Group Therapy - Coping with Chronic Pain

This on-going group is designed for those experiencing chronic pain.

Issues that contribute to the increase of pain to suffering are: stress and relationship conflicts. We discuss ways of reducing those concerns and teach coping skills.

There is an emphasis on the following:

• Education...explaining the cycle of pain
• Cultivating coping and self-soothing behaviors...how to skills
• Support...how to ask for help
• Feedback...getting suggestions from others
• Group process...learning about yourself from interacting in the group

We meet weekly and begin each session with a mindful meditation exercise.

The group meets on Wednesdays from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Belmont Behavioral Health / Outpatient Care Center
4200 Monument Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Contact information:
Bonnie Witmer, MSS, LCSW
(215) 581-9188

Women's Depression Group

This on-going group is designed for women experiencing an episode of depression. There is an emphasis on:

• education
• development of coping and self-soothing skills
• support
• feedback
• group process

Issues that contribute to depression, such as stress, relationship conflicts and loss are also addressed.

The group meets on Friday mornings from 11:00 - 11:55 A.M.
Belmont Behavioral Health / Outpatient Care Center
4200 Monument Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Contact information:
Bonnie Witmer, MSS, LCSW
(215) 581-9188

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. People who have lived in an invalidating environment, have dysregulated mood states, chaotic interpersonal relationships and limited coping skills for distressing events can benefit from the DBT program.

The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program includes individual DBT therapy, DBT skills group, telephone coaching between sessions and psychiatric consultation as indicated.

The DBT Skills Group
Meets weekly and is available to patients who are working with a Belmont DBT therapist. The following skill areas are taught:

• Core Mindfulness
• Emotion Regulation
• Distress Tolerance
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

Groups meet once per week for 1.5 hours.

Belmont Behavioral Health / Outpatient Care Center
4200 Monument Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Contact Intake Coordinator:
Karen Zelaya-Kendall, Ph.D.
(215) 581-3973
(877) 350-8669

Coping with Chronic Pain Group Therapy

This 12-session group focuses on developing strategies for managing chronic pain. Participants learn how to identify the impact of pain on their life, find the balance between activity and rest, and develop mindfulness practices to improve coping abilities.

Meets: Thursday afternoons at Belmont Behavioral Health -- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Moss One
Facilitated by: Jamie Jessar, Psy.D.
Cost: Outpatients are responsible for insurance co-pay*.
Contact: 215-456-9850 to join this group or for additional information.

Women's Psychotherapy Group

This ongoing group is designed for adult women ages 35 to 65 who are dealing with depression. The group also focuses on medical and change of life issues as they contribute to a woman's depression. The group also explores a woman's relationship with her spouse, significant other, and children. This is a psychotherapy group that is supportive in nature and may, at times, include Art Therapy.

Meets: Tuesday - 2 to 3:15 p.m. or Friday - 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at Belmont Behavioral Health -- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Moss One
Facilitated by: Mary Beth Quinn Boulden, ATR-BC, LCSW who is an Art Therapist and Clinical Social Worker.
Cost: Outpatients are responsible for insurance co-pay*.
Contact: 215-456-9850 to join this group or for additional information.

Interpersonal Relationship Group Therapy

This is a group designed for individuals who are experiencing interpersonal relationship difficulties and dissatisfaction in their relationships. The group will help the individual to explore their relationship problems geared towards building greater satisfaction and skills in interpersonal relationships as well as greater self-understanding.

When and where: Monday - 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at Belmont Behavioral Health -- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Moss One
Facilitated by: William Shapiro, Psy.D.
Cost: Outpatients are responsible for insurance co-pay*.
Contact: 215-456-9850 to join this group or for additional information.

*Some insurance carriers may cover the cost of these programs if eligible. Payment methods can be discussed on an individual basis prior to the start of the program.