08/12/2022
Hi Everyone,
We have openings for our January cycle of Melissa's Group for Female Survivors of Childhood S*xual abuse.
This group, run by Mollie Aklepi, LMSW, and Lea Kadish, MSWi was designed by our CEO and Clinical Director Chamin Ajjan, LCSW, A-CBT, CST, over 15 years ago to help women understand the effects of trauma, reduce feelings of shame and guilt, and empower group members in a safe and confidential environment. Melissa's group was named after one of Chamin's clients who was looking for a group for high-functioning women who were survivors of childhood s*xual abuse and she could not find anything that was appropriate. Chamin decided to create this special group for women and we continue to aim to provide clients with the tools they need to self-regulate, create a new narrative and process their trauma in a structured, comfortable and supportive environment.
This 12-session group meets on a weekly basis and progresses through 3 stages: (1) Trauma and Its Manifestations, (2) Telling Your Story, and (3) Empowerment. Groups are limited to 3-5 members to ensure their safety and comfort to disclose difficult information. Group members are required to be in individual therapy while attending this group. Extra care is given to group members with check-ins and debriefings provided by Jasmine and/or Mollie, after each group session. Weekly homework assignments are related to weekly topics and are meant to help integrate what is learned and applied.
Group members will explore:
the effects of trauma
maladaptive coping strategies
emotional blocks
support systems
self-care
guilt, shame, and stigma
feelings of isolation
vulnerability as a child
empowerment
self-esteem
healthy coping mechanisms
developing healthy relationships
Our next 12-session cycle will be starting in January. Dates and times are decided based on the availability of the group members. If you are interested, please reach out directly and we can get you set up with a consultation to ensure Melissa's Group is right for you. If you are looking for more immediate support, we have individual therapists on staff that would be happy to support you.
Please let me know if you have any questions. We greatly look forward to hearing back from you.
Warmly,
Mollie