What
The Relational Concerns Group is an interpersonal process group, consisting of up to 8 members and the group leader. Its purpose is to provide an effective alternative to individual psychotherapy for adults with concerns about their ability to make friends and/or sustain fulfilling relationships with other adults.

Who
This group is for men and women 25 and over who experience troubling patterns in relationships, such as prematurely ending friendships, rigid roles (e.g., always the caretaker), feelings of alienation from others, and/or difficulty communicating. Anyone who desires more connection, honesty or communication with others may benefit from this group. The group leader, Tina Gilbertson, is a mental health therapist with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology.

Note: If you suspect you may have social anxiety disorder, please also see the Portland Social Anxiety Group page. If you're unsure which group might be right for you, call or email Tina for a free consultation.

How
Process groups like this one harness the power of interrelationships among group members to bring about profound self-awareness and opportunities to practice new behaviors - and to break painful patterns once and for all. Group therapy does *not* mean taking turns receiving individual therapy from the group leader. Instead, the group setting provides a closely monitored and controlled social laboratory for members to safely explore what typically happens between themselves and others, and to change those hurtful patterns in current and future relationships. 

Why
The group provides numerous outlets (through numerous relationships) for healing and personal growth, and is an affordable alternative to personal counseling. The rewards of group therapy can be equal to, or greater than, individual therapy. Improved self-esteem, better boundaries, and a greater capacity for closeness are typical benefits of group therapy.

When
Current group meets Saturday mornings from 11am to 12:30pm. An additional, separate Wednesday night group is planned for some time in 2010.

Where
Meetings take place at 1235 SE Division St. in Portland. Please see the Location page for a map, photos and directions.

Commitment and Cost
A three-month commitment is required, with six months being preferred. Group members are asked to try to attend every session, as absences are disruptive to the group process. The cost is $125 a month. 

To Join
Send an email or call 503.544.6179 to set up an initial one-on-one interview. At this meeting, you will be invited to fill in an interest questionnaire, and ask any further questions you may have about the group. If the fit is right for you, you may be asked to attend a 2nd individual meeting to discuss how you can best benefit from your experience in the group. There is no charge for the initial interview or the preparatory meeting.

Important note: There are times when adding new members would interrupt important work that's being done in group. Once you're invited to join, your start date might be immediate, or there could be a delay of weeks or even months. If a delay in starting the group would cause you significant distress, group therapy is likely not a good fit for you at this time. Group therapy does not provide immediate relief from symptoms; it's more like a self-improvement program that builds a foundation for a better life. Please see the Individual Therapy page and the therapy-related links on the Resources page for alternatives to group therapy.