As part of the therapy process, STSM provides psycho-educational, treatment, and support groups for survivors and their family members. Like all of our services, groups are free and confidential. Group facilitators are trained and experienced Master’s level social workers, counselors, graduate students, and other professionals, who are supervised and monitored by Group Services Program. Facilitators hold groups on a weekly basis and at various locations throughout Lexington, Richland, and Newberry counties.
Benefits of Group Counseling:
Topics include the following:
Topics include the following:
Topics include the following:
STSM offers support groups to secondary survivors, including spouses, parents, and significant others of the survivor. Groups are open to secondary survivors even if the primary survivor if not participating in counseling at this time. STSM designed groups to provide a safe, supportive environment where family members can share the impact of the assault/abuse on their lives, gain coping skills to address their concerns, and learn how to provide healthy support to the survivor.
Topics include the following:
For a client to attend any of the treatment or support groups, the client would need to be in individual counseling with a private therapist or other service provider. The current therapist should complete the Psychosocial Assessment along with the Group Readiness Form and fax information to the Group Services Coordinator, who will contact the therapist and client regarding a start date to begin group services, if STSM deems client group ready.
If a client is not currently in treatment with an individual therapist, the client may contact STSM to schedule an appointment with a counselor to begin individual counseling. STSM will assess client for group at that time and, if found appropriate for group, will be assigned a start date. All group services are free and confidential.
If you are interested in receiving more information about The Group Services Program or scheduling a presentation at your agency or organization regarding referrals and services, please contact:
Jennifer Gantt, LMSW
Group Services Coordinator
803-790-8208 or gsc@stsm.org
Sherry Lewis, LPC
Director of Therapy and Outreach
803-790-8208 or dto@stsm.org
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Psychological Assessment Form | 78.5 KB |
| Group Readiness Form | 42.5 KB |
How do I join a group?
If you are interested in joining a group please contact the Group Services Coordinator—Jennifer Gantt GSC@STSM.ORG or 803-790-8208.
How many people are in a group?
The average size of group is 10-15 people.
What happens in group?
Each week participants are asked to check in with the group, and a group topic is discussed.
What topics are discussed?
Phases of Rape, Long Term Effects of Sexual Trauma, Anger, Blame, Triggers, Self Esteem.
Are groups confidential?
Yes. Information shared in group is confidential; however, the facilitator is mandated to report a group participant who is in danger of harming themselves or others.
How long are the sessions?
Group sessions last between 1 to 1.5 hours.
What are the qualifications of the facilitators?
Group facilitators are trained and experienced Master’s level social workers, counselors, graduate students, and other professionals who receive supervision and monitoring through the group services program.
Where are the groups located?
Groups are held a various locations throughout the Richland, Lexington, and Newberry Counties.
Are the facilitators available after group if I have a private concern?
Facilitators are available before group begins or at the end of group; however, they are not available outside group hours. Our crisis line can be accessed 24/7. Richland and Lexington County 771-7273. Newberry County 1-800-491-7273.
Are the groups gender specific?
Yes.
How much does the group cost?
All group services are free of charge.
Do I have to participate in group if I feel uncomfortable?
Group participation is encouraged; however, you will not be forced to participate if you are uncomfortable.
Will I have to tell my story in group?
No, but you may be asked to make reference to an event that you have experienced.
Can my friends/family come to group with me?
No, but there are secondary survivor groups for family and friends.
After completing group, can I rejoin?
Yes, you can participate in services from STSM for up to 6 months.
Group Services Program brochure