Two Looking Glass therapists, Aaron Porter and Carlyn Wierda are excited to launch a new process group for people of color at our Counseling Center. A process group is a form of group therapy where 5 to 10 individuals meet face-to-face to share their struggles and concerns with trained group therapists. The power of process groups lies in the unique opportunity to receive multiple perspectives, support, encouragement and feedback from other individuals in a safe and confidential environment.
The group's objectives for participants will be:
- Increase awareness of our emotions, our own identities, and our lived experiences
- Explore self-care and coping strategies
- Build skills in interpersonal connection, creating and assessing safe spaces, and help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma
Aaron, in speaking to why he wanted to start the new process group stated that “having safe spaces to share and support one another in our marginalized experiences is so important for our health and well being, and yet these spaces are often hard to find here in Oregon. We want to co-create a small community where people of color can share feelings and experiences, and support one another towards achieving their personal goals.”
The need for such a group has been made apparent from our clients. Carlyn has seen this first hand.
"We have been hearing from more clients and clinicians in the community that there is an interest in a group like ours, so we wanted to meet that need," Carlyn explained. "It has been my personal experience that it can be challenging to find an environment to meet with other people of color to talk about the challenges of living in a dominantly white community."
The group will start June 21st. If you are interested in joining the group you must be over 18 and call our Counseling Program at 541-484-4428.
You can read more about this group and learn more about Aaron and Carlyn here