Group Counseling

Social Skills Groups

Are you worried about your child socializing after the pandemic? Sunstone is here to support you and your child with our social skills groups. If you’ve noticed your child is having trouble making or keeping friends, navigating interactions with others, struggling with emotional regulation, or facing challenges engaging with kids their own age after the pandemic, reach out to join Sunstone’s social skills group.

Learn more:  Social Skills Group Page

When: Groups will begin September / October 2021 and will continue on an ongoing basis.

Where: All office locations  – Falls Church, Alexandria, McLean, Loudoun County, Richmond

Cost: $85/session (with a commitment of 6-8 weeks)

Screening & Contact Information: Please submit form or contact the group leaders as identified HERE.

Body Positivity Support Group

Body image issues can feel isolating, but you are not alone in this struggle! This will be an ongoing open group dedicated to creating a safe space for those who have struggled with body image issues to discuss a variety of topics including emotions, experiences, societal constructs, eating behaviors, diet culture, and wellness trends. By exploring these concepts in group discussions, we can work towards improving self-image and increase self-compassion.

Our approach: This is an open and ongoing process group; new members may join, as long as there is space. Members must make an initial commitment of 6 weeks (6 sessions), and may continue to come for as long as they like.

Who: Young Adult Women (ages 18-29)

Cost:  $55 fee for 55-minute intake session

$300 nonrefundable upfront fee for first 6 sessions ($50/session). $50 will be billed for each additional session. Please note that refunds will not be given for any scheduled sessions that the individual cannot attend unless prior approval has been given.

Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest/Zoom | Open to clients in Virginia

When: Thursdays 12:00pm – 1:15pm

Contact: Lauren Stuart, M.S.Ed., M.Phil., Resident in Counseling | laurenstuart@sunstonecounselors.com

Autism Parent Support Group

Do you have a child or adolescent with Autism? Do you find yourself struggling with issues that other parents do not understand? Parenting has its challenges, and parenting a child with Autism can bring different experiences and challenges. In this group we will create a space where parents, with a child or adolescent with Autism, can explore their thoughts and feelings and get support from those with a similar experience. 

Our Approach: While this is primarily a process group, psychoeducation about Autism can be introduced if members are in need of additional support. 

Who: Parents with a child or adolescent with Autism

Cost: 

•   $55 fee for 55-minute intake session
•   $400 nonrefundable upfront fee for 8 sessions ($50/session).
•   Please note that refunds will not be given for any scheduled sessions that the individual cannot attend unless prior approval has been given.

Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest/Zoom | Open to clients in Virginia

When: Tuesdays 12-1:15pm, You are welcome to bring lunch to the group!

Contact: Lauren Stuart, M.S.Ed., M.Phil., Resident in Counseling | laurenstuart@sunstonecounselors.com

The Next Chapter: Women’s Separation & Divorce Online Support Group

Divorce can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. This group is for women who are recently separated, in the middle of a divorce, or who are divorced and want support from others who can relate in a nonjudgmental space.

Topics Typically Discussed:

• Emotions surrounding divorce and related coping skills
• Self-worth / self-esteem
• “Where do I go from here?”
• Social repercussions of separation
• Resources (books, professionals, websites)

Cost: 8 week group – $55 for 55-min intake session, plus an intake session prior to group starting
When: Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. | 8-Week Cycle Begins September 8, 2021. Welcoming new members now.
Location: Online via Zoom video platform
Contact: Julia Ward, Resident in Counseling, Julia@sunstonecounselors.com

*Members must commit to the full 8-week group.
*An individual intake session must be scheduled prior to the first group meeting. ($55 for 55-min intake session).
* The groups will only run if there are three or more members signed up 3 days prior to the group start date.

Teen Anxiety Support Group

Are you crippled by Anxiety? Maybe Covid-19 has brought you a level of anxiety you didn’t know existed, and though the crisis is easing, your anxiety is not. Do anxious thoughts swirl in your head constantly, with no ability to control them? Do your physical reactions to anxiety freeze you in your tracks or lead to avoiding the things most important to you? This group is for the teen that gets anxious at school, in social settings, in public, or in private. This group focuses on managing anxiety and growing in the skills needed to live productively amidst situations that make us anxious. Anxiety is normal, but suffering because of anxiety is not.

Our approach: This group uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify how anxiety affects one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and provides teens with resources, skills, and community to connect, relate, and grow further towards managing one’s anxiety.

In this group, members will:
– Learn to understand how and identify when their anxiety escalates and leads to a crisis
– Understand the mind-body connection related to anxiety
– Identify triggers for anxiety
– Be able to challenge and combat negative, anxious thoughts
– Acquire a toolbox of coping skills to help in circumstances of heightened anxiety
– Understand when and why anxiety is normal
– Explore unrealistic expectations and core beliefs that may lead to heightened anxiety
– Openly discuss current circumstances with peers

When: Next session begins the week of 8/23 on Wednesdays at 4pm (virtual group) or Thursdays at 7pm (in person if available). The group will run once per week for 8 weeks. Two different times are offered. The time you choose will be the time you commit to each week.

Who: Teens ages 13-17. Ages 12 and 18 will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact Emily Louisos to discuss joining if you are these ages. Teens graduated from high school will not be considered.

Cost: $60 / session

More information: Please contact Emily Louisos at emilylouisos@sunstonecounselors.com if you have any questions regarding the group. Fill out the interest form here to take the first step toward joining the group!

Click Here to Visit This Group Page

Millennials Support Group

Want more confidence in defining YOUR path? Want to break out of over a year of isolation and thrive? Find your footing and solutions with Sunstone’s newest group!
This is an open process group to support millennials in finding their internal compass during changing times. Our millennials support group will be a safe space to break down societal norms and explore living an authentic life on your own terms.

• When: STARTING SOON! (time and date flexible pending group member availability)
• Where: Telehealth group via TheraNest
• Cost: $20/session
• More information: CLICK HERE

Please contact one of the group leaders to begin the screening process or complete the form below to have someone reach out to you.

• Jennifer Miller  – jennifermiller@sunstonecounelors.com
• Georgie Whatmore – georgie.w@sunstonecounselors.com

DBT Skills Creative Arts Groups for Adolescents

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals live more in the moment, better manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behavior, and improve their relationships. In this group, we go over coping skills and strategies based in the modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and walking the middle path. Creative techniques are used to explore and reinforce DBT concepts in a way that is accessible and beneficial for adolescents of all artistic skill levels.

Middle School | Wednesdays | 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
High School | Wednesdays | 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm

More Information: CLICK HERE
Location: Sunstone Counseling McLean Office 1485 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22101

Contact: Jacqueline Anderson, LPC | jacqueline@sunstonecounselors.com | (571) 429-4848

New Moms Online Support Group

This group is open to moms of babies less than 1 year old, to discuss anxieties and challenges unique to new moms. We will discuss challenges from week to week and coping skills for emotions that may arise.

Cost: 8-week group – $55 per session, plus an intake session prior to group starting
When: Time and Date flexible pending group member availability
Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest | Open to clients in Virginia
Contact: Julia Ward, Resident in Counseling, Julia@sunstonecounselors.com

*Members must commit to the full 8-week group.
*An individual intake session must be scheduled prior to the first group meeting. ($55 for 55-min intake session).
* The group will only run if there are two or more members signed up 3 days prior to the group start date.

Reclaiming Your Peace

This is a 6-week online group to help adults struggling with anxiety. Learn calming techniques and healthy coping skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Are you experiencing symptoms of restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, or excessive worry? These are symptoms of anxiety that can negatively impact your life, work, and/or relationships. If you’ve noticed increased anxiety and you’re ready for peace in your life, then this group is for you.

This group will give you a space to process your feelings of anxiety. We will discuss how you experience anxiety and the impact it has on your life. I will show you effective calming techniques and you will have the opportunity to learn healthy coping skills to help reduce anxiety.

Call today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Cost: $50/session for 6-week cycle
When: Begins the week of October 5th; time TBD based on participants’ schedules
Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest
Contact: Elizabeth Autrey-Moore, Resident in Counseling, elizabeth.autrey@sunstonecounselors.com, (571) 354-7225

Expecting Moms Online Support Group

Are you pregnant during the pandemic? This is a processing group with space for expecting moms to discuss emotional challenges during pregnancy and build coping skills to maintain your mental health.

Cost: 8-week group – $55 per session, plus an intake session prior to group starting
When: Time and Date flexible pending group member availability
Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest | Open to clients in Virginia
Contact: Julia Ward, Resident in Counseling, Julia@sunstonecounselors.com

*Members must commit to the full 8-week group.
*An individual intake session must be scheduled prior to the first group meeting. ($55 for 55-min intake session).
* The group will only run if there are two or more members signed up 3 days prior to the group start date.

Connect & Create: Virtual Art & Mindfulness Workshops

Looking to practice self-care this holiday season? These therapeutic artmaking workshops will focus on the process of creating art to check in with your own needs, explore your creative side, and connect with others.

In each workshop, we’ll get creative with materials available at home to practice a new art process. No prior art experience necessary; all are welcome. You will be encouraged to focus on the experience of making art, rather than on a finished product. This will not be a step-by-step class, but instead, an opportunity for guided creativity. Mindfulness will be incorporated to help tune in to individual needs. While we’ll make space to connect and process both shared and individual experiences, the primary focus will be on creating art in a shared space.

Workshop schedule: Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29, Jan. 5
Dec. 15: Mindful doodling
Dec. 22: Music & scribbles
Dec. 29: Mandalas
Jan. 5: Cultivating self-compassion

Times: Tuesday evenings, 6:30-7:30 pm
Fees: $40/session OR $35 each for 2 or more sessions (must sign up for multiple sessions)
Open to: Residents of Virginia, ages 18+
Location: Online, via a HIPAA-compliant video platform, TheraNest.
Contact: For more information, please contact Lauren Schlenger, Art Therapist & Resident in Counseling | Lauren@sunstonecounselors.com

Fertility Challenges Online Support Group

Are you experiencing challenges while trying to get pregnant? This group is for women who are currently struggling with fertility challenges. It is a processing group, and we will discuss challenges from week to week and share coping strategies for maintaining mental health through the fertility journey.

Cost: 8-week group – $55 per session, plus an intake session prior to group starting
When: Time and Date flexible pending group member availability
Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest | Open to clients in Virginia
Contact: Julia Ward, Resident in Counseling, Julia@sunstonecounselors.com

*Members must commit to the full 8-week group.
*An individual intake session must be scheduled prior to the first group meeting. ($55 for 55-min intake session).
* The group will only run if there are two or more members signed up 3 days prior to the group start date.

Therapeutic Book Club for Eating Disorder Recovery

We will read one recovery-oriented book per month and then meet to discuss!

• February 18 – “Eating in the Light of the Moon”
• March 18 – “Life Without ED”
• April 15 – “Body Kindness”
• May 13 – “Intuitive Eating”

When: Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Cost: $40 per meeting.
Contact: You can email callie@sunstonecounselors.com to register for one or all sessions.

Virtual Eating Disorder Recovery Support Groups

Join us for discussions around body image, self-worth, self-compassion, diet culture, relationships, stressors, and more! Open to clients throughout Virginia.

Virtual Eating Disorder Support Group for College Students:          Young Adults (Ages 17-22)
When: Thursday at 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Teen Eating Disorder Recovery Support Group:                   Teens (Ages 13-17)
Tuesdays at 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Cost: $80/session
Location: Online, via HIPAA-compliant video platform, Theranest | Open to clients in Virginia
Contact: Callie Dyer, MA, Resident in Counseling | callie@sunstonecounselors.com

Men’s Online Divorce Group

This online group is for men who are recently separated, in the middle of a divorce, or already divorced and feeling stuck. Separation can feel frustrating, depressing, and lonely – especially in this era of social distancing. We will help navigate the stressors of this difficult time by learning, healing, and growing together.

Topics include:
– Coping skills for managing emotional strain
– Reaffirming self-worth and self-esteem
– Managing social and relationship impacts
– Resources (books, professionals, websites)

Cost: 8-week group – $80/session (discounts available for those financially impacted by COVID-19)
When: Begins week of April 20; time TBD based on participants’ schedules
Where: Online, via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform, Theranest
Contact: Dan McDonald, Resident in Counseling, dan@sunstonecounselors.com, 703-214-6430

Eating Disorder Recovery Process Group for Adults

Join us on taking a deep dive into your relationship with eating disorder recovery. Peer support offers a whole different level of commitment to the recovery process, and I am honored to facilitate this experience for you. This will be a “closed” group so you may focus on building a bond with group members, and fostering a safe place to be vulnerable. This “process” style group will not have structured topics each week, and rather be focused on what each group member brings to the session hour. Examples of topics you may expect to discuss include: Interpersonal relationships, career, body image, motivation, comparison, and more.

Cost: $80/per session or $525 when paying for all 7 sessions in advance
Who: Adults 23+ who are committed to the recovery journey
When: 7 week cycle-Thursday evenings from 5pm-6pm, beginning June 17 – Aug 5
Where: Online through a HIPAA compliant platform (Virginia Residents Only)
Contact: Sara Boothe, M.A., Resident in Counseling sara@sunstonecounselors.com

*Clients must commit to all 7 sessions
*Client must complete a free 15 minute phone consultation with Sara by April 14th
*Obtaining individual therapy is strongly recommended before beginning this group