ALL IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUPS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
We are pleased to offer virtual groups during this time of physical distancing to provide extra support and space for LGBTQ+/TGE people. For therapy groups, more screening is needed to register and your participation will be billed to your insurance, paid at a rate of $60 per session, or assessed on your sliding scale fee.
Below are the names and descriptions of our group therapy offerings. For those interested in enrolling in our group psychotherapy program, please complete our interest form. For additional information, contact our Groups Coordinator at SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for any additional information or leave a voicemail at 872.269.3728.
También ofrecemos grupos en español, más información debajo.
THERAPY-FOCUSED GROUPS
“Apoyándonos” es un grupo terapéutico en español, en el cual buscamos generar y compartir recursos que nos ayuden a afrontar las situaciones que atravesamos como comunidad y en lo individual. Si alguna vez has sentido que el estrés, la ansiedad, la tristeza o la soledad te hacen más difícil cumplir con tus expectativas o las de la gente a tu alrededor, si sientes que a veces es mucho peso para ti solx, si tienes dudas sobre qué tan saludable te encuentras emocionalmente. “Apoyándonos” es el espacio para ti. Nos reunimos por videoconferencia cada jueves de 9 a 10 am, en un espacio seguro, sin costo para ti y sin importar tu origen, estatus, nacionalidad, creencias o preferencias. Jueves a la 9 -10 a.m.
Este grupo está actualmente en espera.
Join Alissa Catiis, psychotherapist and yoga teacher, for therapeutic movement for trauma and mental health free from the white gaze. We will spend about 45 minutes moving and doing a combination of chair yoga, mat yoga, qi gong*, meditation, and other movements to balance the nervous system. We will also spend time checking in with each other and building community.
No yoga or qi gong experience required. Phone screen required before registration. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) folks only. Biracial and multiracial folks welcome to join.
Tuesdays from 6 – 7:15 p.m. via Zoom
This group next plans to begin in July 2022, running for 10 weeks.
*Qi gong is a system based on Chinese medicine the combines breathing, movement, and following the natural flow of nature.
A therapy group designed to help manage stress in healthier ways. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group is an inclusive skills building group that runs cyclically in four distinct ten week modules. These modules include Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance. Meets Friday, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
This group is currently at capacity.
Un espacio para las personas que se identifican como transgenerx, no-binaria, dos-espiritus, o muxe. Expresamos la importancia de encontrarnos y generar espacios que visibilice nuestras necesidades y tambien la necesidad colective de la comunidad. Tambien, nos enfocamos hablar en la importancia de salud mental, y como las personas en nuestra comunidad son mas vulnerables por la sociedad y systemas publicas. “No sabemos hasta donde podemos llegar. Pero lo mas posible es que la perseverancia nos lleve a éxitos articulares.” Martes a las 2 – 3 p.m.
Group space for trans and nonbinary folks to explore gender, gender identity, challenge binary socializations, and build supportive relationships. Meets Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Group at capacity, waitlist available. This group next plans to begin late summer of 2022.
A therapy group focused on exploring gender identity and expression. In this group, we will examine, question, and confront conventional gender expectations. By undoing how we are taught gender “should” be, we work to move closer to intentionality and authenticity. Genderf**k is a fit for anyone interested in exploring their gender, regardless of how they currently identify.
Group one meets Tuesdays, noon – 1 p.m., group two meets Friday, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Group two is specifically designed for those with substance use concerns.
Groups at capacity, waitlist available. These groups next plan to begin in August 2022, running 16 weeks.
A therapy group designed to help explore loss and resilience in affirming community. Grief and Resilience is an episodic support group focused on creating a safe space for LGBTQIA and Gender Expansive people to come together and explore the challenges of loss. The group focuses on the power of community while exploring resilience and remembering as a way of healing. Group one, a closed, six-session, structured group, meets the second and fourth Thursdays and is planned to start next on April 14th, 2022. Group two, an open-ended, unstructured group, meets the first and third Thursdays, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Psychotherapy group for clients to explore interpersonal relationships, build resilience, and share and receive feedback on important interpersonal and relational patterns. Meets Fridays, 10 – 11 a.m.
This group plans to begin in July of 2022.
A psychotherapy group for those who are using substances or have histories of using substances. Whether you are interested in abstinence, moderation, or just talking with others about your substance use in an exploratory mental health setting, this group is open to individuals with a variety of mental health concerns, goals, and identities. LGBTQ participants especially welcome.
This group will provide a space to focus on building strong relationships, expressing emotions in honest and congruent ways, and identifying important life patterns in the work to build resilience and community.
Meets Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
This group next plans to begin in August of 2022.
Supporting resilience and quality of life for older LGBTQ+ and gender expansive adults age 50 and beyond. The Journey Continues is a diverse, gender inclusive and affirming 16 week group process for LGBTQ+ adults age 50 and beyond. The purpose of the group is to explore the aging process specific to LGBTQ+ individuals, to build community in a safe and empowering environment and to support resilience and quality of life in the aging process. The group is phenomenological, or client-centered by design, and shaped by the participants of each group. It is an episodic closed group that runs twice yearly, each Spring and Fall, and we ask clients to commit to the entire sixteen week process, Fridays 1 – 3 p.m.
This group next plans to begin in August of 2022.
This 10 week Recovery With Pride group is an affirming, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their substance use, get support for making choices that align with their values, and learn tools to cope with triggers and cravings more effectively. This group will draw from both harm reduction strategies and mindfulness exercises to support clients to reach their goals. Meets Thursdays from 4 – 5 p.m.
Group at capacity, waitlist available. This group next plans to begin in July of 2022.
A therapy group designed to help manage depression and anxiety. The group is a gender-inclusive, skill-based group designed to be a supportive space for folks who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. Group members will learn about how mindfulness meditation can improve mood and reduce distressing symptoms. Clients will learn techniques and practice these in group, while also connecting with other people who may have similar experiences and challenges with mental health. Group one meets Thursdays, 2 – 3:00 p.m., and group two meets Fridays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Group one next plans to begin in June of 2022. Group two group next plans to begin August of 2022.
Inclusive towards all identities, however substance use will be a weekly theme within the group topics. This will be a closed Recovery With Pride group. Group topics will be based on the original meanings of each color within the pride flag created by the late Gilbert Baker. Each color represents an aspect/virtue of life which the group will use to reflect upon towards their own personal use and challenges. Some of the areas that will be explored include: sexuality, peace, life, and nature. Meets Saturdays, noon – 1 p.m.
Group at capacity, waitlist available. This group next plans to begin in July of 2022.
A 16 session group which meets Thursdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Participants will receive foundational Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) elements of mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, with momentary focus on substance use management/harm reduction. The group atmosphere is more “classroom-like,” requiring high motivation from participants to engage in and apply concepts in and outside of the therapeutic space. Written assignments in-between sessions are an integral part of group.
Group at capacity, waitlist available. This group next plans to begin in August of 2022.
This group is for those seeking an abstinence approach to recovering from substance use. We meet in 8 week cycles and welcome new participants, seeking to center LGBTQ+ experiences in particular. Meets Wednesdays, 6 – 7 p.m.
Group at capacity, waitlist available. This group next plans to begin in July of 2022.
Are you in a relationship that feels unfair? Come talk to us… Does your partner put you down, pressure you into sex, physically hurt you, financially control you or threaten to “out” you? We provide a safe place to heal from emotional, financial, sexual and physical abuse that allows you to be open about your sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexuality. A brief phone screening is required before attending group. This group is offered free of charge.
UPCOMING THERAPY GROUPS
These groups are currently in the formation process. Please email SupportGroups@howardbrown.org for more updates and to be added to interest list.
- ACT for Adults
- The Collective 2 (Arts Expressive Group)
- Trans Folks of Color Group
- First Time Group
COMMUNITY GROUPS
PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Second Saturdays of the month 9 – 10:30 a.m.
To encourage social distancing, Gilda’s Club Chicago is pleased to announce that their LGBTQIA+ Cancer Networking Group in coordination with Howard Brown Health will be continuing the second Tuesday of every month through Zoom virtual programming.
This free support group is for anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community who has been impacted by cancer, including those who are living with cancer, family members and friends. Please go to https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar-virtual to RSVP and to check out all of our other virtual program offerings.
This is a support group for LGBTQ+ people attempting pregnancy. Our goal is to provide a safe, affirming space to support each other by exploring the beauty of parenting as queer people and making connections with other queer families and parents-to-be. Singles and couples are welcome. Registration is required. Third Thursdays of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Reserve your spot by email or phone: AIprogram@howardbrown.org or 773.388.1600 ext. 8871
El grupo incluirá educación básica, apoyo emocional, recursos, y un espacio dedicado a discutir métodos para enfrentar las dificultades de vivir con diabetes. Este grupo de apoyo se enfocará en empoderar la comunidad Latinx para vivir una vida saludable mientras manejando la diabetes.
Este grupo no está activo actualmente, pero estamos reclutando miembros para el próximo año. Comuníquese y envíe un correo electrónico a anaisc@howardbrown.org
Anais Cotillas • 773.388.1600 ext. 3676 or 773.708.3166 anaisc@howardbrown.org
Felicia Hernandez • 773.388.1600 ext. 2980 feliciah@howardbrown.org
T2D Life Support Group is hosted every first and third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. through a virtual meeting space. The group is drop-in style, no commitment necessary, and is open to everyone that is living with Type 2 Diabetes. This group discusses self-management behaviors, provides emotional support, resources, and overall, a safe space to discuss how to cope with the difficulties of living with diabetes. For more information, contact Anais Cotillas at 773.388.1600. ext. 3676 or anaisc@howardbrown.org
Rising Phoenix is a Four-week Community Group for Long-term Survivors Living with HIV/AIDS. This activity-based group for long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS (diagnosis before 1996) will focus on participant interests as we continue to thrive through our strengths and resiliency. For more information or to sign up please contact Elliott Morris, Community Health Worker. Phone: 312.613.4448. Email: elliottm@howardbrown.org
Tuesday Night Live (TNL) meets every week on Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 p.m. TNL is a peer-led group in which group members help lead the flow and discussion with facilitation by experienced staff. TNL is a space for any persons 21 and older, regardless of gender, race, or identity, who are living with HIV/AIDS. The group gives participants the opportunity to talk about shared experiences and unique challenges, while also allowing participants a space to socialize with others. Topics may include: self-care, dating and relationships, family support, individual health concerns, and other presentations based on participant interest. The schedule will also include movie nights, game nights, guest speakers, and more. For more information please contact: Rey Cordova | 773.388.1600 x1081 | tnl@howardbrown.org
Drop in workshops are available on the first and third Friday of the month, at 5:30 p.m. via zoom, facilitated by care specialists. Workshops are a safe space for any person, regardless of gender, race, or identity, who is living with HIV/AIDS. Workshop facilitators work to directly address misconceptions and myths related to HIV. Facilitators focus on key topics and help to provide workshop participants with a higher understanding of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapies. For more information please contact: Jason Clanton at JasonC@Howardbrown.org
Drop in workshops are available on the last Thursday of the month, 6 – 7 p.m., facilitated by care specialists. Workshops are a safe space for any person, regardless of gender, race, or identity, who is living with HIV/AIDS. Workshop facilitators work to directly address misconceptions and myths related to HIV. Facilitators focus on key topics and help to provide workshop participants with a higher understanding of HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral therapies. For more information please contact: Adriana Maldonado | 773.388.1600, ext. 1043 | AdrianaM@howardbrown.org
T-Time is an open group for transgender, gender variant, two-spirit, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, intersex, and gender questioning individuals. For more information, contact Trisha Holloway Riddle: trishah@howardbrown.org or 872.269.3702 ext. 3702
After Hours is a drop-in program for trans and nonbinary (TNB) people to see medical providers, eat dinner, access hygiene and clothing supplies, and connect with other TNB people in the community. Additional services at After Hours include the SHINE needle exchange, hormone prescriptions, programming, HIV/STI testing, linkage to care, insurance assistance, counseling, and gender marker letters. For more information, contact Trisha Holloway Riddle: Trishah@howardbrown.org or 872.269.3702 ext. 3702
Nexos is open every first and third Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m., facilitated by experienced staff. Nexos is a confidential group that is welcome to the community of Latinx Spanish speakers of any HIV status. During group, you will not be asked to disclose your HIV status, but you are welcome to self-disclose and talk about your status. The purpose of NEXOS is to create a safe space to support and build camaraderie through a variety of social activities and discussion topics. For more information please contact: PrEP@howardbrown.org
AGING ADULT GROUPS
See information about The Journey Continues group above. Please contact KellyR@howardbrown.org for information about all other groups for aging adults.