CMC offers a wide range of groups, and we do our best to help you find one that best fits your needs. Our groups are no larger than eight people and run by at least one doctoral- or masters-level clinician (usually two).
Our structured groups can be especially useful when you are trying to learn strategies for coping with cravings, regulating emotions, or making new life choices. Our process groups are more open-ended in content and focus on maintenance issues such as relationships, professional life, and life goals. All of our groups incorporate relaxed, non-threatening exposure to mindfulness practices to increase mind-body awareness, an essential skill for beginning and maintaining positive change.
OUR GROUPS
At CMC, we offer a diverse range of group therapy options designed to meet various therapeutic needs and preferences. Group therapy provides a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Through guided discussions, shared activities, and collaborative exercises, participants can gain valuable insights, develop new coping strategies, and build meaningful relationships.
Intensive Group
- DAY PROGRAM: TOOLS FOR CHANGE (TFC) in person: 3-day per week group for clients who need more accountability and skill-building to create a fulfilling life without substances. Dr. Josh King is leading a team of CMC clinicians to provide a higher level of care to those who need it. In addition to group sessions, clients meet weekly with an individual CMC therapist for increased accountability and individualized motivational- and skill-building work. Commitment to abstinence from all substances during their time in the group is required, with a minimum commitment of one month. Regular in-house drug testing will support clients in meeting this goal. The Tools for Change (TFC) group covers topics for improving relationships and achieving behavioral goals including:
- Core Invitation to Change (ITC) skills, based on CMC's own evidence-based approach to motivating change (more about ITC here)
- Coping and communication skills
- Self-awareness and regulation skills
Skills Groups
- MIXED GOALS SKILLS GROUP: BUILDING YOUR LIFE in person: Our Building Your Life group is an in-person, skills group for people figuring out their relationship with substances. The group will use the Invitation to Change (ITC) approach to aid clients in developing a life beyond substance use. In this group, clients will:
- explore and track their use to build awareness
- develop motivation for change, and
- practice skills that help align with their goals, values, and behaviors.
- DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT) SKILLS in person & virtual: Our DBT Groups vary in terms of goals, age of group members, and familiarity with DBT skills (e.g. groups for beginners vs. consultation groups). We place clients in the group that best meets their specific needs.
- ADVANCED SKILLS CONSULTATION virtual: Consultation-style, skills-based group incorporating Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) to help participants effectively address difficult situations in their lives and approach uncomfortable situations and emotions that they might otherwise avoid (i.e., relationship conflict/issues, work, health etc.). Participants must have had significant prior exposure to DBT skills as this is a consultation group.
Trauma Specialty Groups
- TRAUMA SKILLS in person: CMC’s Trauma Skills group blends key content from several evidence-based trauma treatment modalities, including Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). It is specifically designed for people who have had traumatic experiences. Clients gain an understanding of how traumatic experiences impact their current day-to-day efforts to cope with emotions and relationship patterns. Clients learn to become more aware of and comfortable with all emotions while developing healthy relationships and self-care skills. Prospective members can join at any point in the group cycle.
- TRAUMA PROCESS virtual: This group is for clients who have previous exposure to trauma treatment of any kind and have a foundational understanding of the impact of trauma on their emotions and relationships. It is designed to encourage the continued use of skills while providing an opportunity to develop trust and connection with fellow group members. Clients learn how to improve personal well-being and relationships while bringing self-compassion to process the impact of trauma.
Process Groups
- PROCESS virtual: Process groups are for clients who have had exposure to skills-based groups and are designed to support the ongoing maintenance of positive changes while addressing other life stressors, such as work/school, intimate relationships, social support, and self-care.
Family Groups
- FAMILY FIRST MONDAYS virtual: Monthly topic-specific group for family members (spouses, parents, siblings, friends or co-workers) concerned about a loved one’s use of alcohol or other substances. Topics include evidence-based strategies for influencing someone’s motivation, managing difficult feelings, reinforcing positive behaviors, setting limits, and improving communication. Participants can register to attend for a nominal fee through the CMC:FFC website (cmcffc.org/family-mondays) but do not have to be otherwise engaged in treatment at CMC or have a loved one in treatment.
