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 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 is comprised of a 10 session cycle and individuals can join at any time within the cycle.
WHO: This group is inclusive of any gender identification and expression over the age of 18.
WHEN: Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-7:00pm
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.
WHEN: 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
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: 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. Contact Katie Van Ness at KatieV@paar.net or 412-522-8438 to schedule an intake.
DESCRIPTION: PAAR is offering a closed 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. It will also allow space to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others in the group. This group will have a limited number of participants per 10 week cycle.
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.
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM (visit zoom.com to download the app)
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 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.
The group will alternate weeks, one week a psycho-educational workshop, and then the other week a support group discussion. (ie the first group on February 5th will be a psycho-educational workshop week, and then then next week, February 12th will be a support group discussion.)
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 6:00pm to 7:00pm
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: Are you navigating life’s many changes, transitions, and losses? Perhaps you have older or adult children, or you’re adjusting to an empty nest. If you’re also concerned about the physical changes in your body and have experienced sexual trauma, the 50 and Over Process Group at PAAR may be a supportive space for you.
Our stage in life matters and often gives us a different perspective.
WHO: Any individual 50 & Over who has experienced sexual trauma
WHEN: Monday afternoons from 1pm – 2:30pm
WHERE: PAAR’s Southside Office (81 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
REGISTRATION: Contact 412-431-5665 and ask for Sandra, Ruth or the Intake Department
DESCRIPTION: Hike Frick Park with other men who’ve been there.
Nature walks have been shown to have beneficial effects on mental health. Come out and get some air and exercise.
WHO: All individuals that identify as male, are 18 and older, and have experienced sexual violence at any time in their life.
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30am – 10:30am
WHERE: Frick Park (Frick Park entrance on Allenby Ave. off S. Braddock, by CLASS)
After registering below you will receive a confirmation email with details, and someone from PAAR will follow up with some guidelines and policies about the group.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Michael Lain at michaell@paar.net or 412-430-4729.
DESCRIPTION: This group is for anybody over the age of 18, who has a loved one who is being impacted by sexual violence. Individuals who are survivors as well as significant others are also welcome. This group will help hold space for these individuals to process their own experiences and coping mechanisms around the trauma that impacted their loved one(s) and provide knowledge around the healing process that their loved ones are engaging in. This group will help give these important support people language and understanding around how to best advocate for the needs of their loved ones.
WHO: Anyone over the age of 18 who has a loved one being impacted by sexual violence
WHEN: Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
WHERE: PAAR’s Southside Office (81 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
*Pre-registration is required. For more information please contact Caitlin Evan at caitline@paar.net or 412-431-5665 ext 1122.
DESCRIPTION: This virtual group is a supportive and inclusive virtual group designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth who have experienced sexual trauma. This group provides a safe space to explore and process feelings, gain psychoeducational insights into trauma and mental health, and connect with peers who share similar experiences. The goal is to empower participants through understanding, mutual support, and skill-building to help them navigate their healing journey.
WHO: Teenagers ages 14-18 who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community.
WHEN: Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm
WHERE: Virtual via ZOOM
Registration: Metamorphosis is a 10 session closed group. Interested teens should contact PAAR’s Client Navigation Team at 412-431-5665 x 2 to schedule a Clinical Intake Assessment that is required prior to starting the group.
DESCRIPTION: The focus of the Trauma Processing Through Media Group is on exploring emotions through film and music in a safe and nurturing environment. In this group music, movies, tv shows, and or documentaries will serve as starting points for discussion and processing of various aspects of sexual violence, trauma, and recovery. Participants will be encouraged to reclaim their voices, identity and sense of agency through sharing stories, peer support, and use of creative outlets such as poetry, writing and art.
WHO: This is a trauma processing group for any individual 18 and over who has experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.
WHEN: Every Tuesday Evening from 6pm-7:30pm.
WHERE: PAAR’s Southside Office (81 S. 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
Registration: Interested participants must complete a clinical intake assessment and be approved prior to starting group. Contact the Navigation team at 412-431-5665 and request an intake for the Trauma Processing Through Media Group to register or with any questions.
Chat is: Online