Support Groups

A free, non-judgmental, non-clinical, peer-led, and confidential drop-in space where people can share difficult thoughts and feelings around suicidal ideation or experiences or self harm without being assumed to have an illness or experiencing involuntary intervention. Walk in or contact Ally at alt2su@positivedirections.org

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Can't get to Westport on Tuesday nights? RIPPLE offers an online group on Friday nights. Visit rockingrecovery.org/alternatives-to-suicide-on-zoom/ for more information.

Looking to break free of negative self-talk or harmful habits, or to cope with anxiety or addiction? The SMART Teens support group can help. Based on SMART Recovery, this group a free facilitated weekly support group where you will learn practical psychology-based tools and gain social supports to help you create successful, long-term, changes in your life. SMART Teens teaches you how to: build and maintain the motivation to change; cope with urges; manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and ultimately live a balanced life. This group is exclusively for Norwalk teens and meets at Youth Business Initiative (YBI), 25 Van Zant Street, Suite 19A (4th floor), Norwalk. Participants can also join a monthly social-recreational activity. 

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Click here to download the support group flyer. 

Looking to break free of negative self-talk or harmful habits, or to cope with anxiety or addiction? Making a SMART Move can help. Making a SMART Move is a free facilitated weekly support group where you will learn practical psychology-based tools and gain social supports to help you create successful, long-term, changes in your life. Making a SMART Move teaches you how to: build and maintain the motivation to change; cope with urges; manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and ultimately live a balanced life. This group is facilitated by our wonderful counselor, Karlene Barnett. Zoom:  https://smartrecovery.zoom.us/j/96223807588

SMART Recovery Family & Friends is a free weekly support group to provide people with the tools they need to effectively support their loved one, without supporting that  person's addictive or harmful behaviors. SMART F&F is based on the CRAFT model, which is effective at helping someone acknowledge they need treatment. This weekly group will help you develop the coping skills you need and allow you to regain your peace of mind. Facilitated by our wonderful counselor, Karen Krupnik. Zoom: https://smartrecovery.zoom.us/j/99346638064 

We understand that teaching is difficult work, and the pandemic has put even greater pressure on educators. CEA, in partnership with Positive Directions, has designed a special program that focuses on teachers' mental health needs and helps prevent burnout. Licensed clinicians will facilitate virtual group counseling sessions for CEA members.

This High School support group serves as a safe place where teens can talk with each other and learn how to identify stressors and learn coping skills, deal with family/peer pressure, explore anxiety around school violence, and develop strategies to maintain grades. All CT High School students are welcome! This group is facilitated by our wonderful counselor, Karlene Barnett.

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Click here to download the support group flyer.

Through City of Norwalk ARPA funding, we are pleased to be offering this 10-week, clinician-led support group for high school aged boys from Norwalk. Each week boys will discuss challenges they face and issues of interest to them with facilitation by our therapist, Malaika Boyer-Seme, and support from Dajuan Wiggins from the Youth Business Initiative (YBI). Group meets at YBI, 25 Van Zant Street, Suite 19A (4th floor), Norwalk. Participants can also join a monthly social-recreational activity.

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Click here to download the support group flyer. 

Looking to break free of negative self-talk or harmful habits, or to cope with anxiety or addiction? SMART Recovery can help. SMART Recovery is a free facilitated weekly support group where you will learn practical psychology-based tools and gain social supports to help you create successful, long-term, changes in your life. SMART Recovery teaches you how to: build and maintain the motivation to change; cope with urges; manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and ultimately live a balanced life. This group is facilitated by our talented counselor, Karlene Barnett. Zoom: https://smartrecovery.zoom.us/j/96566104354

Our Alzheimer caregivers’ support group is a lifeline for families.  It is a place to turn to for advice and encouragement to help feel connected and give caregivers a sense of belonging and purpose.  The group helps put our own experiences living with dementia in perspective and provides support and encouragement to move beyond a diagnosis.  We share feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the health care and legal systems, and learn from one another.

To learn more, call us at 203-227-7644.

When a teacher is accused of improper conduct, it can be scary and stressful. CEA, in partnership with Positive Directions, has designed a special program for educators involved in Department of Children and Families investigations. The DCF Support Group will offer tools for building resilience and dealing with the emotional trauma and upheaval caused by accusations of wrongdoing and attacks on a teacher’s reputation.