STEP Therapeutic Groups

Seneca Services Therapuetic Groups Intro 2
A look at one of our STEP program locations.

At each STEP (Skills Transitions Exploration Progress) location, youth participate in several therapeutic groups that cover mental health-related topics. Programming runs from 8:30 AM to 2 PM daily.

Daily Therapeutic Groups

Check-in/ Check-out

At STEP, days start and end with a group, during which youth: 

  • Rate their emotional state on a scale.
  • Identify program goals.
  • Reflect on progress towards those goals throughout the day.
  • Plan for how to apply skills at home and in school.

Engage in ice-breaker questions in order to build rapport and connection with the other youth in the group.

The purpose of this group is to support youth with increasing their self-awareness as to how they’re feeling, what may be contributing to their mood and wellbeing, practicing how to communicate their feelings, and applying learned coping strategies to improve their mood.

Seneca Services Therapuetic Groups Check In
A look at one of our STEP program locations.
Seneca Services Step Daily Therapeutic Groups Accordion

Future Focus is the time to work on school assignments and projects, or vocational needs if interested in getting involved with a job or volunteer opportunity. We support youth as they prepare to return to school or jobs after STEP graduation. We provide academic support and assistance through online teaching tools, counseling assistance, and emotional support.  

The Skills Group teaches coping skills to support youth in safely managing difficult moments, improving communication with others, increasing understanding of emotions, and improving strategies to decrease stress. Topics can include: 

  • Radical Acceptance 
  • Mindfulness 
  • Stress Management 
  • Distress Tolerance 
  • Cognitive Distortions 
  • Mindful Stopping 
  • Problem Solving 

This group gives youth the opportunity to share stories and the feelings behind their experiences through narrative therapy exercises and process groups, allowing them to explore their values and what is important to them. A primarily client-led group, it is a youth favorite because it connects them with other’s experiences and helps them feel more compassionate toward themselves. 

In this group, youth receive psychoeducation from a registered nurse about different topics that impact their mental health and overall wellness. This gives them the opportunity to get their questions answered directly from medical staff. Topics can include: 

  • Science Behind Anxiety and Depression 
  • Social Media 
  • Autonomic Nervous System 
  • Somatization  
  • Sleep Hygiene 
  • Breaking the Panic Cycle 
  • Healthy Relationships 
  • Nutrition 
  • Self-Care 

The Recreation Group focuses on the mind-body connection and is primarily led by the registered nurse who puts the skills we are learning into practice. Youth participate in a number of activities that open the door to utilizing various coping skills they might not otherwise have been exposed to. Recreation Group can support youth with feeling more balanced, grounded, and calm with activities like:   

  • Multimedia Art and Activities 
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation 
  • Guided Visualization 
  • Soothing Jars 
  • Mindfulness 
  • Coping Thought Books 
  • Breathing Exercises