Anxiety Therapy Groups

with Evidence-Based Mindfulness Techniques

(Now offered through Secure Video-Conferencing)

 

Who?

If you have a diagnosis of anxiety or of a related issue, or are struggling with worries that are difficult to control or worries that make it difficult to focus on other things, this group may be helpful to you.

 

What’s it about?

We will learn and practice proven strategies to help cope with and reduce worries and anxieties. Through the process, participants will be able to implement strategies to reduce the ongoing stress of anxiety, improve focus, be more present, mange situations which elicit anxiety, and help one to get closer to a sense of acceptance without frustration, remorse, or a feeling of having given up. Elements of our approach include holistic care, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and mindfulness techniques. You will learn about how anxiety takes hold in the body and mind and the most effective ways to get through when it does.

 

Through sharing experiences, feelings, and thoughts in an open, accepting, and supportive environment, participants will be able to get closer to their own issues and their own solutions, drawing on a group-therapy approach.

 

Meetings build on each other both in terms of contents, practice, and familiarity with the people and the process.

 

Our Groups

Our open group allows one to enter at any time, as space permits). Our other group is closed after the first couple of sessions (up to 10 people).

 

A closed and small therapy group creates a more intimate community space to connect, grow, and learn in, with benefits beyond that which a one-on-one therapy session offers. Social connections are key to our coping with stress and anxiety, and many find that the connection and cohesion in these groups are crucial aspects of their therapeutic value. Though meeting in a group can be anxiety-provoking initially, many find that their connections with other members quickly become a valuable part of the sessions, and a challenge whose overcoming is meaningful by itself. Many form connections that last beyond the group itself.

 

The open group offers many of the same benefits of our closed group without commitment to any number of sessions.

 

When?

Groups are running on a weekly basis for 8 weeks (one meeting every week) per session.  Occasionally groups are extended when most people want to continue past the 6th meeting. Groups are available with morning and evening sessions, typically on Mondays and Thursdays.

 

How Much?

Each session costs $40 for the open group and $45 for the closed group. If you commit to 8 sessions you will receive the 8th free.  There is also a sliding scale to ensure the price is not a barrier for those who cannot afford the full cost. 

 

I am not religious or spiritual, how can I benefit from a mindfulness approach?

This group relies on evidence-based research on mindfulness, CBT, and the treatment of anxiety. While drawing on some exercises with influence from Buddhist and other traditions, the practice is grounded in the psychology and neuroscience of mindfulness research, with no religious or spiritual tradition’s belief. It does not ask for and certainly does not require, a spiritual or metaphysical belief in order to practice and benefit from mindfulness techniques.

 

I have never meditated before, and think it might be stressful - is that a problem?

No prior meditation or other experience is needed to benefit from these groups, though it may be an advantage to have this experience.

 

Group Facilitator

Bar Lehmann, is a clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW) with years of experience diagnosing and helping treat anxiety through evidence-based strategies, often incorporating mindfulness-based approaches to overcome anxiety. He brings extensive personal experience and practice with various mindfulness and meditation styles and techniques, from Native American and Buddhist tradition, to using technology to help measure and attain a mindful relaxation state through the use of biofeedback and EEG neurofeedback. Bar is an internationally certified neurofeedback clinician. He has years of experience helping individuals benefit from incorporating mindfulness into their day to day life activities and easing anxiety, past trauma, anger, and related issues.