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 does 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 6:30-8pm*

* The Wednesday group is currently full and I’m enrolling for a group that will meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 12-1:30pm group. Please fill out this interest form and I’ll be in touch!

COST: $50/group meeting

To increase accessibility to this group, I also have a limited number of Supported Access spots ($25/group meeting). This is a discounted rate, for those with currently limited financial resources who struggle to meet basic needs.
And in a rebalancing effort there’s a Pay It Forward Access fee (anything above $50/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 and provide a cushion for those with less access to pay less.

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