activities, as well as home practice with an accompanying workbookRequirements:
▸ Completion of individual intake session with leader prior to start to establish fit for outpatient level
and individualize treatment goals▸ Commitment to attend a minimum 4 groups for group cohesion
▸ Established in individual therapyLed by: Jillian Burley, PsyD
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ACCEPTING REFERRALS FOR: August 2024
Meets weekly on Tuesday from 4-4:50pm (50min/$120)
NOTE: This Group is held IN-PERSON (preferred) with a HYBRID option if needed
▸ Older Adolescents /Adults (16+)
▸ Maximum of 8 members
▸ This group is designed for those seeking increased support, structure, skills-focus and/or accountability in their recovery. This is a good option for members hoping to add a skills group to their outpatient treatment plan, to prevent a step-up to a higher level of care (ED IOP/PHP/Residential); or in support of a recent step-down
▸ Group is semi-structured with CBT/DBT/ACT skills topics and experiential practice
▸ Home Skills Practices are assigned and discussed weeklyRequirements:
▸ Completing an intake prior to the start of group with leader
▸ Currently participating in individual therapy
▸ Medically stable for outpatient level of careLed by: Jillian Burley, PsyD
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ACCEPTING REFERRALS FOR: Fall 2024
Meets weekly on Tuesday from 3-3:50pm (50min/$120)
NOTE: This Group meets IN-PERSON
▸ Adults (18+)
▸ This process group supports individuals stable in their eating disorder recovery, who are seeking continued connection and healing. Members in this group find safety here to explore larger therapeutic themes including reconnecting with the ‘Self’, identity exploration, and relationships.
▸ Group themes and topics have included (but are not limited to): working with grief, dating and relationships, bringing back “play,” building a life worth living, modes of expression beyond words, being “embodied,” and self esteemRequirements:
▸ Completing an intake prior to the start of group with facilitator
▸ A minimum of 8-week commitment (for continuity of care/group cohesion)
▸ Prior skills group experience (outpatient or higher level of care)
▸ Not actively engaging ED or self-harming behaviors for 3 months minimumLed by: Jillian Burley, PsyD
Intensive Programs & Workshops
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ENROLLMENT IS OPEN: June 2024
Join us for our annual week-long intensive introduction to the core DBT skills!
▸ Lovingly referred to as “Goat Week,” this immersive experience is available to teens and young adults (ages 14-19) looking to build skills in the areas of Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
▸ Participants will cover all of the skills and activities of our 24-week outpatient DBT group program in 1 week, with an emphasis on experiential (activity-based) learning.Included Offerings:
▸ Animal-assisted group therapy with Positively Goats
▸ Yoga and mindfulness groups with a certified instructor
▸ Mindfulness activities in MA Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
▸ Food and beverage catered dailyIntensive Details:
▸ June 24 - June 28, 2024
▸ Teens and young adults; ages 14-19
▸ Privately owned farm in South Natick▸ Cost - $250 intake, $3600 Intensive
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ENROLLMENT IS OPEN: Now through August 2024
▸ This group aims to support college-aged students (incoming or returning) in the development of the necessary skills for managing the stressors associated with both being a student and in adjusting to the college environment. Members will leave this group with concrete skills that set them up for personal, social/relational, and academic well-being.
▸ This intensive 12 hour group program over 4 days will include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment (ACT) skills-foundations with experiential (activity-based) practice.
▸ The 60-minute Intake session will assess fit for the group, and assist members in developing their individualized goals for the program and their school year.Included Offerings:
▸ Experiential and Interactive activity-based learning
▸ Skills workbook provided + Tailored goals/planning at Intake session
▸ Breakfast and beverages catered dailyIntensive Details:
▸ August 12 - August 15, 2024 (9:00am-12:30pm)
▸ Incoming or returning college students
▸ Birch Hill Behavioral Health group room & outdoor area