D&D Therapy Group (Ages 11-17)

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Group Description: Dungeons & Dragons Therapy uses tabletop roleplaying to promote growth, learning and exploration. Drawing on traditions of Jungian sand tray therapy, Gestalt parts work, and Drama Therapy, D&D Therapy encourages emotional, cognitive, and somatic expression in a fun, supportive and creative environment.

This group meets virtually Tuesdays from 6-7:30 PM and welcomes all new members ages 11-17, no prior experience required! Mark your calendar, as this group begins May 7!

Facilitator Bios:

Geoffrey Morris is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor trainee at the Liberation Institute, working under the supervision of a licensed person. He is currently pursuing a MS in Counseling at California State University, East Bay. He completed his MS in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University in 2006, where he focused in Computer Music and Sound Art. For the past decade he has worked as an instructor with the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program teaching Game Design to students aged 12-18 across South America and Asia. Prior to starting at the Liberation Institute, Geoffrey worked as a counselor at the San Francisco Suicide Prevention Hotline. His abiding interest in creativity and the unconscious led him to a career in counseling, where his expertise in music, cognitive science, and creative playinform his work in helping clients discover meaning and purpose. He lives in San Francisco. Geoffrey is supervised by Paul “JR” Allen, LMFT #121687


Marc Manning: “I am an MFT / PCC trainee currently studying at Cal State Eastbay Hayward. I have an MFA from CCA in fine art and maintain an active artist practice that focuses on embroidery, painting, and sound performance. I am interested in exploring how the unconscious unfolds and can be accessed through creative acts. I believe in the power of art, music, and fantasy to process and heal the effects of traumatic events. I have a background of working with the developmentally disabled community as a social worker at the Golden Gate Regional Center. I am originally from Asbury Park NJ, and am currently living in San Francisco’s mission district with my husband and two cats.” Marc is supervised by Ariadna Armenta, LCSW#102477

Contact information for group: groups@liberationinstitute.org

Art as Healing Practice

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Art as Healing Practice is for anyone interested in learning about themselves and receiving supportive feedback on their art. Liberation Institute therapists Edward and Pam will facilitate a collaborative, safe space where you can share what you’re working on and receive thoughtful reflections and encouragement from other creatives. The emphasis will be on exploring one’s personal myth through expressive arts drawing from Jungian and narrative psychotherapies. This group has a suggested donation of $10 per session and is open to California residents. 

Group time: Tuesdays at 6 PM, held virtually via Zoom

Group contact/to join: groups@liberationinstitute.org

Facilitator Bios:

Pam Strugar is an MFT Trainee at Liberation Institute studying counseling psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. Pam holds a BFA and MFA in fine arts and has had a long career in art-making as a solo artist working in painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art. Pam has also worked in a collaborative art group called Multipoint for over 20 years. Pam is also a fully certified Evolutionary Astrologer and fully licensed in somatic Deep memory processing (past life regression). Pam has worked with psychic surgeons in the Yucatán for over 20 years. Pam has spent dozens of years working with inner images, art images and understanding dream images while doing my own inner work. Pam has studied images from many cultures; cultural competency is vital when looking at images. Pam has taught art and led dream image seminars. Pam is Caucasian, is involved with the Queer community, and has Eastern, Western European as well as Baltic heritages. Pam’s psychological bent is towards humanistic, integrative, psychodynamic, Jungian, and archetypal psychologies. 

Edward Suprenant  is a Level-1 ATG coach with extensive training in the contemplative lineages of Zen Buddhism (lay ordination with Tenshin Reb Anderson, 2019) and Hatha Yoga (TT with Tias Little of the Prajna Yoga School, 2013). He is currently an MFT trainee at the Liberation Institute of San Francisco and a student of Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. His thesis research focuses on the integration of transpersonal and somatic approaches to psychotherapy.”

Supervisors: Pam is supervised by Lynndal Daniels,  LMFT License #78183
Edward is supervised by Syd McClune, LMFT License #118779

Recovery’s Remedy: A Monthly Gathering for Addiction Support

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Addiction can be a formidable adversary, but the journey to recovery is not one that you have to face alone. “Recovery’s Remedy” offers a monthly gathering where you can find the support and camaraderie you need to take those important steps towards healing. Let’s delve into the details of this vital support group.

Time: Monthly gathering for addiction support, held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Contact: To RSVP, please email Elizabeth at elizabeth@liberationinstitue.org.

Location: You can find us at The Rhizome.

Who this group is for: “Recovery’s Remedy” is a supportive community designed for individuals seeking addiction support. Whether you are on the path to recovery or supporting a loved one, you are welcome to join this gathering.

How many times this group will run for: This group meets on a monthly basis, offering consistent and reliable support for those navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery.

“Recovery’s Remedy” serves as a beacon of hope and support for those on the journey to recovery. The focus here is on creating a safe and welcoming space where you will find the support you need. To join this monthly gathering and take steps towards healing and recovery, simply reach out to Elizabeth at elizabeth@liberationinstitue.org to RSVP. You don’t have to face addiction alone, and “Recovery’s Remedy” is here to remind you of that.

Nourished by Stillness: A Mindful Inquiry Group

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Led by the experienced facilitator Maggie, “Nourished by Stillness” provides a space for individuals to explore the transformative power of mindfulness and inquiry. In the heart of the Liberation Office on Stark St., you’ll find solace and support as you embark on this journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Maggie at maggier@liberationinstitute.org to learn more and reserve your spot in this enriching exploration of stillness and mindfulness.

Time: Tuesdays 5:30-7pm

Facilitators: Maggie

Facilitators Bio:

  • Maggie: Our dedicated facilitator, Maggie, brings a wealth of experience in mindfulness and inquiry practices. Her commitment to this transformative journey makes her the ideal guide for this group.

Supervisor name: Elizabeth Hoke LMFT T1440

Contact: For more information and to reserve your spot, please email Maggie at maggier@liberationinstitute.org.

Location: You can find us at the Liberation Office on Stark St.

Who this group is for: “Nourished by Stillness” is open to all people of all levels of experience who are interested in mindfulness and inquiry practices. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of mindfulness, you are welcome to join.

How many weeks this group will run for: This group offers an ongoing, drop-in format, allowing you to participate as you’re able. The flexibility of this format ensures that you can integrate mindfulness and inquiry into your life at your own pace.

Embracing Transitions Support Group

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Amidst life’s ever-changing currents, we sometimes find ourselves at profound crossroads, facing transformative shifts. In today’s fast-paced world, these pivotal moments often slip by unnoticed. “Embracing Transitions” is here to change that. This therapeutic group draws inspiration from age-old rites of passage to offer a sanctuary for those navigating or bracing for significant life changes. Let’s delve into the details of this transformative journey.

Facilitators: Simone and Maggie

Facilitators Bio:

  • Simone: Simone is a seasoned yoga and meditation teacher, experiential educator, and rite of passage guide. Her extensive background in somatics and eco-psychology uniquely equips her to guide individuals through transformative journeys.
  • Maggie: Maggie brings a wealth of experience in Council Facilitation and Voice Dialogue parts work. With two years of immersive experience in a Buddhist monastery and ongoing study in the Diamond Approach inquiry method, she offers profound spiritual and psychological insights to the group.

Supervisor name: Elizabeth Hoke LMFT T1440

Contact: To register, simply email simone@liberationinstitute.org.

Location:

  • Separation Phase: Join us online on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 pm.
  • Ceremony Phase: Immerse yourself in an in-person experience at Corbett, OR, on 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, and Sunday, 11/5, from 12-5 pm, with an optional potluck.
  • Return Phase: We reconvene online on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 pm on 11/9 and 11/16.

Who this group is for: “Embracing Transitions” is for individuals who have recently experienced or are about to undergo significant life events, such as a change in career or retirement, the loss of a loved one, the ending or beginning of a relationship, a significant shift in personal identity or spiritual beliefs, becoming a parent or experiencing an “empty nest,” major health changes or diagnosis, or discovering a newfound sense of purpose. This group is designed to provide a supportive and transformative space during these pivotal moments.

How many weeks this group will run for: The program spans 6 weeks, ensuring participants have ample time to navigate and honor life’s transformative transitions.

Weekly Support Group – Wednesdays at 6PM

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Every Wednesday at 6:00pm-7:00pm PST

For anyone looking for a safe space for general support.
Weekly group therapy focused on offering a safe, collaborative space for general support.

Facilitators:

Shelly Holland, Supervised by Crystal Haviland, LPCC7633

Bio: Shelly is a MFT Trainee with Liberation Institute and a graduate student at Alliant International University. She previously worked for a Planned Parenthood clinic in Denver, at biosecurity and neuromodulation start-ups here in the Bay Area, and with environmental education youth groups near her hometown, Half Moon Bay. Shelly studied communication and human sexuality at UC Santa Barbara, and has several years of experience working in human sexuality education groups. When Shelly isn’t exercising her mind, she’s running, rock climbing, and gardening.

Grace Currier, Supervised by Crystal Haviland, LPCC #7633. Supervised by Lynndal Daniels, LMFT #78183

Bio: Grace is a counseling trainee passionate about self-care and community. She is currently a graduate student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to earn an MA in Clinical Counseling, and she recently graduated with an MA in Religion to study spirituality and healing from religious trauma. Her therapeutic approach is human-centered, trauma-informed, and empowering, and in her free time she enjoys playing video games, embroidery, and taking care of her houseplants.


RVSP/Contact: groups@liberationinstitute.org

Weekly Support Group – Tuesdays at 12PM

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This group is temporarily closed. To be added to an interest list for when it resumes, please contact groups@liberationinstitute.org. For now, please consider joining us Wednesday evenings at 6 PM

Wednesday group: https://www.liberationinstitute.org/weekly-support-group-wednesdays-at-6pm/