Group Therapy for Adults with Disabilities

I am excited to announce that another master’s level intern and I here at Olive Branch Counseling will be conducting group therapy sessions for adults with disabilities. We will hold 5 sessions in total to meet every Saturday from 10 AM – 11:30 AM starting November 11^th. We ask that participants are 18+. Our group therapy sessions will focus on specific issues that every adult must learn to personally manage. What makes our group special is that we will discuss and address these issues through the unique lens of an adult with a disability.

Topics to be covered over the course of 5 weeks include safety, dating, household chores and self-care, school and hobbies, relationships with parents and caretakers, and holiday stressors and celebrations. Sessions will include sharing our experiences, education, coping skills, role play, and reflection. As our final session will take place December 9^th, we will have a holiday party of our own. We will reflect on the previous year and our experiences in group therapy and make personalized plans for the year to come! It is our intention to provide those that attend the skills and confidence they need to better navigate the world around them, and perhaps, make a few friends along the way.

Both of my younger adult brothers are on the spectrum and have been diagnosed with auditory processing disorder. Throughout grade school and high school, there were many opportunities for them to socialize and support systems in place to assist them. Most of these opportunities and support systems were found through being a student at school itself. What happens after high school? There are transition programs available for adults like my brothers after they graduate high school. Unfortunately, many of these programs only provide services to clients until they are in their early twenties. Then what?

This group was created with these adults in mind. Adults that may have aged out of resources and are having a hard time finding others that they can connect with outside of their family. Adults that are looking for a safe space to share their unique experiences with others who genuinely understand. Adults that interpret and experience the world a bit differently.  This group is for adults with superpowers. We ask that participants RSVP by November 6^th. To register, please call/text Hillary R. at 312.620.8154 or Rachel G. at 708.620.2419.

If you would like to speak to a professional counselor or psychologist about this and are in the Chicago area, please feel free to contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167^th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.

Hillary R., Master’s Level Intern, 2023