Who is this group ideal for? 

Ages 18-29 years old ​

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Is this group in person or virtual?

This group is virtual, conducted via Zoom.

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What is the cost? 

​The cost per session is $30. If you'd like to pay for the entire month at a time, the bundle is $100, charged the first Tuesday of the month.

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When does the group meet?
Tuesdays at noon for an hour.

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How many participants are there per session?

Group enrollment will typically be 8-12. Group size may vary week to week if members have conflicting doctor's appointments, family obligations, etc. The maximum number of group members is 12.

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Can I join the group session on Zoom from anywhere?

No. Facilitators are licensed in DC and Maryland only, so group members must be in either DC or Maryland when joining group sessions. Group members may miss sessions if they need to travel, as long as facilitators are informed in advance, though if travel is frequent on session days, this group may not be the best option. For privacy, group members must join the group from either a private room or a parked car. Members cannot join group while driving for safety reasons.

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Is this a mental health and wellness group, a substance recovery group, a support group?

This group is best described as a mental health and wellness group, as it is facilitated by licensed therapists rather than a peer-led support group. The group can provide support to those who want to explore their relationship with substances and facilitators operate on a harm reduction stance, but sobriety during sessions is required. If a group member attends intoxicated, they will be removed from group for the day and may be referred to substance treatment.

 

Can I join or leave this group at any time?

This group runs on a 12-week cycle. Members may choose to do one cycle, or take part in many and be part of the group long-term. New members will be added at the start of a new 12-week cycle as spots open up, when existing group members vacate spots.

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Can I expect to make friends in the group?

That is definitely one of the goals of the group - to bring people together who are looking for friends and support! However, group members are asked to not share full names, exchange contact info or socials, or engage in any outside socializing, chatting, dating, or sexual interactions between members while enrolled in group together. This is to ensure that the entire group knows the same amount about each other and decreases the risk of harmful cliques.

 

Upon deciding to leave group at the end of a cycle, a member can email the facilitators their contact info / socials and which members they want to give that to, so that no one's feelings are hurt if the leaving member only wants to stay in touch with some members and not all. Members terminated early for conduct violations do not get to make use of this facilitation.

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What happens in a typical group session?

Each group begins with a check-in where each member shares their name, preferred pronouns, a relationship that is at top of mind for them that week, and level of urgency in needing support (high, mid, low). Relationships can be with any person, place, or thing, ex. family, friends, partners, mental or medical health conditions, systems like healthcare, the economy, school, or work, therapy itself, etc.

 

Facilitators then engage the members at the highest level of need in sharing about their situation in sequence, and the group explores, supports, and helps brainstorm choice options if needed. Topics can include regulating emotions, loneliness, social skills challenges from COVID, FOMO, gender identity/sexuality/romantic exploration, social media, substances, stress, burnout, searching for meaning and purpose, seeking independence, changing relationships with parents/caregivers, deciding what's next after school, and other common experiences in young adulthood.

 

Are there group rules?

Yes, there are standing group guidelines around respectful conduct, attendance, that camera and audio must be on for the duration of session, etc. These can be provided if you are interested in learning more, by following the link at the bottom of this page to complete the interest form. A group may also come up with additional guidelines for their 12-week cycle as a collective, in collaboration with the facilitators.

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I have other questions. How can I get more information?

You can email the Lead Facilitator, Rachel Neurohr, LPC, at rachel@newhopecg.net, and she is more than happy to answer questions!