Frequently Asked Group Questions:

​

What are the benefits of Support Groups?

Group therapy allows individuals to receive the support and encouragement of the other members of the group. People participating in the group can see that others are going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone. Group members can serve as role models to other members of the group. By observing someone successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that there is hope for recovery. As each person progresses, they can, in turn, serve as a role model and support figure for others. This can help foster feelings of success and accomplishment.

​​

Is it confidential? 

Yes, confidentiality is at the foundation of group work. Every client is required to sign a group confidentiality agreement before attending group.  However, in certain circumstances Texas State Law mandates certain exceptions to this confidentiality. Therapists are required by law to report to the appropriate authorities in the following situations:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse

• A client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person

• A client is at risk of causing serious physical harm to himself or herself

​

How will you know if ALL UNIQUE AND ALL EQUAL group is a good fit for me? 

You and I will meet for a session prior to attending group in order to determine if the group is a good fit for you at this point in your own healing and growing process.

​

What is the pre-screening individual session for, and is there a fee for this? 

It is important for you and I to meet for a session in order to determine if the All UNIQUE AND All EQUAL group is the right fit for you. Yes, the fee is the same as an individual therapy session fee.

​

What if after meeting, you share that group is not a good fit for me - does this mean there is something wrong with me?

A client may not be ready to participate in group therapy depending upon their presenting challenges, the focus of the group, or because the group may not be the right fit for the client, or will not serve their clinical needs. If it is determined that a ALL UNIQUE AND ALL EQUAL group is not a good fit for you, this is not a negative statement or rejection about you as an individual, rather it is about supporting you in finding the best help that for the current stage of your healing journey.  Referrals can and will be provided on request.

​

What is expected of me as a group participant? 

To honor confidentiality, to attend regularly, to respect the boundaries put in place by the group, to respect the group facilitator, to participate respectfully, to ask questions, to receive feedback, to listen and respect others without interruption, to complete the exercises and reading, to receive direction and education from the group therapist, and to accept feedback and direction on when it is time to end your time in group and move forward in your own growth and healing journey.

​

Can I just drop in to see what it is like? 

In order to respect confidentiality, Rebecca Stiemens, LCSW provides closed groups. What this means is that the group is closed from the start of the 8 weeks to establish trust, safety and healthy bonding. It is important that the group boundaries be respected so that each member feels safe, respected and focused.

​

Where are groups currently held? 

In the Atascocita Counseling Associates office

18700 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Ste. A-102
Humble TX, 77346 

Offices are conveniently located on West Lake Houston Parkway close to the intersection with highway 1960 adjacent to Atascocita Middle School. Click here for visual of location.

​

What if after starting the group, I decide I do not like it and want to leave, can I go?

Attending group is a process and a commitment. While you are free to terminate your group therapy at any point, you will be encouraged to move through the module with support. Many clients begin group feeling some anxiety, and then within 3-4 meetings begin to relax and enjoy the process. To learn more about group policy, please read over the group forms here.

​

What if I love group, can I continue indefinitely?

The length of time a client attends group varies from client to client depending upon the changes in their life, what may come up for the client during the course of group therapy which would require a different level of care, and/or healing that takes place that would move them into a different phase of their journey. There is no standard amount of time; it is different for each person because each client's circumstances are unique to that person. As the group therapist, I will carefully monitor your process in group and will give you feedback in person or via email on when it is time to take a break from group, or to move forward out of group. Again, this feedback is there to support your healing journey and is not a statement of rejection.

​

Saying goodbye is hard for me, what if I do not want to stop group therapy even if the therapist thinks it is time for me to move forward?

While saying goodbye is never easy, transitions are a part of life, and it is important to understand that at some point, you will move on from group. Though challenging, it is not necessary to personalize the end of your time in group work in a negative way, or take this as a sign of rejection. The good news is that the bonds and friendships you made in group do not have to end simply because you are no longer attending group! Part of the healing process is learning to be in healthy relationships that are safe and supportive, and learning to accept feedback on when it is time to move forward out of group. While your time in group will eventually end, your healing continues by using the tools you have learned, and the supportive connections you have made during your time in group - this is the gift of group therapy!