Have You Tried..?

Currently Enrolling!

WHO: This group is open to anyone 18+ who lives with a chronic health condition/s. It’s very important to me to not play any gatekeeping roles, especially as we often deal with internalized ableism that makes us question if we're "________ enough" for certain spaces (e.g., sick, ill, disabled, etc.). Please know that you don’t need to disclose any medical information to me or the group to be welcome!

This group will not exceed 12 people and is an inclusive and affirming space.

WHAT: This group is intended to give people with chronic health conditions the chance to: find connection, validation, and belonging; use art for reflection, relaxation, self-expression, and increasing understanding of their lived experience; and offer and receive emotional support. This group is facilitated by board-certified art therapist and licensed mental health counselor Dr. Lauren Leone, who uses her art-making practice to navigate her own experience with chronic health conditions. No formal art training/experience is necessary, and you can use whatever art materials you have on hand. (Before you join the group, Lauren will provide you with a list of optional materials).

Each week we start with a check in. Next, Lauren presents a spoonie-related theme and (optional) art prompt and you can create art based on that or just work on your own art. Themes may include: how chronic conditions can inform and impact relationships, identity, work; challenges/stressors; joys/wins; productivity culture and internalized capitalism and ableism, etc. As we make art, we’ll have time for discussion to share and receive support and resources. We check out through reflecting on what we made that week.

WHERE/WHEN: This is a virtual group that meets for 90 minutes over Zoom on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 6-7:30pm (note: for November and December 2024 we’ll be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, due to holiday schedules etc.)

COST: To increase accessibility to this group, payment is based on the following scale:

Equity/Supported Access: $25/group meeting. This is a discounted rate, for those with currently limited financial resources who struggle to meet basic needs

Standard Access: $50/group meeting. This is the actual cost of the group, for those with sufficient financial resources to meet their basic needs

Pay It Forward Access: $75/group meeting. This is the actual cost of the group plus some, for those with more than enough financial resources to meet their basic needs, and who can support fellow community members 

*Although the aim of the group is therapeutic, it is NOT mental health treatment or a replacement for it.