Support Groups

*** Live group CANCELLED Oct. 31st. Instead, check out RIPPLE's virtual Alternatives to Suicide group from 10PM-12AM.***

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A free, non-judgmental, non-clinical, peer-led, and confidential drop-in space where people can share difficult thoughts and feelings around suicidal ideation or experiences or self harm without being assumed to have an illness or experiencing involuntary intervention. Walk in or contact Ally at alt2su@positivedirections.org

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Can't get to Westport on Tuesday nights? RIPPLE offers an online group on Friday nights. Visit rockingrecovery.org/alternatives-to-suicide-on-zoom/ for more information.

This FREE virtual support group is designed for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. In this group, you can
expect to gain peer support regarding ways to enhance your emotional wellbeing and manage
stress as a young adult. We will cover topics ranging from being more mindful, managing stress,
developing healthy sleep habits, strengthening social connections, and coping with loss and
unexpected changes.

Looking to break free of negative self-talk or harmful habits, or to cope with anxiety or addiction? SMART Recovery can help. SMART Recovery is a free facilitated weekly support group where you will learn practical psychology-based tools and gain social supports to help you create successful, long-term, changes in your life. SMART Recovery teaches you how to: build and maintain the motivation to change; cope with urges; manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and ultimately live a balanced life. This group is facilitated by our talented counselor, Karlene Barnett. Zoom: https://smartrecovery.zoom.us/j/96566104354

We understand that teaching is difficult work, and the pandemic has put even greater pressure on educators. CEA, in partnership with Positive Directions, has designed a special program that focuses on teachers' mental health needs and helps prevent burnout. Licensed clinicians will facilitate virtual group counseling sessions for CEA members. This group is offered through the CT Education Association to CEA members. Sign up through the CEA website below.

Our Alzheimer caregivers’ support group is a lifeline for families.  It is a place to turn to for advice and encouragement to help feel connected and give caregivers a sense of belonging and purpose.  The group helps put our own experiences living with dementia in perspective and provides support and encouragement to move beyond a diagnosis.  We share feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the health care and legal systems, and learn from one another.

To learn more, call us at 203-227-7644.

A free, weekly support group for high school teens led by our clinician, Karlene Barnett. This group will serve as a safe place where teens can talk with other high schoolers about school, life, relationships and more!  In this free support group, teens will learn how to identify stressors and learn coping skills, deal with family/peer pressure, explore anxieties, and develop strategies to balance their lives. All high school students are welcome! 

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This group is starting Sept. 12th. Date subject to changed based on enrollment. 

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Click here to download the flyer. 

Queers & Peers is a weekly online peer support group hosted by TurningPointCT's peer support specialist. This group is for LGBTQ+ High Schoolers in CT. Participation is free, voluntary, and confidential. Participants will have the opportunity to talk about mental health, identity, stress, joy, community, and more with each other.

For more information, contact Quinn at qjannetty@positivedirections.org or at (475) 999-2605

SMART Recovery Family & Friends is a free weekly support group to provide people with the tools they need to effectively support their loved one, without supporting that  person's addictive or harmful behaviors. SMART F&F is based on the CRAFT model, which is effective at helping someone acknowledge they need treatment. This weekly group will help you develop the coping skills you need and allow you to regain your peace of mind. Facilitated by our wonderful counselor, Karen Krupnik. Zoom: https://smartrecovery.zoom.us/j/99346638064 

When a teacher is accused of improper conduct, it can be scary and stressful. CEA, in partnership with Positive Directions, has designed a special program for educators involved in Department of Children and Families investigations. The DCF Support Group will offer tools for building resilience and dealing with the emotional trauma and upheaval caused by accusations of wrongdoing and attacks on a teacher’s reputation. This group is offered through the CT Education Association to CEA members. Sign up through the CEA website below.