Support Groups in Amherst, VA

Guided by the values of cooperation, social justice, and solidarity, the POCA (People's Organization for Community Acupuncture) Auricular Acu-Technician Training generates skilled, socially conscious and dedicated practitioners who are committed to impacting their communities for common good by providing as much group ear acupuncture as possible with a preferential option for the underserved. Students in this training are taught the practice of the 5 Needle Protocol used all over the world as adjunctive treatment in addressing drug and alcohol detoxification, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and addiction recovery.
Hosted by Shimila Keenum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RN
Verified Verified
Group meets in Amherst, VA 24521
Shimila Keenum is a licensed clinical social worker and registered nurse. Her specialties include trauma, depression, anger management, anxiety, substance use, borderline personality disorder, parental coaching, grief and loss, relationship issues, marriage and family problems, child and adolescent behavioral challenges. Shimila's clinical approach is focused on meeting you with safety and compassion right where you are on your path. She will work with you to support your connection with your own intrinsic resources and healing rhythms while also offering life skills to parts of you that may find them helpful on your journey.
(434) 204-2498 View (434) 204-2498
In this interactive, supportive program you will learn methods that can bring more joy into the home and give you a sense of accomplishment. The Positive Discipline model is aimed at developing mutually respectful relationships. It teaches adults to employ kindness and firmness at the same time, and is neither punitive nor permissive. This class is taught by Shimila Keenum, LCSW and Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator.
Hosted by Shimila Keenum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RN
Verified Verified
Group meets in Amherst, VA 24521
Shimila Keenum is a licensed clinical social worker and registered nurse. Her specialties include trauma, depression, anger management, anxiety, substance use, borderline personality disorder, parental coaching, grief and loss, relationship issues, marriage and family problems, child and adolescent behavioral challenges. Shimila's clinical approach is focused on meeting you with safety and compassion right where you are on your path. She will work with you to support your connection with your own intrinsic resources and healing rhythms while also offering life skills to parts of you that may find them helpful on your journey.
(434) 204-2498 View (434) 204-2498

See more therapy options for Amherst

FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Amherst?

Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

How does group therapy work?

Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.

Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group counseling is typically less expensive than individual counseling, with each session costing on average between $60 to $75. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200 and up, even after insurance. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.

Does insurance cover group therapy?

As with individual therapy, many insurance companies do offer coverage for group therapy sessions. However, the coverage varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider. Individuals are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to verify coverage.

How long does group therapy last?

The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.