When thinking about counseling, the image that often comes to mind is a one-on-one setting, counselor and client. Therapy is thought of as a private endeavor which affords space to dive into the inner world of thoughts and feelings. While this exclusive attention and focus on the individual self can be helpful, most of life happens with others. Whether family and friends, spouse or coworkers, our concept of who we are doesn’t exist in a therapeutic vacuum, but rather is negotiated in groups. People often seek counseling because, at a fundamental level, theirrelationships aren’t working.

“All problems are interpersonal relationship problems,” claims the recent bestselling book The Courage to Be Disliked, a distillation of the theories of psychologist Alfred Adler into conversational form. We are, Adler argues, social creatures by nature whose mental health stems from healthy relationships with others.

In the Christian faith, St. Paul addresses believers not as isolated individuals but as members of a group: one body, one bride, one family. Church is more than listening to a podcast, but instead experienced through the gathering of believers. Church is a group.

In group therapy, there is an invitation to learn how to bring oneself to a social setting in a way that works. While a group therapist might provide information and teach skills, what is primarily offered is a focused time and place to explore how we relate to ourselves and to others. Which parts of myself do I hide, and how do I share myself in a way that is authentic? How do I give and receive in conversations in a way that feels mutual and fulfilling? How do I handle conflict? How can I get my needs met, while inviting others to do the same?

Ultimately, groups allow us to realize we are not alone in our pain. While a therapist can field expressions of hurt in a compassionate way, only in groups will you hear “that’s how I feel too.” Many of us struggle with feeling isolated. It can seem like our struggles are uniquely our own, and there is something particularly wrong with us which alienates us from others. In groups, we identify and relate. We find empathy, solidarity, and mutual support, in a way which fulfills Paul’s command in Galatians to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

A few more practical reasons to consider groups:

• Group work can be an effective parallel to individual treatment, providing an opportunity to put into practice what has been discussed.
• The overall cost of participating in group therapy is often more affordable than ongoing individual treatment.
• Many experience accelerated growth in a group setting where issues are played out in the moment, providing real-time opportunity for reflection and feedback.

In recent years, Harbor Groups have addressed topics such as health boundaries, parenting and attachment, coping with anxietyand recovering from infidelity. We are excited to launch additional Harbor Groups in the year ahead and make this an integral part of how we serve our community. Click the links above for more information about these upcoming Harbor Groups and grab a spot on the waitlist (or pass along to others who would benefit). We would love to share all of the valuable resources that groups have to offer with you.

Written by: Aaron Jones, LCSW (Clinician)

Welcoming Bryan Loney & Our Latest Initiative

We are excited to announce that Rev. Dr. Bryan Loney has joined the HCC team as our Director of Church Partnerships. Bryan will be primarily leading an exciting new initiative that we are calling the Church Mental Health Partnership (CMHP).

The CMHP is a unique bridge building initiative that seeks to equip and support churches and church leaders in better caring for those struggling with diverse mental health issues. It will offer comprehensive and expertly-tailored resources that meet churches exactly where they are at and helps them to grow in their capacity to care for those who are suffering.

​

​

Bryan is ideally suited to lead this new initiative. He comes to HCC after many years of pastoral ministry in Boston and a prior career as a professor of Clinical Psychology. He is a seasoned "church insider" with unique mental health expertise and a deep passion to support and encourage church leaders. Please join us in praying for Bryan and for the Church Mental Health Partnership as we continue to proactively come alongside churches in addressing the mental health crisis.

Would your church benefit from the Church Mental Health Partnership? Click HERE to connect with us and learn how to set up your free CMHP intake.