Support Groups

In addition to outpatient therapy, many people benefit from attending group therapy or support groups focused on specific behavioral health concerns. Pine Rest offers a variety of structured, educational support groups and group therapy at various clinics and locations, including:

Many other community organizations also offer self-help support groups. For information on these offerings, we suggest you contact your local Community Mental Health agency or your local United Way First Call For Help.

Upcoming Support Groups

December 8
Family Connection Support Group
This support group meets from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. There is no charge to attend/join this group. Call 222-3700 to register. Facilitator is Jim Vander May, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker.

The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms, behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a signifcant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family. Please let us help.

December 10
Together We Can: "Use Mindfulness to Beat the Holiday Blues"
Together We Can: "Use Mindfulness to Beat the Holiday Blues" is provided by the Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic Community Education Series on Wednesday, December 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Young adults and up are welcome. The group is led by Tim Meagher, M.A., L.P.C. The location is Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic, 1050 Silver Drive, Traverse City. Spots are limited. Reserve your place today by calling 231/947-2255.

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the details of the holiday season? Does the thought of the holidays leave you stressed instead of joyful? The blues is often said to be; "nothing but a good man feeling bad" but the blues is also about being preoccupied with yesterday and tomorrow, rather than accepting the gift of today.

Join us to discover how to unlock the power and possibilities of living in the present through the practice of mindulness.

Together We Can learn to see our lives in a nonjudgmental, nonreactive and openhearted manner.

Together We Can learn how mindfulness training has been scientifically proven to ease symptoms of depression, increase vitality and improve health.

Together We Can learn to cultivate mindfulness in everyday experiences, develop increased tolerance for stress and live with greater awareness.

December 12
Clean and Sober for the Holidays Support Group
“Clean and Sober for the Holidays” - A support group for persons experiencing alcohol or other drug dependence. Get support as well as tips on getting and staying alcohol and drug-free for the holidays. Time: 12 - 1 p.m. (Bring your lunch!) Location: Pine Rest Holland Clinic, 926 South Washington, Suite 210 Cost: Free of charge Facilitator: Jude Vereyken, MSW, LMSW, CAAC.

To register or for more information, interested persons should call the Holland Clinic at 616/820-3780.

December 17
Clean and Sober for the Holidays Support Group
“Clean and Sober for the Holidays” - A support group for persons experiencing alcohol or other drug dependence. Get support as well as tips on getting and staying alcohol and drug-free for the holidays. Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Location: Pine Rest Holland Clinic, 926 South Washington, Suite 210 Cost: Free of charge Facilitator: Jude Vereyken, MSW, LMSW, CAAC.

To register or for more information, interested persons should call the Holland Clinic at 616/820-3780.

January 12, 26
Family Connection Support Group
This support group meets from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. There is no charge to attend/join this group. Call 222-3700 to register. Facilitator is Jim Vander May, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker.

The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms, behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a signifcant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family. Please let us help.

February 9, 23
Family Connection Support Group
This support group meets from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. There is no charge to attend/join this group. Call 222-3700 to register. Facilitator is Jim Vander May, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker.

The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms, behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a signifcant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family. Please let us help.

March 9, 23
Family Connection Support Group
This support group meets from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. There is no charge to attend/join this group. Call 222-3700 to register. Facilitator is Jim Vander May, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker.

The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms, behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a signifcant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family. Please let us help.

April 13, 27
Family Connection Support Group
This support group meets from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. There is no charge to attend/join this group. Call 222-3700 to register. Facilitator is Jim Vander May, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker.

The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms, behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a signifcant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family. Please let us help.

May 11
Family Connection Support Group
This support group meets from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. There is no charge to attend/join this group. Call 222-3700 to register. Facilitator is Jim Vander May, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker.

The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms, behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a signifcant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family. Please let us help.

Ongoing Support Groups

The Family Connection
The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for those dealing with the stresses of family members diagnosed with a mental illness. Facilitated by Jim VanderMay, LMSW, clinical social worker. Group meets the second and fourth Monday of every month now through September 2008, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Pine Rest Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. Cost: free of charge. To register, call 616/222-3700, ext. 4.

Program Outline
The Family Connection is a bi-monthly support group for spouses, parents, siblings, and other caregivers who are seeking support to more effectively deal with stresses created by the symptoms/behaviors of family members who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Dealing with a family member who has symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more can be a significant stressor for other members or caregivers in the family.

Women’s Recovery Group
This is a treatment group for women, age 18 or older, recovering from addictive life patterns involving alcoholism or drug abuse. There are specific issues affecting recovering women that are uniquely sensitive, and create a need for them to meet and share their experiences. This group provides a secure "Women Only" environment in which members can discuss problems related to their recovery process. By encouraging, sharing, and supporting an honest exploration of recovery related situations and emotions, participants can experience personal growth. Group therapy provides the opportunity to not only obtain professional help, but also understanding, and feedback from other women in similar situations. The Women’s Recovery Group meets on Wednesday’s from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pine Rest Holland Clinic, 926 S. Washington, Suite 210 in Holland. An assessment session is required to enroll, and new members are introduced into the group each week. Cost is $50/person/group session. For more information, please contact Wayne Silver, MA, LLP, CAC-I, group facilitator, at 616-820-3780.

Men’s Life Repair Shop
This is a treatment group for men, age 18 or older, recovering from addictive life patterns involving alcohol or drug abuse. There are unique life pressures for recovering men that are best addressed in an exclusively male setting where men can discuss difficulties and solutions to the challenge of recovery. Through honest sharing or personal experiences and exchange of ideas, men will encourage one another in their personal growth. Group therapy provides the opportunity to obtain professional help, understanding, and feedback from other men in similar solutions. The Men’s Life Repair Shop meets on Thursday’s from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pine Rest Holland Clinic, 926 S. Washington, Suite 210 in Holland. An assessment session is required to enroll, and new members are introduced into the group each week. Cost is $50/person/group session. Many insurance policies cover all or partial costs. Check with your insurance/ health plan or company benefits to make sure your plan provides coverage. For more information, please contact Wayne Silver, MA, LLP, CAC-I, group facilitator, at 616-820-3780.

Clean and Sober for the Holidays
A two-week support group held in December for persons experiencing alcohol or other drug dependence. Get support as well as tips on getting and staying alcohol and drug-free for the holidays. Time: 12 - 1 p.m. (Bring your lunch!) Location: Pine Rest Holland Clinic, 926 South Washington, Suite 210 Cost: Free of charge Facilitator: Jude Vereyken, MSW, LMSW, CAC-I. To register or for more information, interested persons should call the Holland Clinic at 616/820-3780.