Group sessions range from 60-120 minutes on an array of topics related to mental health and substance use concerns. Group is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time. Groups can be as small as three or four people, but often get as large as eight to twelve participants. Group sessions are often held one time per week for up to 8-12 weeks depending on curriculum and agenda of group. Group therapy is a powerful therapeutic modality, which promotes change and healing in a community of support and connection.

Positive Coping with Art

What: This group will focus on expressive arts activities that support exploration of
identity and positive coping skills. There will be two primary projects, the first will be a
self-compassion collage and the second will be making a “wise-mind” puppet.
Who: This is an open gender group for all adults. No prior art experience or level of skill is
necessary, just an open mind and willingness to engage. Participation is expected, though
we understand that people will engage differently and as they are able. We will work
together to make a safe and inclusive environment.
When: We will meet from October 5-November 16th on Thursdays from 3:00-4:30 pm
Facilitator: Becky Hiller, LMFT, SUD, please reach out to bhiller@forward-counseling.com
with additional information about this group.
Where: In-person at the Forward Counseling and Consultation office located at 2000 Engel
Street, Monona, WI 53716. Find us on the second floor in suite 201. Come on in, grab some
coffee or tea, and we’ll come get you at the start of the group.
Attendance Policy: We will only hold a group if there are 3 or more people attending, so we
ask that you confirm your attendance by 10am the morning of the group. If there are not
enough people attending, an email and/or text will be sent to inform of a cancellation.

Reach out to info@forwardcounseling.com for more detail on Seeking Safety group. Send referrals to info@forward-counseling.com to set individuals up to attend group. CCS participants must be approved for 30 ISDE service hours for group attendance.

Seeking Safety

Who can join: Persons age 18+ who have experienced trauma and struggle with substance use. The group is a co-educational therapy group for everyone.

When: Thursdays, October 5th – December 7th, 1-2:30 pm

Where: Forward Counseling and Consultation, 2000 Engel Street, Suite 201 Monona, WI 53713

Facilitator: Michelle Murray, LCSW, SUD, ICS

This 10-week group is designed to help participants to become safer in relationships, thinking, and action and focus on these coping skills topics:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and taking back your power
Practicing compassion and honesty
Recovery thinking
Understanding when substances control you
Increasing self-nurturing activities and taking good care of one’s body
Setting boundaries in relationships
Learning to ask for help from safe people
Getting others to support your recovery
Healing from anger, and more…

Yoga For All

Time: 1:30 pm -2:45 pm (75 minutes)
Date: Every Wednesday; October 11th to November 29th, 2023
Location: Forward Counseling Yoga Room (in-person)
2000 Engel Street, Suite 201 Monona, WI 53713
Facilitator: Ann Frisella, Yoga Teacher, RYT-200, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, SEP-IT

Yoga for All is a group for all levels, and welcomes those who are looking to incorporate slow, gentle movements and breath work into their mental health wellness routine. Equipment (mat, strap, blocks) will be provided by the agency, though you can bring your own if you prefer. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle, and eat a lighter meal prior.

What to expect: In this group, we will bring together thoughts, emotions, and physical experience through movement. We will learn about the breath, practicing mindful body awareness and exploring physical yoga postures to strengthen nervous system resilience. Through yoga we can learn to shift our relationship to our body. Yoga can shift perceptions we have of ourselves, of others in our lives, and of the world around us. By flowing through movement and breath, we’ll actively meditate and experience the present moment to connect more deeply within ourselves and to others.

History: Yoga has been studied and proven to support overall health, increasing flexibility and strength, reducing inflammation, improving coping with depression and anxiety, and many more benefits.

To join: Please email info@forward-counseling.com with referrals and questions about the process to join. CCS referrals will need 20 hours of ISDE service approved.