Group Therapy
Overview of Group Therapy Approach
Struggling with mental health concerns and significant life stressors can sometimes feel isolating. Learning and growing alongside others experiencing similar concerns can help reduce stigma and provide a validating and environment in which to heal.
Current Groups
Support for Parents of Neurodiverse Children
Raising children with autism or other developmental disabilities can be a beautiful journey filled with love and learning. It also comes with unique challenges and stressors that others may not understand. Dr. Herbst has experience working with many children with autism/developmental disabilities and their families across general and specialty autism clinic settings. She is facilitating a process group for parents of children with autism or other developmental disabilities. This group is a place to process the unique stressors of parenting children with autism/developmental disabilities, learning coping and parenting strategies, and building community with other parents who get it. Click here to sign up.
Facilitator: Dr. Jen Herbst
Contact Information: email jherbst@richmondfamilypsychology.com or call 804-214-6416
DBT Skills Training Group (Teen and Parent offerings)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping teens and adults manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships. DBT Skills Training groups focus on teaching the five core DBT skills for teenagers (Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Walking the Middle Path, and Interpersonal Effectiveness). During Winter/Spring 2026, two skills groups are offered and run parallel to each other: DBT Skills Training for Teens, and DBT Skills Training for Parents/Caregivers. Groups run on Thursdays from February 5 - April 30, 2026. It is recommended, but not required, that both parents and teens sign up for their respective group. Click here for more information.
Facilitator: Dr. Sarah Pittman
Contact information: email spittman@richmondfamilypsychology.com or call 804-214-6414
Future Groups
In the near future we plan to offer the following groups:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills multi-family groups: Groups will consist of teen/parent dyads and will teach core DBT skills. Groups are designed for teenagers who have difficulties controlling their emotions and behavior (e.g., anger outbursts, impulsivity, self-harm), unhelpful thinking patterns (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking), and/or conflicts within their relationships.
Parenting Groups
Behavioral Parent Training (BPT): Parents in this group will learn evidence-based strategies for managing their children’s difficult behaviors (e.g., tantrums, difficulty following directions).
Teen Anxiety Group: A cognitive-behavioral group for anxious teens in which clients will learn important, evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety. Group participants will also have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe and supportive group environment.