Group opportunities
I believe that I am not the only support in someone’s life. We need and crave community and family. Sometimes our own isn’t the right fit or it’s not enough. I offer a variety of groups and classes. If one isn’t running at the time, please reach out and ask about it! Sometimes these are run on a need basis!
Social groups are free, classes are paid programs.
YASS
Young Adult Social Squad: This group is a social group for neurodivergent and/or LGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18-26. The ones that are riding that middle ground of functional struggling but maybe not needing the extra “help” from parents. Maybe you just need to connect to someone your age with similar struggles. Maybe it’s hard to communicate or you’ve embarrassed to share your special interest. YASS has got you, fam. The group meets in-person every Friday from 3:30pm to 5pm in Maple Valley or any other time on a private discord server. I am always nearby to support/monitor and step in but this is NOT therapy.
Parents need people, too!
Maybe you just read the description for YASS and were like, “wait, what about me?”. I got you, parents. This will be a new group meeting twice monthly. Once in-person at a local coffee shop/bar/craft store (where ever we feel like it) and once monthly in a virtual setting when you just can’t get away from the family. Or you’re too tired to get dressed, get into a car and go anywhere.
This parenting group is a place you can build community and connection with other parents that have been through or are going through similar struggles that you are and sometimes just want to have an adult conversation.
The Hangout Lab
I know the 13 and ups struggle just as much as the rest of us. I am hoping to offer a twice monthly social group option for neurodivergent and/or LGBTQIA+ teens (13+) similar to the YASS group. Please contact me if this is of interest!
Classes
I offer a variety of classes based on need. So if you are interested in any of these, please reach out and I will put a class together!
DBT (for beginners)- This is NOT the full program. I give you a brief look into some of the biggest skills of DBT in 2 hour weekly sessions for 12 weeks. We will look at Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, and Communication with tools such as the STOP skill, TIPP, opposite action, DEAR MAN, and more. This is taught from a neurodivergent focus and I adapt skills to meet this demographic. If you are looking for the full Marsha Linehan program (year long), please reach out and I can point you in the right direction.
I offer DBT in 3 different groups:
13-17 years old
18-25 years old
26 and up
Parent Support and brief parent behavior management training.
Again, this is not a full program that you would get from the Disruptive Behavior Program at Seattle Children’s or the like. I give you a brief introduction into the functions of behaviors and how to look at them differently and approach your child differently. This is not a program for your children, it is a program for you. Parents are the main teachers of their children and often it is our own actions that need to adjust so our children’s actions can. These classes are offered one hour weekly for 12 weeks. I will teach with a parent peer (a certified peer with experience) to learn how to see your child different, rethink your expectations and adjust appropriately, and reconnect with your child without giving into to the weird “do whatever you want” mentality.
Crap, my kid just came out
Maybe you weren’t raised to know what to do. Maybe you have no problem and are absolutely accepting but have never seen yourself in this situation. Maybe you love your kid but this is NOT how you were raised. Along with a parent peer, we help you understand the terminology, the “binary” (or lack of it), and ultimately how to support your kid, no matter what. This is a 6 week course with support sessions with me offered after on a case-by-case basis.
“The Talk”
We all know it. We either sat awkwardly through our parents trying to explain it or our parents avoided it all together. I offer the talk in two different forms. First, I offer a sex-positive, healthy boundaries, health relationship, and safety class over 5 weeks for 1 hour a week to parents who want to take a crack at it.
If that fails miserably, You can send your kids to me for a teen version of a safe/healthy/positive course for 8 weeks at one hour a week. I will take on the embarrassing questions, make sure they understand the importance of safety in body and mind, and make sure they aren’t going to the neighbor’s best friend’s, cousin’s older brother to ask questions. Trust me, you don’t want that.