Our Services and Specialties: Group Counseling

Why Group Therapy for ADHD?
If you have ADHD (a.k.a. ADD), you know that having difficulty paying attention, staying organized, fending off distractions, and finishing things you need to do is a tall order.  The traditional treatment options of individual therapy and medication are often helpful in decreasing some of the symptoms and helping people cope better with their ADD.  In my work with young adults with ADHD I have found that group therapy can be especially useful as a supplement to individual treatment.

I use a mixed model approach in running this group, which means group members have the opportunity to get both skills-based and emotional support.  That is, the group functions both as a source of essential skills and strategies for better managing ADHD symptoms, and also as an opportunity to connect with and share experiences with others struggling with similar issues.  I have found that most often, both of these aspects are helpful, and neither of them is sufficient alone.  Topics covered in the group include:

• Organization and time management
• Sharing experiences: what is it like to have ADD/ADHD?
• Note-taking, studying and test-taking strategies
• Managing emotions and relationships
• Routine-building, prioritizing, and juggling competing demands
• Getting healthy, gaining focus, and finding your inner strength
• Overcoming depression, anxiety and fear
• Dealing with impulsivity and distractibility
• Improving self-confidence
• Better self-care: exercise, nutrition, and sleep
• Decisions about medication
• Using mindfulness meditation techniques

The Group Therapist
Brian Stoessel has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has been providing individual, family, and group therapy for over 10 years.  He specializes in working with young adults with attention deficit disorders.  Brian joined River City Clinic in August 2011, having spent the last several years working as a licensed psychologist in New York where he ran ADHD support groups for undergraduate and graduate students at Columbia University.

Who Can Join the Group?
This group is for young adults (18-35) who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  If you think you may have ADHD but have never been diagnosed, you can come in for a 2-3 session clinical assessment with Dr. Stoessel.  If you have been diagnosed in the past, you will just need to meet with Dr. Stoessel for a 1-hour intake appointment prior to joining the group. 

Group Expectations
Members must agree in advance to protect the confidentiality of other members, including what is discussed in group, as well as the identity of other participants. Other responsibilities to the group include being on time for sessions, participating in the group process, and giving two weeks notice before leaving the group.

Fees
The per-session fee is $90 with one uncharged absence every calendar quarter. Other absences are charged at the regular rate. Group members are responsible for their accounts and our office staff can assist in obtaining third-party (i.e., insurance) payment when it is available.

Group Schedule
TBA

Joining the Group
For more information, or to schedule an intake appointment, please contact Dr. Stoessel at 651-646-8985.

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