DESCRIPTION: This virtual group is meant to provide psychoeducation around the impact of trauma to individuals who have experienced sexual trauma. This is not a processing group, no details of traumatic experiences will be shared. Instead, participants will be provided with the support and encouragement from one another while discussing common reactions after trauma, building coping skills, enhancing self esteem, gaining skills to build boundaries, understanding difficult emotions, and developing healthy supports.
The Coping Strategies for Trauma Group in comprised of 10 sessions that cyclical, and individuals can join at any time.
WHO: This group is inclusive of any gender identification and expression over the age of 18.
WHEN: Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-7:00pm (Current round ending October 5th. Next begins on October 19th.)
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM (visit zoom.us for details)
DESCRIPTION: PAAR is offering a support group for any and all individuals that identify as male, are 18 and older, and have experienced sexual violence at any time in their life. The goal of group is to provide an opportunity for participants to express their emotions, receive support from others who have experience sexual violence, understand the dynamics of abuse, learn coping skills and improve their self-esteem.
WHO: This group is open to anyone who identifies as male and all sexual orientations are equally welcome.
Group will meet Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM (visit zoom.us for details)
Description: This is an in-person closed processing group for those who have experienced sexual trauma. The Trauma Processing Group is limited to 10 participants per 10-week cycle. This group allows participants a space to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others who have experienced similar traumas. The group begins with breathing and relaxation or a therapeutic exercise to help members focus. The group then moves on to open sharing. This is an opportunity to listen, give input, and gain knowledge and support from each other. Themes of recovery, and how sexual trauma has affected members’ lives are shared and validated in a safe helpful atmosphere. The one-and-a-half-hour group session ends with meditation, deep breathing, or visualization.
WHO: The Trauma Processing Group is inclusive of any gender identification and expression over the age of 18.
WHEN: Every Thursday from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM – *STARTING ON OCTOBER 12th*
WHERE: PAAR’s Southside Office (81 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
REGISTRATION: **Individuals interested in participating in this group do not need to participate in individual therapy at PAAR but must complete an intake. Contact 412-431-5665 ext 1122 to request an intake for group
DESCRIPTION: This is a closed processing group for current undergraduate college students who have experienced sexual trauma.
This virtual group is limited to 10 participants per 10 week cycle. This group allows participants a space to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others who have experienced similar traumas. Each one-and-a-half-hour group session will include themed discussion prompts and a time for open sharing. This is an opportunity to listen, give input, and gain knowledge and support from each other. Themes of recovery, and how sexual trauma has affected participants’ lives are shared and validated in a safe, helpful atmosphere. Grounding and visualization exercises, as well as breathing techniques and meditations will be used throughout the sessions as well.
WHO: The College Student’s Virtual Support Group is inclusive of any gender identification and expression over the age of 18; must be a current undergraduate college student. This group is non-university specific; all undergraduate students are welcome to register.
WHEN: Tuesdays, 3:30pm-5pm
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM
Registration: Contact Katie Van Ness at KatieV@paar.net or 412-522-8438
*Individuals interested in participating in this group do not need to participate in individual therapy at PAAR but must complete a virtual intake appointment prior to joining the group.
**If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Katie Van Ness at KatieV@paar.net or 412-522-8438
DESCRIPTION: PAAR is offering an open support group for any and all individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and have experienced sexual trauma. The goal of this group is to provide a community for participants to express their emotions, receive support, explore the roles of shame, and learn new coping strategies. The groups will include a check in about the week, group driven & self-reflective activities, and grounding exercises.
WHO: The LGBTQ+ Support Group is inclusive of all gender identities and expressions within the LGBTQ+ community. Participants must be over the age of 18. You do not need to be a current PAAR client to join this group, however you do need to complete a short intake and consent form.
WHEN: Each Wednesday from 6-7:30 PM via Zoom. The group will meet weekly starting October 11, 2023. The group is “open,” which means you can join at any point even if you have missed prior sessions.
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM (visit zoom.com to download the app)
**For more information contact Lily Long or Nick Coleman at lgbtqgroup@paar.net or 412-431-5665.
DESCRIPTION: This group is open to any adult who is supporting a child experiencing trauma. Weekly attendance is not mandatory; however, you are welcome to come as often as fits into your schedule. The group will discuss topics such as; the impact of trauma on children and their families, using coping skills with your child, parenting tips for children who have experienced trauma, talking to your children about their trauma experiences, and how to best support your child in healing.
Many of the topics are based off of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parents In the Know.
This group will be facilitated by our PAAR Master’s Level Clinical Interns.
WHO: Any caregiver wanting to support a child in healing from trauma
WHEN: Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM (visit zoom.com to download the app)
*Individuals interested in participating in this group do not need to participate in individual therapy at PAAR but must complete a virtual intake appointment prior to joining the group.
**If you have any additional questions please reach out to Melissa Moore, Supervisor of Child & Family Counseling Center at melissam@paar.net or 412-431-5665 ext 1112
DESCRIPTION: This group creates a space for parents/caregivers and children to grow bonds and spend quality time together. Psychoeducation materials will be provided for parents/caregivers to take home. If parents/caregivers have questions or would like further resources regarding the psychoeducation materials, please ask!
Each week the group will partake in a different bonding activity that may include: movement, stories, art, gardening, and cooking.
*Pizza dinner provided!
WHO: Any child, ages 5-13, and their caregiver. Open to all gender identities and expressions.
WHEN: Select Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
WHERE: PAAR’s Southside Office (81 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
*You don’t need to be a PAAR client or have experienced any sexual trauma to attend.
**If you have any additional questions please reach out to Melissa Moore, Supervisor of Child & Family Counseling Center at melissam@paar.net or 412-431-5665 ext 1112
DESCRIPTION: This group will focus on:
building awareness of the impacts of sexual trauma
building coping skills and self-care practices
building self-esteem and self-advocacy skills
expressing feelings
creating healthy relationships
creating and applying healthy boundaries
This is not a processing group, so sharing specific details of one’s trauma is not beneficial to the purpose of the group.
WHO: Teens ages 14-17. Open to all gender identities and expressions.
WHEN: Mondays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM (visit zoom.com to download the app)
*You don’t need to be a PAAR client or have experienced any sexual trauma to attend.
**If you have any additional questions please reach out to Melissa Moore, Supervisor of Child & Family Counseling Center at melissam@paar.net or 412-431-5665 ext 1112
Chat is: Online