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.
- TOOLS FOR CHANGE in person: Abstinence-focused, structured, skills-based group. Members are asked to commit to the goal of abstinence while in this group so they can practice using a variety of coping skills rather than turning to a substance to cope. Twice-weekly drug testing and breathalyzing are part of the group. Members will learn behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal skills to initiate and maintain abstinence from substances and other compulsive behaviors coupled with strategies to manage the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors accompanying significant life changes.
Skills Groups
- 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.
- COPING 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
- SKILLS TRAINING IN AFFECTIVE AND INTERPERSONAL REGULATION (STAIR) in person: STAIR is a structured (15-20 sessions), evidence-based treatment 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.
- STAIR CONSULTATION virtual: This group is for clients who have previous exposure to STAIR Skills. 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 (org/family-mondays) but do not have to be otherwise engaged in treatment at CMC or have a loved one in treatment.
Upcoming Groups
- ADOLESCENT COPING SKILLS GROUP
- Skills-based group for teens 15-17. Participants get judgment-free psychoeducation on substance use, social media, gambling, and more while being exposed to life skills that help them regulate emotions, identify their values, recognize peer influence, and resist peer pressure.
- SUPPORT GROUP FOR TEENS WHO HAVE BEEN BULLIED
- Teens who've faced bullying (verbal, physical, cyberbullying) can join our 8-session support group. Participants learn strategies to seek help, boost confidence, and manage emotions. They will also gain communication skills, identify healthy relationships, and learn to move forward.
- INVITATION TO CHANGE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
- Skills-based group for parents trying to help a child struggling with substance use. Group members are exposed to the ideas and strategies in our evidence-based Invitation to Change (ITC) approach. Members learn to lessen conflict and communicate in ways that improve collaboration while reinforcing healthy behaviors and letting natural consequences play a role in motivating change. The group provides members with much-needed support, compassion, and a new perspective on how to help.
