Social Skills Groups for Autism Spectrum Disorder
This group is designed for teens and adults ages 16 and older with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Participants learn social skills to help increase success in relationships and the workforce. The group begins with an initial screening to determine eligibility (participants must have a documented diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and be able to verbally and respectfully participate in a group setting). The twelve group sessions will include education and cognitive behavioral skills, and topics include Conversation, Nonverbal Communication, Emotion Identification, Emotional Expression, Managing Overwhelming Emotions, Assertiveness, Conflict Resolution, Developing and Maintaining Friendships, Professional Interaction, and Joking and Sarcasm. The group is designed as twelve weekly 60- minute sessions.
If you are interested in participating in a Social Skills Group, please e-mail Patti or Emily or call 573-818-7010.
Mindfulness Groups
Mindfulness refers to the ability to maintain awareness of the present moment with acceptance and without judgment. Mindfulness helps strengthen the “muscle” in the brain that helps us focus our attention to the present moment (rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future). Mindfulness can be beneficial in reducing dissociation, alleviating anxiety and depression, reducing chronic pain, and improving your focus and concentration. Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our emotions and our needs. In addition to mindfulness, this group helps participants gain coping skills to recognize, regulate, validate, tolerate, and appropriately respond to strong emotions with self-compassion as well as assertive communication skills. The group is designed as weekly 60-minute sessions.
If you are interested in participating in a Mindfulness Group, please email Kylie or Patti, or call 573-818-7010 Extension 240.
Dream Groups
Dreams often bring us important instructions, directions, and guidance. However, few of us know how to interpret and understand our dreams, and many of us need help to even remember our dreams. Dream Groups help us pay more attention and listen to what our dreams might be telling us. Many people find that they start remembering more dreams through this process. Each week, a group member shares a dream, and the other members ask questions to elicit details including images and emotions the dreamer may have missed. Members take care to not put their interpretation on the dreamer’s dream, although gentle, tentative suggestions may be made after the dreamer has had a chance to develop their own interpretation. The group is designed as twelve weekly 90- minute sessions.
If you are interested in participating in a Dream Group, please e-mail Emily or call 573-818-7010.
Grief Groups
While grief may look different in each individual, the group is a safe space to normalize and validate what you’re experiencing. It is an opportunity to be with others who have similar challenges. You’ll learn what to expect in your process and healthy ways to cope. You’ll be able to participate in activities that facilitate your grief journey. If you have questions or want more information, please contact: renee@columbiapsychology.com .