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Survivor of Suicide Loss
Survivor of Suicide Bereavement

La Cheim Behavioral Health Services

Group Therapy Topics & Materials

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Following is a current listing of our group therapy topics, along with a description of each group and supportive materials where applicable. Some group topics rotate and may not occur every week. 

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At La Cheim, we offer a mix of process groups -- which focus more on personal sharing and supportive feedback -- with skills groups -- which focus more on learning about mental health recovery, coping skills, and more. The days also begin and end with check-in and check out groups. 

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DAILY CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT GROUPS (9:30 AM & 2:00 PM)

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Morning Check-In Group (9:30 am, Room 1, Daily)

This group invites you to: introduce yourself by your first name; share your personal pronouns (she/he/they/etc.); describe a highlight of the previous day; set an intention for the day ahead and participate in a get-to-know-you question. The group is meant to help you gear up to make the most of your program day.

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Daily Closure / Check-Out Group (2:00 pm, Room 1, Daily)

Our final group of the day starts with sharing names and personal pronouns (she/he/they/etc.). Each client is then asked to reflect on present feelings as well as a highlight from the day. Next, clients are asked to confirm their physical and emotional safety for the night or weekend. The group closes with a practice of a coping/grounding skill or a fun group activity.

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THERAPEUTIC SHARING & PROCESSING GROUPS (10:30 AM - 11:45 AM)

 

​Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC) Group

NOTE: This group is intended only for clients who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

This process group is for members who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Participants are invited to speak about personal experiences and receive support from each another, including but not limited to topics on race, identity and belonging, or self- and community empowerment.

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Exploring Identity Process Group

This process group holds a space to explore the different roles and intersectional identities each of us may hold. We will support one another as we uncover and share our experiences of our identities such as gender, sexuality, ability, race, ethnicity, age, social class, religion, and more. We will also create space to notice roles we embody, such as partner, friend, child, parent, etc. As we make and maintain connection with folks with overlapping roles and identities and those diverging from us, this group will serve as a place for us to get to know ourselves and our fellow travelers as well.

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Grief Group

Group members are invited to share about their process with all types of loss ranging from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a loss of identity, changes in health or level of functioning, and more. This is an opportunity to lessen the sense of loneliness we often experience with grief and support one another in finding meaning and healing.

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Intrusive Thoughts Group

In this process group, we discuss intrusive thoughts, paranoid ideation, hearing voices, and/or hallucinations. Also, we share information on how to understand these phenomena as well as how to cope with them as adaptively as we can.

 

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LGBTQIA+ Group

NOTE: This group is intended only for clients who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Clients share, reflect, and get feedback on their struggles and goals, as seen and experienced through the lens of LGBTQIA+ identity. Issues often include: coming out; self-discernment; coping with rejection; negotiating polyamorous relationships; sexual health and expression; intersections of gender, sexual, and other identity dimensions; and recovering from familial, cultural, and institutional trauma. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️​

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Movement Group

This group utilizes movement to promote well-being. The group activity varies each week and is able to be adapted to all bodies participating.​

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Neurodiverse Support Group

This process group offers a safe, compassionate space for individuals who identify as neurodiverse (e.g. on the Autism spectrum, or live with other neurodevelopmental issues) to discuss their unique experiences and the ways in which it can be challenging to function in a society that values “neurotypical” traits. In this group, we validate that there is no one right way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and take a strengths-based approach to managing differences.

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Recovery and Coping with Shame Group

This group addresses the impact of deeply held shame on mental health challenges in general, and how shame has an impact on addiction and compulsive behavior. We frequently address shame as an emotional state that interferes with intimacy, friendship, goals, and sobriety. We offer support and how to move forward with life's ambitions and to decrease the influence of shame so that we are more willing to act in the service of our values and needs.

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Relationships Group

 This is a process group that creates a safe container to address relationship issues, identify patterns in relationships, and work on personal boundaries and self-care.

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Suicidality Talk Group

NOTE: This group requires prior approval to join. Please consult with your counselor before joining this group for the first time.

This group offers a safe space to discuss suicide ideation and how to deal with it for those who are dealing with acute or chronic suicidality. Group attendance requires a discussion with and clearance from your La Cheim therapist in order to join the group.​

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The Working World

In this process group, members share and discuss issues related to work, school, retirement, and volunteering. Topics vary each week. Past topics have included issues of occupation-related identity and self-esteem, issues and rights related to return to work, exploring jobs, school, and career interests, matching work styles and preferences to daily work, navigating changes in ability and occupation, building work-life balance, and understanding/improving professional relationships. In addition to sharing concerns and providing feedback, facilitator may provide practical guidance and help, and on occasion, may present materials of general interest to the group.

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SKILL-BUILDING, COPING, & SELF-EXPRESSION GROUPS (12:45 PM - 1:45 PM)

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group

This group introduces the six core principles of ACT: diffusion, expansion, connection, observing self, values, and effective action (i.e. setting goals in line with one’s values and acting on them effectively). We do a short exercise for each principle. For those new to ACT: A = accept thoughts and feelings; C = connect with values; T = take effective action.​

 

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Body Wisdom Group

This group is focused on discussing and exploring how we relate to our bodies. Holding that everyone has a different relationship with their physical body, this process group will not be support based, but reflection based with the support of the facilitator. The structure includes time allotted for checking-in with everyone present with a guided check-in question and topic of exploration for the day, connecting to the physical body through a gentle guided exercise, followed by time for debriefing and reflection.

 

  • Note: Gentle guided exercises may include creative movement, self-massage, yoga, and walking. Please feel free to email Abigail at abigail@lacheim.org if you would like to know what the topic and exercise of the week will be. 

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Boundaries and Safety Group

Clients explore boundary types, boundary identification/implementation, boundary hurdles, and the link between boundary-setting and psycho-emotional safety. Clients receive peer support as they examine personal struggles and successes related to interpersonal, external, and internal boundaries.

 

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group

This group offers structured discussion of how thoughts influence and impact emotions and behaviors. In each session we do an exercise, including the Cognitive Triangle, Thought Distortion Journal, Thought Record, Mastery and Pleasure Record, Identifying Core Beliefs, and Dysfunctional Beliefs About Change. A key goal is learning how to challenge negative thoughts and/or use the mindfulness approach to observe our thoughts (defuse from our thoughts) in order to the evaluate them adaptively.

 

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Creative Exploration Group

This skill-based group focuses on combining different forms of creative expression to uncover and explore emotions. Each week, we will use intermodal techniques such as painting, drawing, watercolor, movement, dramatic experientials, music, and more to process the here-and-now experience for group members. Each week will include unique directives from Expressive Arts, Drama Therapy, Gestalt, and Somatic Therapies to direct and guide the process.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Group

In this core skills group, participants learn how the brain and body respond to emotional and physical triggers, as well as how these "survival mode" responses may work against our longer-term goals. This group teaches participants strategies to move beyond "survival" mode, by learning and practicing skills for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. This group combines lecture, discussion, small group breakouts, and exercises to help apply these new skills.

 

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Embodied Awareness Somatic Group

This skill-based group will explore Somatic Psychotherapy, which means “of the body.” As we exist in the world, the body can hold a full range of experiences including trauma, pain, neutrality, joy, and so much more. This group will create a trauma-informed space to utilize tools to get in touch with our unique bodies and their needs, including techniques to get curious about sensations that can clue us into emotions and our needs underlying them. The group will focus on combining psychoeducation with experiential learning to help us become more in relationship with our somatic experiences.

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Emotional Awareness Group

This group aims to facilitate discussions about our emotions and adjusting our relationship with them. It will help you reflect on your own experience with emotions, as well as how to implement tools and practices that can make your emotions more helpful and productive in everyday life and interpersonal interactions. ​

 

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Expressive Arts Group 

Exploring emotions, coping skills and mindfulness through artistic expression and processing.

 

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Holistic Wellness

This group focuses on various aspects and factors of wellness in general, and mental health in particular. We explore different practices, lifestyle decisions, modalities, and areas of one's life as they relate to each other and to one's overall wellness. This group is not about using 'alternative' treatments to replace psychotherapy and/or medication, but topics do include approaches that have proven supportive to people's quality of life and mental health.

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Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (or IFS) is a therapeutic technique that looks at our “parts” and can help with separating our “self” from the parts of us that we wish to work on. By looking at our parts, we can give ourselves permission or space to be kinder to the parts that we may find less likeable or may be less proud of than others. We can also use this model to look at how we react to stress and anxiety (and why we act that way), and works towards a self that is less hindered by negative thoughts and feelings.

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Men’s Group

This is a process group for male-identified members to discuss personal topics and receive support from fellow group members. We will discuss how our society places expectations on men to think and act certain ways, and how that can impact mental health, relationships and self-image.

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Movement Group

This group utilizes movement to promote well-being by connecting the breath to movement and the body to the present moment. The group activity varies each week and can be adapted to all bodies participating. Activities may include outdoor walking, stretching, and guided improvisation.  

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Music Group

Music group offers a therapeutic space for participants to share music with one another and find connection and meaning through the process. Participants are welcome to share a prerecorded piece of music that feels meaningful and enjoyable for them to listen to with others, or to play live music for the group.

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Relationship with Self Group

This group is geared towards growing a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Topics related to the ways in which we relate to ourselves will be explored while incorporating mindfulness, movement and journaling to aid in self-reflection. 

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Self -Empowerment Group

The Self Empowerment Group is a strengths based approach to group therapy. We will focus on self improvement, personal development, and connectivity utilizing tools and techniques that focus on character strengths and stress management. This group will utilize self expression, group support and encouragement, and expressive arts experiences.

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Understanding Trauma Group

This group is designed for addressing all things trauma-related with an understanding of how debilitating trauma issues can be. We discuss how trauma affects the brain and the body, as well as how we can use this information to not only manage our symptoms but to work through trauma recovery as well. We facilitate this process through psychoeducation by the most influential trauma and psychologically trained experts, as well as by using real-life situations to explore and process these perspectives. We also know this group can be triggering, so the facilitators take extra care in tracking and supporting the participants.

 

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Women's Group

A process group for women offering a space to speak about anything you might be holding in your heart or mind around moving about the world as a woman. Whether you are seeking the support of other members, or just wanting to practice active listening, the Women's group covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to the experiences of woman in today's world. 

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FORMER GROUP TOPICS (Groups we formerly offered in the past but are not currently in the curriculum)

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Decompression Session Group

This group offers the chance to practice a variety of calming techniques within a supportive community. Explore how returning to these foundational skills can help steady emotions and find moments of comfort. Learn more about what works for you and how to tailor these practices to be most helpful in your own life.

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Weekend Strategizing Group

La Cheim provides structure Monday through Friday; however, on the weekends many clients hold concerns regarding a lack of structure or setting a schedule. In this group clients share these weekend challenges and their management of these concerns. Examples of topics discussed: loneliness/isolation, boredom/restlessness, and relationship troubles. In addition, clients also address their weekend goals, identify social supports, and plan their management of useful self-care/coping skills.

 

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Therapeutic Journaling Group

Express your thoughts and emotions in a supportive space, whether you are an old hand at journaling or trying it for the first time. Bring a pen, paper, and your creativity! Groups include writing prompts, small group discussions, and mindfulness exercises.

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Healing & Sustained Wellness Group

The primary function of La Cheim's PHP/IOP is to assist client's in attaining stability. The Transition Planning Group aims to begin helping participants envision how they will sustain and maintain wellness now and upon graduating from the program.  We investigate current challenges to stability as well as foreseeable obstacles that are common to many after completion of La Cheim. We work to address issues regarding daily activities and structure, support resources, and building coping skills.  We encourage participants (with the guidance of their treatment team) to begin exploring ways to strengthen their ability move toward maintaining stability and advance gains already achieved upon entry to PHP; early preparation sets the stage for greater levels of success upon graduation and even beyond..

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Beginner’s Mind Group

In this mindfulness-based group, we explore the concepts of “beginner’s mind” and “mindfulness” and do two 5-minute sessions of mindfulness practice. After each 5-minute session, each group member is invited to share their experience.

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Young Adults

A safe support group for young and emerging adults to discuss the experience and challenges that can come during this life stage and how it's impacting their lives and mental health.

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Women & Non-Binary Wellness Group

A process group for women and non-binary identified members offering a space to speak about anything you might be holding in your heart or mind around moving about the world as a woman or non-binary identifying person. Whether you are seeking the support of other members, or just wanting to practice active listening, the Women and Non-Binary Wellness group covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to the experiences of woman and non-binary identifying people in today's world. 

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Family Matters Group

This open group focuses on discussion and processing of issues pertaining to familial relationships. Here, ‘family’ is defined broadly and may include any close relationships, whether by origin or by choice.

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Mindful Movement with Qigong Group

Qigong is a Chinese moving meditation, it has been used for thousands of years.  Qigong uses gentle movements, stretches, mindfulness and deep breathing. Qigong helps to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression, the movements are known to increase energy, feeling of well being, stability and endurance.

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Me, My Body, and I

This process group takes a body-positive, Health at Every Size approach in holding space for members to discuss body image and its effects on their mental health. Members are invited to share on topics including, but not limited to sociocultural standards of beauty, family expectations, BMI and fat stigma in healthcare, and media and advertising messages. Members are asked to discuss their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without going into specific detail about subjects such as disordered eating/eating disorders, clothing sizes, and body weight that could be triggering.​

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Aging Group

A safe support group for people to connect and discuss the aging process and how it’s impacting their lives and mental health.

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OTHER HANDOUTS AND RESOURCES

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Other Handouts & Therapeutic Resources:

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Meditation & mindfulness resources:

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Focus & Memory Handouts

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La Cheim Behavioral Health Services PHP/IOP: 510-596-8125 (phone) | 510-225-2745 (secure fax)

La Cheim Schools Inc is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | La Cheim Behavioral Health Services is a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) | Copyright 1974-2024 La Cheim
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