What Is This Group About?

Welcome to the Anchor of Hope Group, a compassionate community dedicated to providing support, understanding, and strategies for individuals navigating the challenges of depression. Our group stands as a beacon of encouragement and solidarity, aiming to empower members on their journey to wellness and emotional stability.

Mission:
Our mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can openly share their experiences, learn from one another, and acquire practical tools for managing depression. We believe in fostering a supportive network that anchors each member in hope and proactive well-being.

Session Overview:
Each session is carefully structured to offer a holistic approach to understanding and mitigating the symptoms of depression. We blend education, peer support, and skill-building activities to inspire engagement and personal development.

Educational Insights:
Members gain insights into the nature of depression, including its biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Expert-led discussions will include topics such as:

  • The science of depression and its effects on the brain and body

  • Recognizing and challenging cognitive distortions

  • Understanding the impact of lifestyle factors on mental health

  • Navigating treatment options and resources

Peer Support:
Central to our gatherings is peer support—an opportunity to connect with others who truly understand the realities of living with depression. In this supportive atmosphere, we share stories, offer empathy, and celebrate each other's progress.

Skill-Building Exercises:
Each meeting incorporates evidence-based exercises to enhance coping strategies, including:

  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques for stress reduction

  • Cognitive-behavioral methods for reshaping thought patterns

  • Communication and interpersonal skills for strengthening relationships

  • Goal setting and motivation tactics to foster a sense of purpose

Group Objectives

  1. Empower understanding and management of depression and anxiety through CBT: The core aim is to leverage cognitive-behavioral therapy in a group format to help members understand and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. This approach will focus on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors exacerbating these conditions.

  1. Foster peer support while respecting individual temperament differences: Recognizing that temperament plays a significant role in how individuals experience and cope with mental health issues, the group setting aims to provide a safe space for sharing experiences and strategies. This will consider the variability in temperaments and how it influences one’s response to group therapy, promoting a more tailored and empathetic form of peer support.

  2. Equip members with practical CBT techniques: Through group sessions, members will learn and practice CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation. These skills are pivotal in helping individuals alter detrimental cognitive patterns and adopt healthier behaviors, contributing significantly to their overall well-being and recovery journey.

  3. Support informed decision-making with evidence-based insights: The group aims to empower members to make informed decisions about their treatment and coping strategies by disseminating knowledge grounded in CBT and temperament theory. This objective underscores the importance of understanding the scientific foundation behind therapy choices and how personal temperament can influence treatment outcomes.

  4. Encourage the development of resilience and personal growth: Focused on leveraging CBT’s efficacy, the group’s environment encourages members to develop resilience against life’s stressors. Understanding one's temperament and learning to adjust thought processes and behaviors accordingly can significantly aid in achieving personal growth and a more fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by depression and anxiety.

  5. Promote an understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy's principles: By educating members about the theoretical and practical aspects of CBT, the group fosters a deeper comprehension of how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interconnect. This knowledge lays the foundation for members to apply CBT principles effectively in their daily lives, promoting sustained mental health improvement.

Group Details

Starts Monday, December 9, 5-6:30 pm EST

12-week program

6-8 participants

Weekly meetings, 90 minutes per session

Virtual Meetings

Call 443-860-6870 or email elishaslee@counselingmail.com for more information. Space is limited. Sign up for the program here.

The cost for the program is $420. Payment plans are available. Each session is $35. See if you are pre-approved for funding here