Groups and Workshops for Holistic Therapy | Oakland CA

Throughout the year, Grateful Heart Therapists hold various styles of therapy groups and workshops. Check back here to discover our current offerings. Curious about how group therapy could be helpful? Here’s what the American Psychological Society (APA) has to say about the benefits of working in a group.

You’re Not Alone … “Joining a group of strangers may sound intimidating at first, but group therapy provides benefits that individual therapy may not. Psychologists say, in fact, that group members are almost always surprised by how rewarding the group experience can be.

Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board. Other members of the group often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way.

Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you put your own problems in perspective. Many people experience mental health difficulties, but few speak openly about them to people they don’t know well. Oftentimes, you may feel like you are the only one struggling — but you’re not. It can be a relief to hear others discuss what they’re going through, and realize you’re not alone.”

Diversity is another important benefit of group therapy. People have different personalities and backgrounds, and they look at situations in different ways. By seeing how other people tackle problems and make positive changes, you can discover a whole range of strategies for facing your own concerns.”

We are currently offering the following groups:

GROUP 1: Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM (beginning fall, 2017)

In Real Life (IRL) Men’s Group
Facilitated by J. Brian Thompson, MFTi, and Troy Piwowarski, LMFT
GROUP DESCRIPTION: Are you struggling with relationships? Frustrated with the world of dating? Feeling isolated? If so, consider joining us for IRL! Troy Piwowarski, LMFT, J. Brian Thompson, an MFTi, practicing under the auspices of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, will be offering a men’s therapy group on Wednesday nights in San Francisco called IRL Men (Men In Real Life). Troy and Brian have personally and professionally experienced the unique power of working in groups, and have noticed a great need for places that support the emotional development of men in our present-day cultural climate. The group will benefit men wanting to improve their communication skills, strengthen their relationships, and work through shame, anger, loneliness, or fears that keep them from thriving in their lives. Anyone who identifies as a man in need of a safe place to explore their concerns in the context of a group is welcome to apply to join us. Our primary focus will be navigating the ever-perplexing realm of relationships. We offer a combination of didactic training in relational skills, experiential practice, and exploration of identity. We offer this group at $70 per 90 minute session from 7:00 – 8:30 PM on Wednesday evenings in Nob Hill in San Francisco, with sliding scale availability to accommodate individuals with financial limitations. To explore your interest in the group, please contact briantherapy@gmail.com and or visit my website at jbrianthompson.com.

GROUP 2: Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, September 28—November 16, 2017

Lifting The Mask Therapy Group for Adults Who Have A Parent With Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Facilitated by Pamela Rosin Kaplan, MFTi

Location: Living Arts Counseling Center, 1265 65^th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608

Fee: $400 plus a $50 registration fee

Note: The registration fee will be waived if you register before September 1, 2017. Payment plans are available.

Intake Process: An individual session with Pamela at a fee of $50.00 is required before joining the group.

Inquiries: (510) 214-6507

GROUP DESCRIPTION: Growing up with a parent with BPD can be both difficult and isolating. Many children of parents with BPD never experienced the emotional stability, security and support they needed. If you had a parent with BPD or a history of trauma and emotional instability, this group may be especially helpful, particularly if you:

• Want to explore and understand the impact of growing up with a parent with BPD

• Are drawn to persons with histories of trauma or emotional dysregulation

• Find yourself trying to accommodate others, even when it is not in your best interest

• Have difficulty trusting yourself and others

• Are confused about the validity of your needs

• Have difficulty maintaining your personal boundaries

• Long for understanding

• Feel uncomfortable in “your own skin”

Perhaps you’ve tried many ways to heal and still feel stuck. That’s understandable — healing is a long and complex process. Come be in our circle and experience the support of others whose lives have also been touched by BPD. This eight week group will incorporate mindfulness and interpersonal sharing, as well as other therapeutic practices that support recovery from trauma. Participants will receive mirroring, support, as well as opportunities for integration and connection.

ABOUT PAMELA: Pamela has a masters in Integral Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies, and is trained in Hakomi, mindful somatic psychotherapy. Pamela is the founder of Awakening Presence where she has offered integrative therapeutic work since 2003. Pamela’s work is informed by her experience as a bodyworker for 10 years and reflects a deep understanding of improvisation and play from years of professional acting and dance. Pamela brings a high level of attunement, intuition and loving presence to groups, couples and individual sessions.

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