Connections Group: FAQ
What is the “Connections” group about?
The Connections group is a 12-week semi-structured group therapy experience that not only allows individual to share their experiences and learn more about themselves, but also works to help each person better understand and change feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, loneliness, and fear. The group focuses on defining the concept of shame, as well as helping individuals understand how shame impacts them and the people they love.
Who could benefit from the Connections group?
The Connections group could benefit any person that feels as if they could be more honest with themselves and others (i.e., authenticity), wants to improve their overall feeling of happiness and internal peace (i.e., love and belonging), and wishes to feel more capable at managing their emotions and effecting change in relationships (i.e., resiliency).
What would I be doing in the group?
The Connections group meets once a week for approximately 90 minutes (Mondays @ 5pm). Group members need to be able to meet for the entire 12 weeks and for the full 90 minutes to get the most benefit from the group. There are usually eight female group members altogether. A Connections group for men can be developed, if there is enough interest.
Each group session is typically spent briefly checking in with each group member, reviewing the reading and/or written assignments, watching relevant video clips that correspond with the text material, and discussing reactions to the material. Group members are encouraged to be open with the group by talking about their shame experiences and reactions to the material; however, they are NEVER forced to share anything that they do not wish to share. Each person is encouraged to go at their own pace, “take care of themselves,” and to ask the group and group leader(s) for what they might need. During the first group session, each member signs a “Coping agreement,” which has them identify what actions they will take if they start to feel overwhelmed at all.
How can the Connections group help me?
Understanding and utilizing the material from the Connections group can help a person:
Understand and recognize “shame”
Practice being more self-compassionate and understanding of others
Improve relational awareness
Explore triggers and influences that elicit feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy
Decrease the likelihood of being overwhelmed by negative emotions
Learn how to appropriately reach out for support
Develop the courage needed to be emotionally honest and set appropriate boundaries
Increase feelings of genuine “connection” with others
What is the cost?
Efforts will be made to see if group therapy is a covered service for your particular insurance. If needing to pay “out of pocket” for group therapy, the total cost for the 12-week group is $590. This does not include the cost of the reading material (“I Thought It Was Just Me” by Dr. Brené Brown) which is approximately $15. There are several versions of the book. Any edition of the book will suffice.
How do I get started?
If you are new to Moore Counseling Center, you will need to meet with the group leader for an initial consultation. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your specific concerns and develop appropriate group goals.