Support Groups in Downingtown, PA
Grief and loss expressive arts group for ages 4-9

Hosted by Nikki Talarico Yatron
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
Grief and loss expressive arts group for ages 4-9
This group is for parents and other supports of those struggling with an Eating Disorder. The group will focus on self-care, setting boundaries and maintaining your own health and well being while parenting or being in a support role for your loved one. This group will introduce participants to a variety of self-care activities including TRE, meditation, sound healing, art therapy and breathing techniques. The group max is 8 participants. This group is being held- in person on Wednesdays from 5 -6:15. The cost is 65. per person. Call with questions 484-693-0111

Hosted by Buttonwood A Place To Heal -Now offering IOP!
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
This group is for parents and other supports of those struggling with an Eating Disorder. The group will focus on self-care, setting boundaries and maintaining your own health and well being while parenting or being in a support role for your loved one. This group will introduce participants to a variety of self-care activities including TRE, meditation, sound healing, art therapy and breathing techniques. The group max is 8 participants. This group is being held- in person on Wednesdays from 5 -6:15. The cost is 65. per person. Call with questions 484-693-0111
A social skills group for Kindergarten aged children with a focus on easing them back into social interaction in a developmentally-focused, small group setting, post-pandemic. The group session will be semi-structured. We will start each session with a welcome/get to know you/warm-up activity, move into a socially based main activity, and then end with a goodbye/cool-down. Open-ended activities, props or cooperative games which encourage the little ones to use their verbal and non-verbal communication skills to collaborate and attend to their peers will be presented.

Hosted by Lauren Cunkelman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, NCC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
A social skills group for Kindergarten aged children with a focus on easing them back into social interaction in a developmentally-focused, small group setting, post-pandemic. The group session will be semi-structured. We will start each session with a welcome/get to know you/warm-up activity, move into a socially based main activity, and then end with a goodbye/cool-down. Open-ended activities, props or cooperative games which encourage the little ones to use their verbal and non-verbal communication skills to collaborate and attend to their peers will be presented.
Is your family experience a separation or divorce? This group is for children children in 1st-5th grades to help them cope with divorce, know that they are not alone, and connect with other children who are experiencing the same thing. Each group is an 8 week session. Led by Erin Towler and Jessica DiIenno.

Hosted by Jessica DiIenno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, RPT
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
Is your family experience a separation or divorce? This group is for children children in 1st-5th grades to help them cope with divorce, know that they are not alone, and connect with other children who are experiencing the same thing. Each group is an 8 week session. Led by Erin Towler and Jessica DiIenno.
Group hosted by Naomi Hewlings for adults 18+ that are interested in learning and practicing mindfulness and meditation skills. This group will utilize DBT, CBT and trauma informed mindfulness skills. Each session will include a meditation, guided imagery, or activity to reinforce relaxation and emotion regulation. The therapist is trained to ensure a safe space for mindfulness practice in every session.

Group hosted by Naomi Hewlings for adults 18+ that are interested in learning and practicing mindfulness and meditation skills. This group will utilize DBT, CBT and trauma informed mindfulness skills. Each session will include a meditation, guided imagery, or activity to reinforce relaxation and emotion regulation. The therapist is trained to ensure a safe space for mindfulness practice in every session.
Voluntary and court-ordered treatment for anger management and domestic violence.

Hosted by Tranquil Solutions Counseling Center, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
Voluntary and court-ordered treatment for anger management and domestic violence.
Groups include peer support and focus on coping skills, emotional regulation, interpersonal connection. Rainbow Club: For ages 9-13 who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Expansive or Queer/Questioning. Includes peer support, identity exploration and therapeutic processing and psycho-education. Pride Squad: For ages 14-17 who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Expansive or Queer/Questioning. Includes peer support, identity exploration and therapeutic processing and psycho-education. Pronouns Unlimited: For ages 14-17 who identify as Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Expansive, GenderQueer or Gender Questioning. Includes peer support, identity exploration and therapeutic processing and psycho-education

Hosted by Tranquil Solutions Counseling Center, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
Groups include peer support and focus on coping skills, emotional regulation, interpersonal connection. Rainbow Club: For ages 9-13 who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Expansive or Queer/Questioning. Includes peer support, identity exploration and therapeutic processing and psycho-education. Pride Squad: For ages 14-17 who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Expansive or Queer/Questioning. Includes peer support, identity exploration and therapeutic processing and psycho-education. Pronouns Unlimited: For ages 14-17 who identify as Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Expansive, GenderQueer or Gender Questioning. Includes peer support, identity exploration and therapeutic processing and psycho-education
Is your family experience a separation or divorce? This group is for children children in 6th-8th grades to help them cope with divorce, know that they are not alone, and connect with other children who are experiencing the same thing. Each group is an 8 week session. Led by Erin Towler and Jessica DiIenno.

Hosted by Jessica DiIenno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, RPT
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
Is your family experience a separation or divorce? This group is for children children in 6th-8th grades to help them cope with divorce, know that they are not alone, and connect with other children who are experiencing the same thing. Each group is an 8 week session. Led by Erin Towler and Jessica DiIenno.
This group is for adults who are looking for additional support while working on their recovery from an eating disorder. The group will be in person on Mondays from 8:30-10 AM. The group will provide support for breakfast and introduce group members to new self-care strategies. The group will also provide space for open process and group member support. The cost is 80. per session. Please call or email for more information. 484-693-0111

Hosted by Buttonwood A Place To Heal -Now offering IOP!
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
This group is for adults who are looking for additional support while working on their recovery from an eating disorder. The group will be in person on Mondays from 8:30-10 AM. The group will provide support for breakfast and introduce group members to new self-care strategies. The group will also provide space for open process and group member support. The cost is 80. per session. Please call or email for more information. 484-693-0111
This group will provide support to those committed to working on their recovery from an eating disorder. A variety of coping strategies and life skills will be explored in the group sessions. Please call or email with questions 484-693-0111

Hosted by Buttonwood A Place To Heal -Now offering IOP!
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPC
Group meets in Downingtown, PA 19335
This group will provide support to those committed to working on their recovery from an eating disorder. A variety of coping strategies and life skills will be explored in the group sessions. Please call or email with questions 484-693-0111

More Groups Nearby
Now accepting supervisees who are licensed with their LPC and who are working towards their licensure and out of Internship. Offering weekly supervision group that will focus on countertransference issues, assessment of clientele, support and regard for the clinician and their self-care development, avoiding burnout, and effective ways to manage private practice and independence in general work. Looking forward to beginning this group by Spring 2023!! Closed group once 8 people are accepted.

Hosted by Caralee Crary
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, MA, LPC, NCP
Group meets in Media, PA 19063
Now accepting supervisees who are licensed with their LPC and who are working towards their licensure and out of Internship. Offering weekly supervision group that will focus on countertransference issues, assessment of clientele, support and regard for the clinician and their self-care development, avoiding burnout, and effective ways to manage private practice and independence in general work. Looking forward to beginning this group by Spring 2023!! Closed group once 8 people are accepted.
Adolescent skills training group aims to transfer to young men and women concrete coping skills to assist them in managing strong feelings without responding to them in negative ways. The group varies between 4 to 8 men and women in size and covers the four main tenets of DBT; Core mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness in a manner that is developmentally appropriate and able to be immediately applied to one's life .

Adolescent skills training group aims to transfer to young men and women concrete coping skills to assist them in managing strong feelings without responding to them in negative ways. The group varies between 4 to 8 men and women in size and covers the four main tenets of DBT; Core mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness in a manner that is developmentally appropriate and able to be immediately applied to one's life .
"Families Who Thrive" Group Coaching is designed to educate, encourage, and inspire single, coupled, and divorced parents with children of all ages & stages. It is for parents who want more parenting tools & confidence & ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship. This is a safe & confidential healing space. A copy of Nina's Award-Winning book, Parenting for Life is required. I am here to help you and your family thrive! Secure your spot by using the Hire page & Pay Pal at: www.LiveInspiredwithNina.com. I look forward to supporting you on your parenting journey!

Hosted by Nina Sidell, M.A. Expressive Arts Therapy
Verified Verified
Group meets in Ambler, PA 19002
"Families Who Thrive" Group Coaching is designed to educate, encourage, and inspire single, coupled, and divorced parents with children of all ages & stages. It is for parents who want more parenting tools & confidence & ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship. This is a safe & confidential healing space. A copy of Nina's Award-Winning book, Parenting for Life is required. I am here to help you and your family thrive! Secure your spot by using the Hire page & Pay Pal at: www.LiveInspiredwithNina.com. I look forward to supporting you on your parenting journey!
Individual/Group supervision for licensure. If you are in need of LPC supervision please call (717) 478-8174.

Individual/Group supervision for licensure. If you are in need of LPC supervision please call (717) 478-8174.
A weekly 75 min. 16-week (rolling admissions) teen specific DBT skills group to help young people struggling with rollercoaster emotions, self-harm or impulsive/destructive behaviors, chaotic relationship cycles, and difficulty staying grounded and connected with themselves. I will teach specific skills including emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness to help teens learn to better cope with life's difficulties and reach their highest potential. *MUST BE IN INDIVIDUAL THERAPY CONCURRENTLY*

Hosted by reNEW YOU Counseling and Wellness LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Group meets in Royersford, PA 19468
A weekly 75 min. 16-week (rolling admissions) teen specific DBT skills group to help young people struggling with rollercoaster emotions, self-harm or impulsive/destructive behaviors, chaotic relationship cycles, and difficulty staying grounded and connected with themselves. I will teach specific skills including emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness to help teens learn to better cope with life's difficulties and reach their highest potential. *MUST BE IN INDIVIDUAL THERAPY CONCURRENTLY*
Committed to helping persons struggling with substance abuse transition back to their normal routine while steering clear of substances that have negatively impacted their lives. Clients learn how to identify their triggers to help them hope and challenges in their early recovery.

Committed to helping persons struggling with substance abuse transition back to their normal routine while steering clear of substances that have negatively impacted their lives. Clients learn how to identify their triggers to help them hope and challenges in their early recovery.
Unfortunately, for many children, the skills and capacities that serve as the building blocks for successful friendships do not develop naturally. I pair compatible children from my practice for play dates. During the play dates, we have the opportunity to work on each child's challenges in the context of a fun, warm, and safe environment. Children with social challenges usually have a history of "failure" in the social realm. In addition to developing specific skills, the play dates that I structure in my office are meant to help the child "heal" from these negative experiences.

Unfortunately, for many children, the skills and capacities that serve as the building blocks for successful friendships do not develop naturally. I pair compatible children from my practice for play dates. During the play dates, we have the opportunity to work on each child's challenges in the context of a fun, warm, and safe environment. Children with social challenges usually have a history of "failure" in the social realm. In addition to developing specific skills, the play dates that I structure in my office are meant to help the child "heal" from these negative experiences.
The Art of Friendship/Camp Pegasus is the Philadelphia area's leading social skills program, having supported thousands of children since 2000. We teach Theory-of-Mind, perspective-taking, reading social cues, & the hidden rules of socialization. The group works on critical interaction skills such as assertiveness, flexibility, & compromise, and reciprocal play & conversation skills. Small groups meet weekly for an hour, providing best-practice social skills training: direct instruction in Mike Fogel's original Art of Friendship social skills curriculum, role-play, structured social practice activities with reinforcement of positive behaviors, and compassionate social coaching for miscues, conflicts, & big feelings.

Hosted by Mike Fogel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Group meets in Haverford, PA 19041
The Art of Friendship/Camp Pegasus is the Philadelphia area's leading social skills program, having supported thousands of children since 2000. We teach Theory-of-Mind, perspective-taking, reading social cues, & the hidden rules of socialization. The group works on critical interaction skills such as assertiveness, flexibility, & compromise, and reciprocal play & conversation skills. Small groups meet weekly for an hour, providing best-practice social skills training: direct instruction in Mike Fogel's original Art of Friendship social skills curriculum, role-play, structured social practice activities with reinforcement of positive behaviors, and compassionate social coaching for miscues, conflicts, & big feelings.
This supportive group offers a safe and empathetic space for individuals living with chronic pain to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand. Through guided discussions and peer support, members explore ways to manage physical, emotional, and mental health challenges related to chronic pain. The group fosters community, reduces isolation, and empowers participants to take an active role in their well-being. Open to anyone coping with ongoing pain, regardless of diagnosis.

This supportive group offers a safe and empathetic space for individuals living with chronic pain to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand. Through guided discussions and peer support, members explore ways to manage physical, emotional, and mental health challenges related to chronic pain. The group fosters community, reduces isolation, and empowers participants to take an active role in their well-being. Open to anyone coping with ongoing pain, regardless of diagnosis.
See more therapy options for Downingtown
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Downingtown?
To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.
Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.
Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.
How does group therapy work?
Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.
It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioral exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioral exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.
Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.
Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between $50 and $75 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organizations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or nonprofit organizations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
As with individual therapy, insurance coverage for group therapy varies based on factors such as your specific insurance plan, the purpose of the group, your diagnosis, and whether the group provider is in-network. Many insurance plans cover group therapy sessions that address diagnosable mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, or depression.
However, groups that focus on topics not directly tied to a mental health diagnosis—such as parenting support or divorce recovery—are less likely to be covered. Because coverage can vary widely, it’s important to check with your insurance provider before joining a group to confirm whether the sessions will be covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
However, groups that focus on topics not directly tied to a mental health diagnosis—such as parenting support or divorce recovery—are less likely to be covered. Because coverage can vary widely, it’s important to check with your insurance provider before joining a group to confirm whether the sessions will be covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.
The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.
The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalized and specialized care.
The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.
The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.