Overcome Challenges Together
Our curriculum-based Group Services help individuals learn coping strategies to manage symptoms, maximize the ability to live independently and increase skills to effectively navigate a social environment.
Clients are invited to give and receive supportive feedback as they learn ways to overcome challenges together. Clients will also learn about community resources that can sustain their recovery after they complete the program. All client records are kept in accordance with Illinois confidentiality requirements.
Below is a list of our current group offerings, some are held in person (masks required) while others remain in a virtual environment. To learn more or to register for a group, please call our office at (708) 383-7500 and follow the prompts to reach the group leader.
Art Therapy with Angie Potacek Tuesdays, 10:00 am -11:30 am, in person
- Art Therapy offers adults an opportunity to explore creativity through art-making. Participants work on art projects at home and then talk about their art with group members in a relaxing, non-judgmental environment. The group is for adults ages 18+. See linked flyer for registration information.
Coping Cat with Ryne Dominguez, LCSW Tuesdays, 5:30 pm – 6:20 pm, in person beginning August 30
- Coping C.A.T., Change Anxious Thinking, is for 7th and 8th graders struggling with anxiety. Coping CAT is an evidenced based program intended to help normalize the experience of anxiety while developing skills to manage it. Priority given to and FREE for Oak Park & River Forest residents, thanks to our sponsors. See linked flyer for more details. Screening and registration is required.
Creative Writing This session is postponed. Please check back for future dates.
- Creative Writing participants will be provided with a writing prompt along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) skills, leading to greater self expression and emotional well being. All levels welcome. See linked flyer for pre-screening information.
Empowered for Greatness with Hannah Thursdays, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, in person
- Empowered for Greatness focuses on exploring strengths and barriers with self-esteem, self-worth, and body image. This group will also provide space to learn coping skills. This 12-week group is intended for adolescents identifying as female ages 13-15. See linked flyer for pre-screening information.
Learning to Manage an anger management group with Samantha Buhai-Jacobus Thursdays, 11:30 am -1:00 pm, virtual
- Learning to Manage is an anger management group in which clients will learn effective coping skills to better manage anger and aggression; identify triggers and warning signs for anger; enhance ability to self-regulate and control behaviors; and learn skills for problem solving, conflict resolution, and better communication. This group is for adults ages 18+. Pre-screening is required, see linked flyer for contact information.
Meaning Through Music with Desi Mendez Wednesdays, 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 pm, in person
- Meaning Through Music explores the importance of using music as a healthy coping strategy and mindfulness tool, particularly with responding to stress. Additionally, the group navigates the powerful connection between music and memory. This group is for adults ages 18+. See linked flyer for pre-screening information.
Mindfulness Basics with Angie Potaczek Wednesdays, 11:00 am – noon, in person
- Learn how to reduce stress through the practice mindfulness. You will practice simple stretching, guided meditation, breath meditation, and other basics of mindfulness. See linked flyer for pre-screening information.
Relationships with Charlotte Holley Fridays, 10:00 am -11:30 am, virtual
- Relationships explores ways to help form and maintain positive connections, interactions, and boundaries with people in our lives. Healthy boundaries can ensure that relationships are mutually respectful and can help participants establish individuality and self-reliance. This group is for adults ages 18+. See linked flyer for pre-screening information.
Sibshops with Javier Saturdays, in person, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Sibshops is designed especially for brothers and sisters of children with special needs, including developmental and physical disabilities or emotional and mental health challenges. Participants engage in fun activities with other siblings of kids with special needs and have an opportunity to share with trained facilitators in age-appropriate breakout sessions. Sibshops is appropriate for siblings in grades 1-7.
- See linked flyer for more, including registration information. Once registered, please submit the payment form below.
- Please note: Missed appointments will not be refunded or credited.
Sibshops Payment Form
Please fill out a form for each sibling. List the dates the sibling will attend in the comment section below. Thank you!
Session Dates: Saturdays. Please check back for future dates
Thrive is grateful for the support of the Oak Park and River Forest townships in making the Coping Cat and Sibshops groups possible.