CREATING CALM

Restarting online in Fall 2023!

Wondering how to be truly present in your interactions? Finding it hard to unhook from the 24-hour news cycle or social media? Craving breathing room, some time for yourself, a pause? Mindfulness and expressing yourself creatively are evidence-based approaches to reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our group, Creating Calm, is a place to pause, breathe, and explore the creative process. Meetings are every Thursday from 9:30-11 am on Zoom for a total of eight sessions and are open to women. Trans, non-binary, and other marginalized gender adults who would feel comfortable in a women-identified space are welcome in this group.

You’ll learn practices and develop habits you can apply in your everyday life to get in touch with more inner and outer calm. We encourage a resilient spirit in meeting the demands of your life and support a growth mindset, one that fosters curiosity and a passion for learning through experiences. Both of the skilled facilitators use various forms of creative practice daily, and can give you support, guidance, and while holding you lovingly accountable for your own mental health goals.

Q: What’s the first step? A: Interviews are starting now and are $225 for a fifty-minute interview. The cost of the interview will be refunded if the group is not the right fit for you.  Also, current or former clients **likely** don't need an interview.

Q: How do I schedule an interview? A: Call Ari-Asha at 650.762.8602 or Bridget at 650-539-4325.

Q:  What will the group cost? A: Each session will be $110, for a total of $880, which can be split into two $440 payments. No refunds once the group starts.  

Q: I am not an artist, should I/can I come? A: This group is about a process, not a product. You need NO previous art experience or skills to attend. (So, yes!)

Q: I can’t draw a stick figure. Are you really sure it’s ok if I join? Will I still get anything out of the group? A: We will always offer options! There are many ways to “make art” and we have ideas about how to make your creating time meaningful no matter what. Who knows, you might surprise yourself!

Q: What if I am in individual therapy?   A: No problem. We can work with your individual therapist to make sure we are on the same page and support the work you are doing in your other therapy.

Q: What if I am super nervous about groups?   A: Great! This will help you have more comfort in every group you are a part of, maybe even in that original group for most all of us, your family of origin. 

Q: What will we do in the group? A: In general, the format will include a mindfulness activity, a check-in, invitations to art/creative expression with prompts and guidance, and time to share so that there is connection and community built within the group.

Q: Will I have to buy extra stuff?  A: We will have a basic list of supplies for you to purchase. Many supplies might be materials or things you already have on hand. We can also send you some collage materials from our extensive stashes! You’ll also need a computer, a stable internet connection and to have Zoom enabled on your computer.

Q: Suppose I actually am an artist? Will this work for me? A: We will help you get out of your head and use the technique and talent you have to create a meaningful healing process while you pursue the rich experience of art modalities you are already are well acquainted with. 

Q: What if I can’t come to all the groups? A: You still need to pay the full amount. We will offer homework in between the sessions. Even if you miss one or two groups you will still benefit, though if you know in advance you’ll miss multiple sessions it may be best to wait for another round of the group.

Q: When does the group start? A: We hope to have a cohort ready in August 2023. When we have put together a group who are ready to go on this journey together, we will get things rolling. We’ll make sure to keep you posted, and give you a heads up so you can make the necessary arrangements to ensure your participation.

Q: Will members come and go?   A: Nope. This group is what is called a closed group. The members you meet on the first day are the ones that will be with you the whole time unless they drop out, and no new members will be added. The group will be limited to 8 participants, giving you ample time and space to be heard.

THIS GROUP MIGHT BE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED

 call me to find out more!

650.762.8602            AACTHERAPIST@GMAIL.COM