Group Therapy
"The group is a community in miniature, where the individual’s conflicts and relationships are mirrored, amplified, and ultimately transformed through the collective process."
— Group Analytic Psychotherapy: Method and Principles (1948) S.H. Foulkes
About Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a unique kind of support: a space for you to explore your struggles in the presence of community. Our individual experience always involves a “someone else”, and group therapy is a space to create an open dialogue with others. The shared group experience becomes a mirror for self-discovery on how you relate to yourself and others. It also complements your individual psychotherapy, applying and reinforcing insights you have learned.
At RHPS, groups are typically led by one or two therapists and involve 5 to 8 members. Our groups are structured in a process-oriented form where members can freely observe, participate or lead the conversation. Group therapy leverages the dynamics of group interaction to spark exploration, understanding and internal growth that shapes your interpersonal relationships.
All groups are in-person only and meet at our 321 W 44th St office.
We welcome new members to join our ongoing groups and we’re seeking members for our upcoming groups.
Ongoing Groups
Process Group Open to All - Wednesday
Time: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm
Group Leaders: Charlie Stephenson, LMSW and Leigh Ledare, MFA
This group is open to adults from all backgrounds and ages to gather together. It focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of one’s unique experiences and creating a sense of agency for meaningful relationships.
Queer-Identifying Process Group
Time: Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm
Group Leaders: Charlie Stephenson, LMSW and Madeleine Elfenbein, PhD
This is a group for LGBTQ+ adults of mixed ages, genders, and racial identities interested in deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationship with queer identity and the community. Within the intimacy of the group, members are invited to reflect on how their interactions offer insight into patterns occurring in their outside lives for meaningful connection with others.
Upcoming Groups
Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) Process Group
Expected Start: TBD
Group Leader: Louis Levy, LMSW
This group is open to TGNC adults of mixed ages, genders, and racial identities interested in exploring themselves, their identities, and how they relate to others. Within the group, members are invited to explore all aspects of their lives and how they make sense of their world. Members are welcome to share about their individual, interpersonal, and social worlds that they inhabit.
Process Group Open to All - New
Time: Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm
Group Leader: Michael McClenahan, LMSW
This group is open to adults from all backgrounds and ages to gather together. It focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of one’s unique experiences and creating a sense of agency for meaningful relationships.
Group Therapy FAQs
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Group experience can be a very different one from individual therapy. You might not know your group leaders and members right away. To build trust with this process, we suggest that you give some time to form your own sense of the group. The nature of the group presents you the option to be silent and observe and share when you want to.
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Group leaders are crucial to your group experience. They are there to set the stage for a welcoming environment that invites open discussions. They establish ground rules – group policies – to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the collective spaces. Most importantly, they are there to listen to everyone, so no voice is muted, and all the members can contribute in a meaningful way.
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Each therapy group typically meets on a weekly basis, and each session lasts for an hour. Our groups don’t have a specific duration, as it remains ongoing throughout the year and welcomes new members if there is an open space.
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If you have insurance coverage, it is very likely that we take your insurance in-network, and you will only be responsible for a copay depending on your policy. If you don’t have insurance, the private fee for groups is $50 per session. We accept major insurances including but not limited to Aetna, BCBS, UHC, Cigna and Fidelis. Please inquire to verify your insurance benefits.
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You are more than welcome to reach out to our Group Coordinator, Ivy Zhang (i.zhang@rhps.nyc) for any questions. In addition, as a part of our group process, you will have an individual intake with your group leaders prior to group sessions, to learn more about the groups and discuss any questions you may have.
To Providers and Community Partners
If you would like to provide referrals for group therapy, or want to discuss opportunities for partnership to build groups for your community, please reach out to our Group Coordinator, Ivy Zhang (grouptherapy@rhps.nyc). It is always our goal to collaborate with agencies and communities, to make our services more accessible.
Join a Group
We welcome new members to join our ongoing groups and we’re seeking members for our upcoming groups. To join a group or find out more, please call our office at (212)221-4567 or submit your interest here.
You will be contacted by our clinical coordinator to start the process of joining a group.