Group Therapy

GROUP THERAPY

I run a group called A Mindful Life – relationships and mindfulness on Tuesday nights from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. The focus of the group is to create a mindful lifestyle in the midst of life’s ups and downs. In the group we use group discussion, meditation and other exercises to increase members’ mindful capacity. The goal of the group is to help members experience an expanded state of aliveness by healing relationships and finding their truth on their life path.

The group is comprised of a maximum of 6 people that discuss relational and life issues, as well as practice mindfulness together in an intimate setting. Members listen to each other and openly provide feedback and support. These interactions give members an opportunity to be understood and listened to in ways they may not have experienced at other times in their lives. Within the group, it is safe for members to try new ways of being with others and learn how their old interaction style(s) may have limited their success in relationships. The content of group sessions is confidential; members agree not to identify other members or what is discussed outside of group.

Inside Brian's Office

What to Expect in Your First Group Therapy Session

The first session consists of an introduction from all members and a short statement about what each person expects to get or has gotten from the group experience. You will hear the “rules” of the group; such as confidentiality and an agreement that members not be in contact outside the group. These guidelines protect the integrity of the group and provide for safety and confidentiality. Prior to joining the group, I meet with new members to ensure that their needs will be met by the group.

There are five key ways that mindfulness training increases physical and mental health:

  1. It strengthens the immune system and physiological responses to stress and negative emotions.
  2. It improves social relationships with family and strangers.
  3. It reduces stress, depression, and anxiety and increased well-being and happiness.
  4. It increases openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness and reduced negative associations with neuroticism.
  5. It leads to greater psychological mindfulness, which include an awareness that is clear, nonconceptual, and flexible; a practical stance toward reality; and present attention to the individual’s consciousness and awareness.

“Doing and Being: Mindfulness, Health, and Quiet Ego Characteristics among Buddhist Practitioners,” 2011 research article in the Journal of Happiness Studies (12(4): 575-589).