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Harm Reduction Process Group
Self-Referrals Welcome!
Interested in talking about substance use in a judgment-free zone? You'll have opportunities to explore relationships to drugs and alcohol from empowering, compassionate perspectives.
You may have the goal of reducing the negative effects of substance use, moderating or decreasing use, or abstaining from use. Whatever your choice, you will find honest, authentic relationships where you can experience and interrogate your stories with support from attentive others.
First cohort of this group starts January 10, 2023. Seven session commitment, intake assessment ($100-$130), and connection to an individual therapist outside of group required.
Group members will have the opportunity to explore ambivalence about change, set goals related to harm reduction and individual growth, as well as give and receive supportive feedback around themes of stress management, quality of life, and connection. We will dive into values, motivation, and shame as we look at the roles substance use plays in our lives.
What is a Process Group?
Process groups help bring to light habits of communication and relationship of which we may not normally be aware. By focusing on "here and now" experiences, thoughts, and feelings being with a small group, we have the opportunity to experiment with new ways of self-expression and receive helpful observations from others in the group. Process groups are also a way to notice the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and how we show up. This enables us to wonder more consciously about those stories and the degree to which they continue to be helpful, or if we want to try on a different, perhaps better one.
A process group consists of 8 to ten people who agree to meet for a certain number of weeks without introducing new members. This is called a "closed" group, contrasted with an "open" group where new members are welcome any time. By having a closed group meeting at a set time and with a consistent leader trained in facilitating process groups, members are encouraged to develop trust and working relationships sufficient to support each other with honesty and kindness.
Due to advances in video conferencing, we can hold process groups online rather than having to physically all be in the same place. This open the possibility to have participants from other states where I am licensed (PA, NJ, WA, FL, CO) to add to diversity in the group and members' experiences. One of the down-sides of holding a group online is that it's harder to read body language. However, a plus to using videoconferencing is that we can add closed captions for Deaf people or people with hearing impairments and auditory processing issues. It also makes it easier for people who need to move their bodies/hands to focus better.
Why a Harm Reduction Process Group?
It is rare to find a substance use group that does not require abstinence as a goal. Harm reduction encourages people to identify and move toward short and long term goals related to any aspect of life they deem important: relationships, stress, life satisfaction, physical health, emotional wellbeing, meaning-making, etc. Harm reduction therapy creates space for us to show up exactly how we are in each moment, without a predetermined outcome as the goal.
Some people may decide they want to stop all substance use. Others may wish to decrease problems associated with substance use, or stop one substance but continue with the rest. Still others may decide they just want to show up and see what it's like to have a place to be real about who they are and what they're experiencing.
Interested or need more information? Please email robin@robindebates.com or call/text 267-684-5279 with your questions or to sign up.
Group Requirements
- must be a human (sorry, cyborgs) able to consent for themselves who is at least 18 years old and be in PA, CO, FL, NJ, or WA at the time of group
- a group intake meeting/assessment with Robin ($100-$130)
- commitment to attend all seven sessions
- connection to an individual therapist outside of group
- internet connection sufficient to manage video call bandwidth
- device with a webcam and microphone that is capable of stable connection to Google Meet
- willingness to help create a safer space for BIPOC, LGBTAIQ, nonbinary folx, neurodivergence, and people with disabilities
- willingness to maintain confidentiality about group members and discussions
Cost
I use an "honor system" sliding scale for this group. This means I do not require verification of income/expenses, but rather, set my price at a range within which any amount is acceptable for my business model.
Individual intake meeting/assessment rate is $100 to $130 for a 45-minute appointment. This meeting covers your interest in the group, history with mental health and substance use, and any important relational goals.
Each group costs $40-$80 for a 90-minute appointment. Because this is a closed group, you are making a commitment to attend each of the 7 group meetings for a total of $280-$560 plus the intake.
While this price is significantly lower than the cost of individual therapy, the value of group therapy is quite extensive. These services are eligible for pre-tax flex spending reimbursement and may be eligible for out-of-network insurance or HSA reimbursement.
Please call, text, or email if you would like more information, or click below to schedule an intake meeting for this unique group opportunity.