Starting Therapy

To start the process of therapy (group or individual), I recommend reviewing my “About Me” page to learn more about my background and training. I do a free consultation with everyone I work with to discuss the areas of focus, do a preliminary exploration of fit, and talk about group more generally. Please see the “contact” page to start an inquiry and I will follow up to schedule the consult. See below for more information about the services I offer.

Process Group Therapy

I run in-person groups based on Irvin Yalom’s interpersonal process theory of group therapy. Invariably my strengths-based and identity-affirming training as a counseling psychologist shows up too. Groups meet in SE Portland. These Interpersonal Process groups focus on interpersonal experiences (i.e., relationships), emotions, and working with reactions in the present moment (i.e., often called “the here and now”). People come to group for a variety of concerns although all members must be willing to consider their interpersonal patterns and feedback about how their actions impact others. Most members report group helps them in learning about themselves and broadening awareness of emotional experiences. It is common for people in group to work on topics such as trust, relationship building, fears of others reactions including judgement, feelings of loneliness or isolation, dealing with dissatisfaction in relationships, grief or loss, and struggling to feel connected, vulnerable, or to open up with others. Some participants have described the groups has “transformative” and while I cannot guarantee any specific outcome hope you too could have a positive experience.

Logistics

Recruitment is underway for a new Men’s Group either Wednesdays or Fridays from 12:00pm-1:30pm. Group will run on the one day that generates the most interest/access for participants. Anticipated start is March 2026.

All group meetings will be in-person in SE Portland (unfortunately the group location has no elevator and group attendance involves walking up stairs to get to the suite). I do not take or bill insurance for Interpersonal Process group (i.e., fee is paid out of pocket). Groups meet weekly for 90 minutes for 12-15 meetings and are capped at 6 or 7 members. Groups are “closed” meaning once group starts additional members are not invited to join. The fee is $80** per group meeting.

**There are a limited number of needs-based slots that are reduced fee and can include waiving background meeting costs.

Preparation Meetings and Requirements

Participation typically requires 2-3 preparation and background meetings ($65 each**) before group starts to mutually assess fit based on each person’s needs. In these meetings we discuss your goals, interpersonal history, and group strategies that could assist you in moving closer to achieving your goals. At least 1 of the meetings will be in-person at the SE Portland group location.

A requirement of group is members agree to be identity-affirming. In practice this looks different across groups, but members must agree at minimum to be respectful of other’s experience and identities (e.g., using congruent pronouns).

Please note, IP group is not well equipped to manage people in acute mental health crises (e.g., current active suicidality with intent, very significant emotion dysregulation difficulties, or people needing a DBT skills-based training prior to working on interpersonal difficulties). If you have questions about this please discuss in the consult (i.e., patients with suicidal ideation or history thereof is not an exclusionary criteria for those who have outside professional treatment or are not in crisis currently).

Men’s Interpersonal Process Group

I have offered groups for those that do not identify as men, but this group bridges with Yalom’s theories, Fred Rabinowitz’s approach on Deepening Group Psychotherapy with Men. Men’s IP Group is for any one who identifies as a man and wants to work with other men who are addressing interpersonal concerns. All men are welcome (e.g., including trans-men). Common themes include: difficulty connecting with others, isolation, difficulty identifying or expressing feelings, feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment around mental health challenges, or issues with masculinity in general. It is common for challenges with traditional masculine norms and expectations to be explored. The group encourages each members to explore their unique experience of masculinity which can come with both adaptive and maladaptive qualities. Many men come to group wanting to explore the common experiences men face of struggling with expectations and norms placed on men around a variety of identity and role experiences (e.g., family, work, friendships, purpose, and values). Often discussion will include difficulties fulfilling gender-based expectations, role stress, and frustration with masculine norms. Please use “contact” (see the bottom of the website) to provide your information.

Other Themes For Interpersonal Process Group

I have previously offered social anxiety/social distress and groups for adult individuals with ADHD, Autism or other experiences of neurodivergence. If interested please contact me. While I am not currently offering these groups its very possible they could happen in the future based on interest.

Payment

Insurance for Group Therapy

I do not accept insurance for groups (I don’t bill insurance or provide a diagnosis for groups).

Out of Pocket (Fee for Service) for Group Therapy

Patients need to pay for treatment via credit card at time of service (i.e., out of pocket). I accept out of pocket payment via credit or debit cards only. Anyone receiving services not utilizing insurance for services, in accordance with the No Surprises Act, has a right to a Good Faith Estimate for the cost of services. Please find more information here and feel free to let me know any questions you may have. As noted, I provide reduced fee services for some participants in group based on need.

Missed Appointments / Late Cancellations for Group

Participants pay for each group therapy session (even if they miss sessions) regardless of the reason. The only exception is if the group leader cancels the session due to an emergency (e.g., inclement weather, power outage).