Group Work
Family Engagement & Consent Form
VPM’s group therapy services provide students with a safe, structured environment where they can learn healthy coping skills, practice communication, and build peer support. Groups are led by VPM clinical professionals and are offered virtually during or after school hours at no cost to families.
Feelings Club
Emotional Awareness & Expression
Learning to name, understand, and talk about big feelings.
Friendship Builders
Social Skills & Peer Relationships
Practicing kindness, teamwork, and positive communication.
Calm Kids Circle
Worry Reduction & Coping Tools
Helping students manage worries with calming strategies.
Pause & Think Group
Self-Control & Problem Solving
Tools to slow down, make good choices, and solve conflicts.
Brave Voices Group
Confidence & Self-Advocacy
Encouraging students to speak up, try new things, and believe in themselves.
Bounce Back Club
Resilience & Growth Mindset
Learning to bounce back from challenges, keep trying, and celebrate progress..
| Category | Description | Example Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Needs | Food, clothing, hygiene essentials | Local food banks, clothing closets |
| Housing & Shelter | Emergency or long-term housing assistance | Family shelters, rent relief programs |
| Employment & Training | Workforce readiness and career services | Job training centers, resume workshops |
| Financial Support | Utility and rent assistance, budgeting | State relief funds, local aid programs |
| Health & Wellness | Physical and behavioral health services | Low-cost clinics, telehealth options |
| Parenting Support | Caregiver education and workshops | Parenting groups, coaching sessions |
| Crisis Resources | Immediate intervention and safety planning | 988 Lifeline, domestic violence hotlines |
| Education & Tutoring | Academic support for students | After-school tutoring, community mentors |
| Transportation | Access to reliable transit for appointments | Bus vouchers, ride-share partnerships |
Why Group Work Matters
Students often discover they are not alone in their struggles. Group sessions help reduce isolation, build confidence, and strengthen emotional and social resilience.
Types of Groups Offered
Emotional Skills Group (K–12)
Focus: Understanding emotions, identifying feelings, and developing healthy coping tools.
Social Skills & Peer Connections Group (K–12)
Focus: Building friendships, navigating peer interactions, and improving communication.
Anxiety & Stress Management Group (K–12)
Focus: Calming strategies, worry reduction, and resilience-building techniques.
Executive Function & School Success Group (Grades 3–12)
Focus: Organization, planning, focus, study habits, and managing school responsibilities.
Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving Group (K–12)
Focus: Managing frustration, making good choices, negotiating disagreements, and restoring relationships.
Grief, Change, & Life Transitions Group (K–12)
Focus: Navigating loss, family changes, moves, and other difficult transitions.
Healthy Relationships & Communication Group (Grades 5–12)
Focus: Boundaries, communication skills, empathy, and positive relationship-building.
Copying with Big Emotions Groups (K-12)
Focus:Managing anger, emotional outbursts, impulsivity, and regulation tools.
What Students Learn
- Healthy Emotional Expression
- Stronger Peer Connections
- Calming Coping Skills
- Positive Problem Solving
- Better Focus & Organization
- Increased Self-Confidence
- Managing Big Feelings
- Healthy Communication Skills
- Building Resilience & Strength
Types of Groups Offered
- Anxiety & Stress Skills
- Social Skills for Younger Students
- Healthy Friendships & Boundaries
- Coping With Family Changes
- Motivation & School Success
- Grief & Loss Support
- Emotional Regulation Skills
- Middle School Identity Group
- High School Wellness Group
What Students Learn
- How to express feelings safely
- Building healthy peer relationships
- Techniques to manage anxiety & frustration
- Communication and conflict-resolution skills
- Problem-solving and emotional awareness
- Leadership and social confidence
Types of Groups Offered
Emotional Skills Group (K–12)
Understanding emotions, identifying feelings, and developing healthy coping tools.
Social Skills & Peer Connections (K–12)
Building friendships, peer interactions, and improved communication.
Anxiety & Stress Management (K–12)
Calming strategies, worry reduction, and resilience-building techniques.
Executive Function & School Success (3–12)
Organisation, planning, focus, study habits, and school responsibility skills.
Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving (K–12)
Managing frustration, good choices, resolving disagreements, and restoring relationships.
Grief, Change & Life Transitions (K–12)
Navigating loss, family changes, moves, and difficult life transitions.
Healthy Relationships & Communication (5–12)
Boundaries, communication skills, empathy, and positive relationship-building.
Coping with Big Emotions (K–12)
Managing anger, outbursts, impulsivity, and emotional regulation tools.
Talking So They’ll Listen
Improving Parent–Teen Communication
Stress in the Family
Managing Collective Stress and Preventing Burnout
Digital Balance
Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Screens and Social Media
Supporting Student Motivation
Encouraging Responsibility and Resilience
The Family Reset
Strengthening Emotional Connection at Home
Families Finding Their Footing Again
Overcoming Anxiety
“I used to feel anxious every morning before school — sometimes I’d make excuses just to stay home. After meeting with my VPM counselor, I learned ways to calm my thoughts and organize my day. Now I actually look forward to going to school and being around my friends again.”
Coping with Grief
“When my grandmother passed away, I didn’t know how to talk about it. My VPM therapist helped me open up and understand that sadness doesn’t have to stay bottled inside. It felt good to have someone who really listened and didn’t judge.”
Managing Academic Pressure
“I was falling behind and felt like I could never catch up. My sessions with VPM helped me find ways to manage my stress and set realistic goals. My counselor encouraged me to take small steps — and now my grades are back up, and I feel proud of myself.”
Healing After Trauma
“After something really scary happened at home, I couldn’t focus on anything. My VPM therapist helped me feel safe again and taught me ways to handle my emotions when I feel overwhelmed. It’s made a big difference in how I see myself and others.”
Building Confidence and Self-Worth
“I used to think nobody cared about what I was going through. My counselor at VPM showed me that asking for help doesn’t make you weak — it means you’re trying to grow. Now I feel more confident speaking up and sharing my feelings.”