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Group Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is Group Therapy?
    • Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of people meet regularly to talk, share, and work through issues together under the guidance of one or more trained therapists. It can be a powerful, supportive, and often cost-effective alternative or complement to individual therapy.
  • What is the cost/insurance coverage for groups?
    • Nourish can work with many commercial insurance plans! We start the process by reviewing your specific coverage and having a discussion with you so you fully understand your benefits and financial responsibilities for sessions at our office. In most cases, we bill your insurance directly and save you the hassle of any paperwork.
    • For most groups the highest cost would be private pay which is about $55-$65 per group session.  And with insurance coverage it can be as low as $15 per session. 
  • What does a first group session look like?
    • The first session of group therapy is usually an introductory and orientation session designed to help members feel comfortable and understand how the group will work. While it can vary depending on the type of group and the therapist’s style, you can generally expect: introductions, setting group guidelines and goals, initial check in or ice breaker, addressing anxieties about being in a group, getting started on gaining support and/or skills
  • Is group therapy right for you?
    • Group therapy might be right for you if you struggle with relationships or social interactions, you want connection and support, and are working through issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, identity concerns, etc.
    • It’s also ideal if you would like a cost-effective option, and are curious about yourself in a social/emotional context
  • What is the difference between a workshop and a group?
    • The main differences between a one-day educational workshop and an ongoing group therapy session lie in their purpose, structure, duration, and depth of interaction.
    • A one day workshop focuses on imparting knowledge or skills on a specific topic and the goal is to educate and increase awareness or provide tools participants can use on their own.
    • An ongoing group therapy session focuses on emotional healing, behavioral change, and psychological support over time.  The goal is to process emotions, build insight, and support therapeutic change.
  • Can I do both individual and group therapy sessions?
    • Absolutely!  You can gain different levels of support from both interactions.
    • The only thing to keep in mind is that most insurances do not allow you to book multiple services on one day-so make sure you’re individual and group sessions aren’t overlapping days.
  • I didn’t like one of the groups I was in, can I try something different?
    • We always encourage communication-if you didn’t like something, let us know!  We can gladly guide you in a direction that might feel more supportive
    • Something else to keep in mind is that some groups are set up differently.  Some groups are based in education, some are based on social support, some are based on processing past traumas, and more.  So just because you didn’t like one, doesn’t mean you won’t like another.
    • If you want some direction in a specific group to look at, email the Director of Group Therapy to discuss at [email protected]
  • Can I try a group without signing up for the whole thing?
    • You’re welcome to attend a trial group session for one week to see if it feels like the right fit for you. If you decide to continue beyond the initial session, a commitment period will apply. Consistent attendance is essential, as it supports the development of group cohesion and ensures that you and other members gain the most benefit from the experience.
  • Myths Versus Facts About Group Therapy
  • 🧾 Myth #1: “Group therapy is just people sitting around complaining.”
  • ✅ Fact: Group therapy is structured and guided by a trained therapist. While members share personal struggles, the focus is on growth, insight, and change—not venting. Therapists actively steer the group toward learning, support, and skill-building.

 

  • 🧾 Myth #2: “I won’t get any individual attention.”
  • ✅ Fact: While you share time with others, group therapy provides plenty of personal reflection. Many people actually gain more perspective by hearing others’ stories and feedback. Therapists also work to ensure balanced participation.

 

  • 🧾 Myth #3: “I have to talk in the first session or I’ll be judged.”
  • ✅ Fact: Participation is encouraged, not forced. It’s normal to be quiet at first. Many members take time to warm up, and that’s respected. Observing and listening are valid ways to start.

 

  • 🧾 Myth #4: “Everyone will know my business—it’s not private.”
  • ✅ Fact: Confidentiality is a core rule in group therapy. While no one can guarantee others’ behavior, therapists set strong expectations about privacy and will remove members who violate them. Most people deeply value and respect this trust.

 

  • 🧾 Myth #5: “Group therapy is only for people with serious mental illnesses.”
  • ✅ Fact: Group therapy is helpful for a wide range of people: those dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress, addiction, and more. You don’t need a clinical diagnosis to benefit.

 

  • 🧾 Myth #6: “It’ll be awkward and I won’t relate to anyone.”
  • ✅ Fact: Many people feel awkward at first—but connection builds over time. Group members often find surprising common ground and deep empathy, even across very different life experiences.

 

  • 🧾 Myth #7: “Group therapy isn’t as effective as individual therapy.”
  • ✅ Fact: Research shows that group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy for many issues. In fact, the interpersonal dynamic of a group often speeds up growth in unique ways that one-on-one therapy can’t replicate.

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BIO

Cameryn (Cam) received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist College. Prior to joining Nourish Your Mind, she worked in private practice, primarily serving children, teens, and their families. During this time, she developed a passion for helping clients navigate their unique challenges through the transformative power of play and expressive arts therapy. Cam believes that every individual deserves a safe, nurturing space where they can authentically express themselves. She is dedicated to empowering her clients by identifying and utilizing their inherent strengths to help them achieve their personal goals.

In her therapeutic approach, Cam integrates a holistic wellness model with strengths- and mindfulness-based methods. She employs a variety of evidence-based techniques, including DBT and Nondirective Play Therapy, and she recognizes the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of each individual and family.

When she’s not in the office, Cam enjoys reading, traveling, weight-lifting, and immersing herself in music and films. She also values spending quality time with friends, family, and her cats.

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, Marist College
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, SUNY Geneseo
  • Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Brianna earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Siena College and her Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. Throughout her education and early career, she worked with at-risk adolescents experiencing trauma and maladaptive coping as both a clinician and crisis interventionist. She later spent several years in emergency services, specializing in trauma-informed care for adolescents and adults. Brianna has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

Brianna takes a strength-based, integrative approach to therapy, empowering clients to discover their own path toward healing and self-acceptance. She believes that while we cannot change the past, we can change our relationship with it. She is passionate about helping clients develop effective coping skills, reconnect with their inner resilience, and build lives that extend beyond surviving trauma.

Brianna believes healing is not only a journey of the mind, but a whole-body experience. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and thoughtfully incorporates mind-body practices into therapy to support nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and emotional awareness. She is also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based trauma treatment that helps clients process distressing experiences, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), offering a holistic approach for individuals seeking deeper healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. By integrating traditional psychotherapy with somatic approaches and specialized trauma treatments, Brianna helps clients create lasting, meaningful change.

Above all, Brianna is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and authentic therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to reconnect with their truest selves.

Brianna resides in Orange County with her two rescue huskies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, painting, practicing yoga, and cooking while surrounded by music, friends, and family.

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New York
  • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University
  • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University RYT-200
  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Certified, Journey Clinical
  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy Trained, Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Ashley received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. While attending her graduate program, Ashley worked as a supervisor at a Crisis Intervention Program and interned at an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program, gaining valuable skills in crisis management and group therapy. Before joining Nourish Counseling, she spent several years working in a long-term outpatient care clinic specializing in children, adolescents and their families. Ashley has expertise in partnering with those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.

Ashley believes that each client is their own expert. She provides an integrative approach that focuses on both the thoughts and behaviors her clients may be struggling with in order to help them find balance and build resiliency. She works with clients in a person-centered and skill building approach to help determine and reach their own individual goals. Following a Dialectical Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, she encourages and supports clients to reach their full potential.

Ashley lives in Middletown, NY with her husband and a very loved dog. She enjoys family time, cooking, and trying new things whenever possible.

  • American Counseling Association
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Amanda is a Certified Clinicial Trauma Professional with a deep commitment to guiding clients through their healing and discovery. She believes that you are the expert of your own life, and she is dedicated to building a safe, collaborative space where you feel both validated and motivated for change. 

Amanda specializes in treating those with Complex Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety and Depression, Chronic Illness, Infertility, Infant/Pregnancy Loss, Women’s Health and Neurodivergent Disorders. She works with individuals aged 5 and up. 

Amanda’s unique, holistic approach to psychothreapy is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to fit your specific clinical needs. She seamlessly integrates practices like mindfulness and meditation with powerful theraputic modalities, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. 

After gaining experience in Baltimore – including intensive work in Residential Foster Care and as a Medical Social Worker – Amanda has been settled back in her home, the Hudson Valley. She enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and two young daughters. She has journeyed with cleints for nearly 5 years at Nourish and is now ready to partner with you!

  • Cornwall Office
  • Middletown Office