Therapy Groups

There are numerous reasons why people participate in groups. Some want to address a specific difficulty or area of concern regarding themselves or their families. Others join groups to enhance their knowledge and learn new skills. Still others seek the support that groups offer for those who share a common experience.

The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers a selection of Therapy, Support and Psychoeducational Groups. All provide the opportunity to address issues and concerns in a safe, comfortable setting.

Types of Groups

• Therapy Groups utilize interaction, sharing and feedback to help participants address a wide range of issues, including problems in relationships.
• Support Groups are usually organized around a problem or concern that is shared by all of the participants. Often these groups are designed to help people adjust to new situations or experiences.
• Psychoeducational Groups help participants develop new skills as they share information and gain knowledge about a particular topic or issue.

Current Groups

Click group title below for more information:

• Boys Adoption Group - A boys adoption group, for 10-12 year old boys, is an activity-based process group, open to addressing all levels and phases of growing up adopted on the emotional spectrum. The group provides a safe, productive and fun space for boys to connect and share in this common life experience. Mondays from 6:00-7:15 p.m. in Evanston. $45/session. Facilitated by Chaaze Roberts, MSMFT, 847-733-4300, ext. 1115 or croberts@family-institute.org.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skill Training Group - Training group teaching mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation.  Participants who attend the skills training group must also attend individual therapy with a therapist who works within the Dialectical Behavior Therapy model. Group meets Wednesdays 5:00 - 7:00 in Chicago, and Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:30 in Evanston. The cost is $60 per session. Contact: Michael Maslar, (847) 733-4300, ext. 1117. Facilitated by Crissy Anderson (Chicago) and Jessica Davis.
• The Men's Group: An Inward Journey to Self Discovery - This is a "here and now" process therapy group that provides an opportunity for men to support each other and become more empowered in their personal, professional, and relational lives. Click link for full description. Wednesdays in Evanston from 7:00-8:30 p.m. $45 per session and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m. $50 per session. Facilitated by Chaaze Roberts, MSMFT, 847-733-4300, ext. 1115 or croberts@family-institute.org.
• The Mother-Daughter Group - Empowering Mothers and Daughters for the Middle School Transition.  A 10-week psychoeducational group for mothers and their 9 or 10 year old daughters to prepare both for the changes beginning during middle school transition. The group is designed to help participants gain knowledge and build skills to strengthen and maintain loving and open communication during middle school years and beyond. Group meets Thursdays in Evanston from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The cost is $65 per session. Facilitated by Catherine Weigel Foy, LCSW, LMFT, 847-733-4300, ext. 612.
• Rainbows - Certified Rainbows facilitators offer Rainbows support groups for elementary school-age children struggling with parental loss such as separation, divorce or death. Groups meet at The Family Institute's Northbrook location. Facilitated by Lisa Gordon, PhD, 847-733-4300, ext. 524 or lgordon@family-institute.org.
• Self-Esteem and Body Image Group - A psycho-education and support group for middle school girls struggling with confidence and self-image. The group also encourages the girls to use their relationships with each other in session to better make friends with their peers at school. Facilitated by Mallory Rose, MSMFT, 847-733-4300, ext. 1150 or mrose@family-institute.org.
• Taking Hold of Your Mind: An Introduction to Mindfulness Workshop - Learn about the many benefits of mindfulness, including the latest research findings, as well as how to develop and sustain your own practice. Facilitated by Crissy Anderson, MSMFT, 847-733-4300, ext. 1118 or canderson@family-institute.org.