Bayside Counseling, Westbrook, CT | Mental Health Counseling - Group Counseling for the Connecticut Shoreline

Bayside Counseling - Menunketesuck Island, Westbrook, CT

Bayside Counseling LLC, Westbrook, CT

Serving the Connecticut Shoreline

GROUP COUNSELING

We are proud to offer a variety of counseling groups. Group counseling is a great way to talk confidentially about your concerns with people who share similar experiences and are mutually supportive. Group members learn that they are not alone and often find new ways of approaching their challenges by talking to others.

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NEW! Amy King, a Registered Dietitian and I started a group called "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds" in January 2010. The first group was for children ages 9 through 12 and addresses various topics such as healthy eating, weight management, stress management and self-esteem. We are currently hosting our second children's group and plan to offer more in the future. We are also offering "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds" for teens ages 13 to 17. If you are interested in the teen group you can fill out the registration form below. This group will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm beginning Spring 2010. We have had many requests for an adult group as well and will be offering a workshop beginning on Monday June 28, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for four consecutive Mondays. Watch this Group Counseling page for more information and updates.

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You can click on the images below to download a Adobe PDF version of the group flyer.

Children's Group: Teen's Group:	Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Groups (NEW!) We are hosting two Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds groups: one for children ages 9 to 12 years and one for teens ages 13 to 17. In these groups the children/teens will explore the relationship between how we feel and what we eat. This group helps children to : Learn how to identify the feelings that promote poor eating habits Choose healthier coping skills to deal with these emotions Develop stress management skills Explore different food options Learn about portion control Understand weight-management and nutrition Develop personal weight-loss strategies Through fun activities in a supportive environment, your child can learn to improve food choices, promote a healthy body image and continue to build their self-esteem and love who they are. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is led by Dena Otrin, Licensed Professional Counselor and Amy King, Registered Dietitian. The children's group will be held on Monday evenings from 5:30pm to 6:30pm beginning Spring 2010 at Bayside Counseling in Westbrook, CT. The teen group will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm beginning Spring 2010. Space is limited! Please contact Dena Otrin at 860-399-9500 with any questions. Most private insurances accepted. Self pay is $30.00 per session. Click here for the mail-in registration form. This group was graciously funded by the Leipold Foundation and supported by the Valley Shore Collaborative.
	Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds for Adults (NEW!) We are hosting a 4 week Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds workshop for adults who are interested in discovering how your emotions and daily stressors affect food choices and eating patterns. You will gain a better understanding of yourself, your goals and your emotional connection with food. This workshop addresses : Learning how to identify the feelings that promote poor eating habits Choosing healthier coping skills to deal with these emotions Developing stress management skills Exploring different food options Learning about portion control Understanding weight-management and nutrition Developing personal weight-loss strategies Through activities and education, you will be encouraged to improve food choices, create healthier life style habits and gain awareness of the mind/body connection. Here is a chance to invest in your health and take time for you. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is led by Dena Otrin, Licensed Professional Counselor and Amy King, Registered Dietitian. The workshop will be held for 4 consecutive weeks beginning Monday June 28, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bayside Counseling in Westbrook, CT. Space is limited! Please call us at 860-399-9500 with any questions. State and private insurances accepted. Self pay is $60.00 per session. Click here for the mail-in registration form.
	Child Anger Management Group The Child Anger Management Group is for children ages 8 to 11 years of age. In this group the children will be educated about techniques to release anger in a healthy way, learn ways to talk about their thoughts and feelings and be encouraged to make better choices in all settings. Topics discussed in the group include: Identifying anger triggers and stressors Learning anger management coping skills Improving communication of thoughts and feelings Improving self esteem and relationships with others The group will be held on Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 10:30am two times per month for eight weeks. The beginning date will be determined upon interest in participation in the group. This group is facilitated by Dena Otrin, Licensed Professional Counselor at Bayside Counseling, LLC.
	New Parent Support Group This is a support group for first-time parents seeking the opportunity to socialize and talk with other first-time parents about the challenges of being a new mom or dad. This group will provide a forum to discuss various topics such as how to find a balance in your life with your new responsibilities, how to handle the emotions and stress you may feel, ways to make time for yourself and maintain a strong relationship with your partner. Topics of interest include: Establishing routines that work in your household How to effectively handle and verbalize feelings and emotions in a healthy way The importance of making time for yourself and how you can do this Skills to help maintain a strong relationship and build a strong family The group will meet every other Saturday afternoon for eight weeks from 12:30pm–1:30pm. The beginning date will be determined upon interest in participation in the group. This group is facilitated by Dena Otrin, Licensed Professional Counselor and first-time mom.
	Teen Survival Skills Teen Survival Skills is a support group for girls 14 to 17 years of age. This group focuses on topics that impact a teenager’s daily live such as maintaining friendships, healthy dating relationships, problem solving skills, home or school concerns and enhancing one’s self-esteem. This support group will provide the girls the ability to meet and discuss these issues with peers that are having similar experiences. Target Topics include: Identifying strengths of oneself Improving communication skills with friends and family Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships Conflict resolution and getting along with others This support group will meet every other Tuesday evening from 7:15pm to 8:15pm for eight weeks. The beginning date will be determined upon interest in participation in the group. This group will be facilitated by Dena Otrin, Licensed Professional Counselor at Bayside Counseling, LLC.
	Young Girls Anxiety Support Group This is a support group for girls 10 to 13 years of age that are experiencing anxiety and concern over issues such as how to handle daily stress, school demands, peer conflicts, increased responsibilities at home and how to balance everything and still have time for friends. This support group will provide the girls the ability to meet and discuss with peers feeling the same way. Topics of Interest: Learning relaxation coping skills Identifying triggers of anxiety Discussing conflict resolution Effectively communicating thoughts and feelings Improving self-confidence and accepting imperfections Using time-management skills Building new friendships This group will meet bi-weekly for 8 weeks on Saturday mornings from 11:00am to 12:00pm. The beginning date will be determined upon interest in participation in the group. This group will be facilitated by Dena Otrin, Licensed Professional Counselor at Bayside Counseling, LLC.