Support Groups Support Groups Improve Together All groups are open to any Bennington County resident. In-person groups will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. For more information on specific groups, please call (802) 442 5491. Call Now Quick Links Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Wellness Behavioral & Relationship Substance Use & Recovery Youth & Family Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Wellness Support Groups (B) Bennington (N) Northshire All groups are open to any Bennington County resident. In-person groups will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Anxiety (B) Mondays 5:30–6:30pm Facilitated by Lindsey Anderson | Virtual Coping skills and peer support for anxiety. Anxiety and Depression Group Wednesdays 11am-12pm Facilitated by Karen Ejeriefe | Virtual The group will support clients in learning and utilizing skills to manage their anxiety and depression symptoms. Co-Occurring Mondays 1–2pm Facilitated by Bill Plath | Virtual/Ledge Hill Drive Craft & Chat (N) Thursdays 11am- 12pm Facilitated by Susan Raggo Women meet to reduce social isolation and to build community relationships and explore creativity. Equine Therapy (B) Mondays 4-5:30PM Co facilitated by Anne Rogers, Piper McDougall, Mireille Polis, ant Tara Lowary | Rhythm Hollow Stables An experiential equine assisted psychotherapy group for adult women that addresses mental health and substance use. This is a closed group with periodic openings. Hearing Voices (B) Wednesdays 2:30–3:30pm Facilitated by Deb Lucy The Hearing Voices group offers a safe place where voices hearers can talk openly about their experiences, gain support, and learn skills to increase their control of their own lives. Participants will learn to use meditation and mindfulness to help develop skills to focus their attention on activities at hand and not the intrusive, disruptive thoughts in their heads. Men’s Social Wellness Group (N) Thursdays 2pm-3pm Facilitated by Steve Longley The objective of the group is to develop skills that will help participants create more satisfying social relationships. Together, group members will explore non-conflictive ways of communicating as well as strategies for deepening engagement in their community. Wellness Group (B) Thursdays 9–10am Facilitated by Steve Longley |VirtualEvery 1st Monday 9–10am Facilitated by Keili Trottier | VirtualEvery 3rd Wednesday 3–4pm Facilitated by Vic Martini | Virtual These groups focus on networking among group members to share tools that help them to improve, manage, and maintain wellness. The group will emphasize the role of both skills and supports in sustaining wellness. WRAP (B) Mondays 10-12PM Facilitated by Stacy Barnett | 316 Dewey Street A peer-led group focusing on developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Conversations and Crafts (B) Tuesdays 12:30-1:30PM Facilitated by Caroline Gauthier | 316 Dewey Street Peer support group using art to connect with others. Women’s Self-Compassion (B) Wednesdays 1-2PM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier and Kayla Stannard Beginning group on how to care for ourselves as we do others. Men’s Self Compassion (B) Thursdays 2-4PM Co Facilitated by Kayla Stannard, and Alijah Lanteigne | 316 Dewey Street Men’s Self-Compassion helps to shift the narrative from an inner critic to an inner companion by learning to tolerate difficult emotions and process shame by untangling the lies and removing the mask of perfection. Together we will learn to face the hardships of life and process them through a lens of kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Behavioral & Relationship Support Groups (B) Bennington (N) Northshire All groups are open to any Bennington County resident. In-person groups will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Collaborative Network Approach (B) Fridays 1–2:30pm Supervised by Victor Martini, LICSW and team | 316 Dewey Street Based upon the principles of Open Dialogue and developed specifically for practitioners in Vermont, the meetings are facilitated by a group who have completed stringent training by members of the European team that originated the practice in Finland. The UCS team is trained to be interviewer/listeners, and reflector/listeners. These meetings are a way to help people develop a supportive network among close family members or significant friends. Meetings will be set up remotely – either in your own home or at the UCS main offices, via Zoom. In your home, we will provide tablets if needed, in order to make use of the technology. If you have ever felt like you were truly listened to, you will appreciate these network meetings. If you have never felt truly listened to, you will experience something different, refreshing and uniquely supportive. *Sessions must be scheduled individually. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Informed Group (DBT) (B) Tuesdays 12:30–1:30pm Facilitated by Doris Russell, Ph.D | Virtual Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) informed treatment is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes the role of mindfulness in its approach to treatment. Skill sets are designed to specifically assist individuals in better managing behavioral, emotional and cognitive instability. Connections (B) Tuesdays 2-3PM Facilitated by Jo-anne Larsen | 316 Dewey Street Group intended to reduce stress due to isolation. Substance Use & Recovery Support Groups (B) Bennington (N) Northshire All groups are open to any Bennington County resident. In-person groups will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Adult Men’s Substance Abuse Group (B) Mondays 6–7pm Facilitated by William Plath, Ph.D | Virtual and In-person The Men’s Substance Abuse Group, open to men, offers a number of advantages, including the development of social supports, the ability to learn from others, the ability to share information, and a feeling of togetherness such that one does not feel alone in their own issues with their substance use disorder. Bridge to Recovery (B) Mondays 1-2PM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija Lafountain, AAP, CRC This group is designed to get clients prepared and start their journey in recovery. Clients who struggle with substance use will have immediate access to recovery-based supports and resources. This includes education, peer support, staffing, and community supports. Client remain in this group until an appropriate referral is identified and available. Relapse Prevention (B) Mondays 12-1pm Co facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC Join us for an opportunity to practice and learn strategies and tools to sustain long term recovery. IOP – Early Recovery Skills (B) Tuesdays 9–10:30AM Facilitated by Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC This group is focused on supporting clients to learn skills to support them in recovery. Specifically, the skills learned in Early Recovery will help clients to understand and respond to triggers, cravings, and other early recovery challenges. This program is adapted from the SAMHSA Matrix program for Intensive Outpatient Treatment. IOP – Recovery Support (B) Tuesdays 10:45AM–12PM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC This group is an overview of primary types of Support Groups that are recommended in Recovery. This includes, but is not limited to, 12 Step Groups, specifically AA, NA, Practical 12 Steps, and SMART Recovery. The group format is an opportunity to learn about these group styles as well as aff some additional skills to the growing toolbox of recovery skills. IOP – Building Self-Compassion (B) Thursdays 9–10:30AM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC An opportunity to learn skills to relate to yourself with kindness, connection, and mindfulness. Building self-compassion helps to improve self-esteem, overcome cravings, more effectively deal with stressors of early recovery, and better manage emotions. IOP – WRAP (B) Thursdays 10:45AM–12:00PM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is designed to create a plan that identifies the person’s strengths and develop a plan with coping skills for dealing with life’s challenges. IOP – Recovery Coaching (B) Fridays 9-10:30AM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC The role of a Recovery Coach reflects a collaborative and strength-based approach, with the primary goal being to assist individuals in achieving sustained long-term recovery from the effects of opioids and other substance use disorders. Recovery Coaches practice basic evidence-based approaches: including motivational interviewing, resource provision, boundaries, and power of peer support. Recovery Coaches do not replace other professional services; however, they complement the existing array of support services. Recovery Coaches help clients find ways to prevent addiction, or reduce harm associated with addictive behaviors. IOP – Coping Skills (B) Fridays 10:45AM-12PM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier, LCMHC and Taija LaFountain, AAP, CRC This group uses two evidence based informed treatment model tools to enhance recovery skills. The two primary areas of tools utilized are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT. Tools that have been identified as helpful are provided to individuals with an opportunity to learn, practice, and plan for implementation. Specific tools taught will vary but are focused on successful recovery. Awakening a Mother’s Power Wednesday 11-12PM Co Facilitated by Keili Trottier and Taija LaFountain A support-based education group that provides an opportunity for mothers and pregnant women to gain additional education around around substance use risks and parenting. The group has a high focus on moms having an opportunity to self care while gaining additional education and support from others in similar life circumstances. This group is a Rocking Horse informed group. The Whole You Thursdays 5-6PM Co Facilitated by Alison Clausnitzer-Lane and Taylor Hayes Adolescent Substance Use group for ages 15-19. Focusing on prevention and treatment, building healthy connections with peers, adults, and community, developing a healthy sense of self, generational substance use, impact of social media on substance use, etc. Self-Forgiveness Mondays 11am-12pm Co Facilitated by Taija LaFountain and Keili Trottier Self-Forgiveness helps people to let go of expectations of how people should behave, and instead teaches individuals that everyone needs to accept others for who they are. Specifically, it teaches people in recovery how to focus on the positives while letting go of the part. Self-Forgiveness can help you develop a strong sense of self-love within. Learning to forgive yourself can help you learn to breathe freely without feelings of guilt or shame Self-Forgiveness opens a new door in recovery, a door where you are motivated to change yourself for the better. Stages of Change (B) Thursdays 2pm-3pm Facilitated by Taija LaFountain The Stages of Change group is a focused group for men and women who are in recovery. We will help clients learn to identify and explore the Stages of Change model utilized in the recovery process. While discussing and exploring the Stages of Change, clients learn how to identify what stage of change they are in, manage transition to another stage, and develop the ability to understand that each person enters and transitions through the various stages on an individual basis while receiving support in a group setting. We understand that recovery is a process, and we believe clients have the inherent potential for change. Using specific techniques to promote success, this group offers an evidence-based approach to stange and process treatment. Recovering Through Art (B) Wednesdays 11am-12pm Co Facilitated by Taija LaFountain and Mireille Polis Recovering Through Art helps client express their emotions, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and cope with recovery. Creativity is helpful during recovery because it is an effective tool in the fight against boredom and cravings. Recovering Through Art is designed to complement other recovery services like talk therapy, medications management, and support groups. Youth & Family Support Groups (B) Bennington (N) Northshire All groups are open to any Bennington County resident. In-person groups will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Teens 4 Change (B) Thursdays at 2:30–4:30pm Facilitated by Taylor Hayes, Therapeutic Case Manager, Children, Youth & Family Services | 21 Burgess Road, Bennington, VT Join other teens to work on projects and make a difference in the community. Enjoy a safe space to discuss your issues and concerns and receive support from your peers. Mindfulness with Art (B) Mondays 4:30-5:30pm Facilitated by Desiree Pechtel, Care Coordinator, Children, Youth & Family Services | 21 Burgess Road, Bennington, VT Anxiety/Depression (B) Tuesdays 3:15-4:15pm Facilitated by Sarah Bentley, Therapeutic Case Manager, Children, Youth & Family Services, and Kaitlin Remington, Outpatient Clinician, Children, Youth & Family Services | 314 Dewey Street, Bennington, VT This group is for youth ages 12-15 and focuses on mindfulness, journaling, and positive peer interactions. Youth Gaming (B) Tuesdays 4:15-5:15pm Co facilitated by Steven Lecce, and Coral Hunt | 21 Burgess Road For youth ages 9-13 years old. Dungeons and Dragons Groups, utilizing therapy in game play. Teen EAP (B) Tuesdays 4-5pm Facilitated by Alya Reeve | Rhythm Hollow Stables Equine-assisted therapy. Teen Gaming (B) Fridays 3:15-4:15pm Co Facilitated by Steven Lecce, and Coral Hunt | 21 Burgess Road Dungeons and Dragons Group for teens, utilizing therapy in game play. After School Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays 3-5PM Co Facilitated by Tiffany Belville, and Isaiah Gates Clients take part in after school care, while working on a variety of different goals. Peer relationships, social skills, etc. DBT Skills – Adolescent IOP (B) Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 12-1pm Co Facilitated by Steven Lecce, and Desiree Pechtel | PUCK DBT skills groups for clients in CYFS IOP. Monday is a Mindfulness group, Wednesday is an Emotional Regulation skills group, and Friday is an interpersonal skills group. Adolescent IOP (B) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 9:30-10:30am Co Facilitated by Steven Lecce, and Desiree Pechtel This Adolescent IOP group will develop mindfulness skills, emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, and effective communication skills. IOP Equine Therapy Group 1 Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am Co Facilitated by Rebecca Shuler and Steve Lecce | | Rhythm Hollow Stables IOP Equine Therapy group at Rhythm Hollow Stables. IOP Equine Therapy Group 2 Wednesdays, 1:30pm-2:30pm Co Facilitated by Rebecca Shuler and Steve Lecce | | Rhythm Hollow Stables IOP Equine Therapy group at Rhythm Hollow Stables. Burgess Road After School Program Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays Co Facilitated by Isaiah Gates, Lynette Kite, James Levin & Edie Katrick | Burgess Road A place to connect during after school time. Related Events December 12, 2022 Suicide Prevention Awareness Candlelight Vigil September is Suicide Awareness Month. Join us at Lake Paren, September 29, at 5:30pm as we remember those we’ve… Continue Reading Continue Reading September 26, 2023 UCS Welcomes Kevin Hines to Manchester August 28, 2023 Camp Be a Kid wraps up another happy summer View All Events