At Innerspace Counseling, we are constantly striving to enhance our services and provide comprehensive care that meets the needs of our clients and their support systems. We are excited to announce a new initiative aimed at further strengthening the support network for our clients: our new support groups for friends and family. This initiative will introduce two dedicated support groups per month, one for parents of our younger clients and another for the families and support networks of our adult clients. This addition is designed to complement our existing treatment options, including our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and to offer an extra layer of education and support for the crucial support systems surrounding our clients.
The Importance of Support Groups in Mental Health Care
Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, can deeply impact not only the individuals who are directly affected but also their friends and family. When someone is struggling with mental health problems, their loved ones often find themselves uncertain about how to provide effective support. This uncertainty can lead to additional stress and confusion for both the individual and their support system. Our new support groups are designed to bridge this gap by providing a structured space where friends and family members can gain valuable insights, share experiences, and learn practical strategies to help their loved ones navigate their mental health journeys.
What to Expect from the New Support Groups
Our support groups will be held twice a month, with one group specifically for parents of our younger clients, including children and adolescents, and the other for the support systems of our adult clients. Each group will offer a range of benefits:
Education on Mental Health Issues: Participants will learn about various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. Understanding these conditions can help loved ones better empathize with their family member’s experiences and challenges.
Insight into Therapy Approaches: The groups will provide information on the different therapies available, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This knowledge will help friends and family understand the therapeutic process and the goals of treatment.
Strategies for Supporting Loved Ones: Attendees will receive practical advice on how to support their loved ones effectively. This includes learning about coping skills, how to communicate effectively, and how to encourage their loved ones in their treatment journey.
Opportunity to Share and Receive Support: These sessions will provide a platform for participants to express their thoughts and feelings, share their experiences, and receive feedback from others in similar situations. This shared experience can be incredibly validating and supportive.
Processing Difficulties: The support groups will also address any difficulties or challenges that participants may be facing as they support their loved ones. This space allows for open discussion and the opportunity to gain new perspectives and solutions.
Building on Our Systems-Based Approach
Our new support groups are a natural extension of our commitment to a systems-based approach to holistic healing. In our previous blog, “A Systems-Based Approach to Holistic Healing,” we explored how a comprehensive approach to mental health care involves not only treating the individual but also addressing the broader systems and support networks that impact their well-being. By integrating support groups for friends and family into our treatment offerings, we are reinforcing this approach and ensuring that the support systems around our clients are well-equipped to contribute positively to their recovery.
Incorporating family and friends into the therapeutic process aligns with our philosophy of treating the whole person within their broader context. This approach recognizes that effective mental health care involves collaboration and communication between the individual and their support network. The addition of these support groups is a crucial step in enhancing the overall effectiveness of our treatment programs and providing a more holistic support system for our clients.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
At Innerspace Counseling, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) are central to our treatment offerings. Both programs are designed to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals facing mental health challenges, and they are grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a proven approach for managing a range of mental health issues.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Our IOP meets three days a week and includes a combination of group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, family sessions, and collaboration of care with other providers. This program is ideal for individuals who need a high level of support but do not require the intensity of full-time hospitalization. The IOP provides a structured environment where participants can work on their mental health goals while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Our PHP runs five days a week and offers a more intensive level of care. This program is designed for individuals who need a higher level of support and structure. Like the IOP, the PHP includes group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, family sessions, and collaboration with other providers. The additional frequency of sessions in the PHP provides a more immersive experience, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with more acute mental health issues.
Both programs are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, including children ages 8-11, younger teens ages 12-13, older teens ages 14-18, and adults 18 and up. Our dedicated and talented team of therapists, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners are here to provide expert care and support throughout the mental health journey.
A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Care
At Innerspace Counseling, we understand that mental health care extends beyond individual therapy sessions. Our programs incorporate a variety of elements to ensure a well-rounded approach to treatment. This includes:
Group Therapy: Facilitates shared experiences and collective healing.
Individual Therapy: Provides personalized support and guidance.
Medication Management: Ensures that any necessary medications are properly managed and adjusted.
Family Sessions: Engages the support network in the therapeutic process.
Collaboration of Care: Involves working with other healthcare providers to create a cohesive treatment plan.
The addition of our new support groups for friends and family is a valuable enhancement to these existing components. By providing education and support to those who play a critical role in our clients’ lives, we aim to create a more supportive and effective treatment environment.
Conclusion
Innerspace Counseling is dedicated to offering comprehensive and compassionate mental health care. Our new support groups for friends and family are an important addition to our treatment options, providing valuable resources and support for those who are integral to their loved ones' recovery. We invite you to join us in this new initiative and take advantage of the resources available through our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Our programs, grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), are designed to support individuals of all ages through their mental health journeys.
For more information about our programs or to learn more about how we can assist you and your loved ones, please contact us at Innerspace Counseling. Our team is here to support you every step of the way on your path to mental health healing.