Therapy Groups

About Dr. Steiner's Therapy Groups

What you can get from being involved in a Therapy Group

A safe place to practice and learn how to express your needs in relationships.
Improve your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Improve your communication skills.
Discover the gift of compassion for yourself.

Here is a You Tube clip about the benefits of group therapy, specifically for people with medical issues and illnesses, recorded by the American Group Psychotherapy Association:

For a short clip about what group therapy looks like for clients in a college counseling center, check out this You Tube: Introduction to Group Therapy by Darius Campinha-Bacote - YouTube

** Check out this interesting article on 'Why Group Therapy Worked' in The New York Times**

More about Dr. Steiner's Therapy Groups

Individual Screening and Preparation makes for stronger, healthier groups. I screen and prepare people carefully for my groups. After leading groups for 30 years I have found that it helps if I meet individually with each person from 3 or 4 sessions, depending on whether they have been in therapy or other groups before. The first appointment allows us to see if we are a good match, whether we feel we can work well together and that you would benefit from being in one of my groups. I use a collaborative approach, which means that we will work together to see if the type of therapy group I lead is the best way for you to get help at this point in your life. As with any therapy, it is important that you feel the therapist understands and can be of help to you. If we agree that you would benefit from and be able to contribute to one of my groups we will talk about what you want to get out of being in group and we will write a list of your goals.

List of Dr. Steiner's Groups

Support Group for the Over 60: This supportive, process-oriented mixed long-term group for high- functioning adults, addresses life transitions, self-care and intimacy issues. Designed for people who want to work on problems in their personal and career relationships. Members become aware of patterns that do not work and explore new ways to create more satisfying relationships. Openings for psychologically aware members. For more detailed information, see Groups for Clients: Interpersonal Group.

Chronic Medical Illness Group: Isolation and depression are common side-effects of chronic pain, visible and invisible illnesses. This supportive psychotherapy group includes hidden disabilities and chronic pain issues. The group helps members make the most of life with limitations and add more compassion for themselves. It is designed for people who want to freely discuss their experiences and frustrations with others who face similar physical challenges. This group is a safe place for members to learn how to reduce the ways in which pain and physical limitations get in the way of leading a fuller life. For more detailed information about the chronic group, see Therapy Groups for Clients: Chronic Illness Group.

Therapy Group for Therapists: Dr. Steiner also offers a group for therapists, currently on hiatus, to help members with their own personal growth and deal with the unique needs of mental health professionals.

Consultation Group for Licensed Therapists: Dr. Steiner's consultation group for licensed therapists is currently on hiatus. It is designed who want to look closely at their clinical work, deepen their understanding of their client's processes and sharpen their skills. Please check back or contact me for information about when this group will start up again.

Note: All of Dr. Steiner's groups are designed for individuals who have either have been in, or are currently in psychotherapy, are not in crisis, and are motivated to change. There are many groups that are short term or designed to help people who are in crisis. For more information, see group therapy referral resources.

About the Group Leader

Ann Steiner, Ph.D., M.F.T., CGP, (Certified Group Psychotherapist), has been leading psychotherapy groups for 30 years, supervises, trains and consults to therapists. She is a licensed marriage family therapist in private practice in Contra Costa county in Northern California. She is a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Society, served as a board member, was Co-Chair of the Health and Medical Issues Special Interest Group, is a member of the the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, was president of Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society, a founding member of the American Orthopsychiatric Association's Disability Study Group and the National Registry of Group Psychotherapists.

Dr. Steiner served as an Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California Medical School, San Francisco for fourteen years, helped found and is on the faculty of The Psychotherapy Institute's Group Therapy Training Program. She lectures at professional meetings nationally and locally, and writes for consumers and therapists.

Disclaimer: This website is designed for educational purposes, and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological care. If you require urgent medical or psychological services please consult a qualified professional in your area, or call 911.

Your Privacy is Important:

An increasing number of therapists discourage sending confidential information over the Internet since the Patriot Act allows the reading of private emails. Additionally, there are other challenges to maintaining confidentiality via the Internet.

If you have questions about Dr. Steiner's therapy groups, please call her at (925) 962-0060 or send an email along with your phone number, and a variety of times when it would be convenient for her to return your call.