Weekly Support Group – Tuesdays at 12PM

Every Tuesday at 12:00pm-13:00pm 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: Joclyn Krevat, MFT Trainee, Supervised by Adina Morguelan, LCSW #28900,
Erma Kyriakos, MFT Trainee, Supervised by Adina M Ascher, LCSW #28900
RVSP/Contactincoming@liberationinstitute.org

Weekly Support Group – Wednesdays at 6PM

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: Joclyn Krevat, MFT Trainee, Supervised by Adina Morguelan, LCSW #28900,
Erma Kyriakos, MFT Trainee, Supervised by Adina M Ascher, LCSW #28900
RVSP/Contactincoming@liberationinstitute.org

Performance Anxiety Support Group

Wednesdays 5:00pm – 6:15pm

Do you shake, get butterflies, or suffer from dry mouth before performances? Does your heart rate go up and your confidence and great ideas disappear before presentations? One of the worst effects of stage fright is the way it can isolate us and lead us to the notion that our suffering is uniquely extreme.

You are not alone! Stage fright is a common phenomenon experienced by musicians, athletes, executives, therapists, and anyone else who endeavors to engage in something that will be experienced and potentially evaluated by others.

A therapy group is a powerful context in which to learn about performance anxiety, process your experiences, gain a greater understanding of what is underneath your stage fright, begin to heal, and move towards a more adaptive and functional relationship with performance anxiety. Many find that what they saw as their greatest weakness becomes an invaluable asset and that exploring the deep inner conflicts driving stage fright leads to satisfying, confident, and brilliant performances.

We will learn together what performance anxiety is, what drives it, and what we can do about it. Additionally, we will share experiences and take a deep dive into the meanings we have assigned to those experiences. This safe, supportive environment will serve as a locus of healing and growth. The ultimate goals are to shift your perspective and support you in striving towards being the performer you want to be!

Facilitators: Scott Macomber
Bio: Scott Macomber has been an MFT trainee at The Liberation Institute since January of 2022. He attends the California School of Professional Psychology and will graduate later this year with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Also a full-time orchestral trumpet player, chamber musician, recording artist, and educator, Scott graduated from Northwestern University and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with degrees in Music. Scott has been helping performers overcome stage fright and give their best performances for over 25 years.

Supervisor Name: Adina Ascher, LCSW 28900
RVSP/Contactscottm@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California
Who this group is for: Anyone interested. No prerequisites
How many weeks will the group run for: 12 weeks

Couples Managing STIs Support Group

Thursdays from 7:00-7:50pm

Managing STIs (sexually transmitted infections) involves more than symptom management alone. Sometimes we must navigate social stigma, chronic pain, the medical system, uncomfortable conversations, and make accommodations for ourselves and our partners. In this group, couples can share their experiences with each other in an open and non-judgmental space. Your confidentiality is our priority. Please email us at shellyh@liberationinstitute.org and carolinea@liberationinstitute.org

Facilitators: Caroline Anton, MFT Trainee & Shelly Holland, MFT Trainee
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.

Caroline is a MFT Trainee with Liberation Institute and a Counseling Psychology graduate student with an emphasis in depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her previous experience in mental health includes volunteering as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line, as well as minoring in Psychology at Cal Poly SLO. At Cal Poly SLO, she majored in Agricultural Communication, learning about agricultural practices and applying that to communicating between farmers and consumers. She has worked in numerous settings, such as as a hostess and server in restaurants, an intern at a nonprofit studying nutrition, and a swim instructor. When Caroline is not with clients, she is hiking, doing yoga, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Supervisor Name: Crystal Haviland, LPCC7633 Josie Valderrama, PsyD27913
RVSP/Contactshellyh@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California
Who this group is for: Personal experience having STIs, relationship of any kind with someone w/ STIs
How many weeks will the group run for: Drop in group (On-going)

New In Town Support Group

Every Wednesday from 10-11 AM

Moving to a new place can be very exciting, but it can also be one of the most stressful events in our lives. This group is a space where people new to the Bay Area can share their experiences, discuss challenges, and connect with others in the same situation. Whether you moved here this week, or several years ago, this group welcomes anyone new in town! Please email us at shellyh@liberationinstitute.org and carolinea@liberationinstitute.org.

Facilitators: Caroline Anton, MFT Trainee & Shelly Holland, MFT Trainee
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.

Caroline is a MFT Trainee with Liberation Institute and a Counseling Psychology graduate student with an emphasis in depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her previous experience in mental health includes volunteering as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line, as well as minoring in Psychology at Cal Poly SLO. At Cal Poly SLO, she majored in Agricultural Communication, learning about agricultural practices and applying that to communicating between farmers and consumers. She has worked in numerous settings, such as as a hostess and server in restaurants, an intern at a nonprofit studying nutrition, and a swim instructor. When Caroline is not with clients, she is hiking, doing yoga, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Supervisor Name: Crystal Haviland, LPCC7633 Josie Valderrama, PsyD27913
RVSP/Contactincoming@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California, online
Who this group is for: Must be experiencing challenges associated with moving to a new place somewhere generally in the Bay Area.
How many weeks will the group run for: Drop in group (On-going)

Kink, Queer, and Alternative Relationship Support Group

Every Thursday at 11:30am – 1:00pm PST

This group aims to offer support, build community, and organize resources that will help navigate alternative relationships (e.g. polyamorous, ENM, kink, etc). Additionally, focus will be given to promoting healthy family dynamics, exploring kinks & boundaries safely, embracing sexual identities & expression, and reducing stigma. This group embraces all queer and heterosexual relationships. LGBTQ+ and allies are all welcome!

Facilitators: Akasha Heinzig, MFT Trainee & Renee Maksoud, MFT/PCC Trainee

Bio: Akasha Heinzig is an MFT Trainee at Liberation Institute and graduate student at Pacifica Graduate Institute, pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling as well as a Certification in Sex Therapy. Her education provides a Psychodynamic and Humanistic foundation; however, in practice, Akasha takes an integrative approach to psychotherapy that honors each clients’ subjective perspective and the unique therapeutic relationship created together.

Akasha is a Caucasian, Malaysian, and Native American cis-gendered, queer woman. She is a single mother, sexual assault and domestic violence survivor, and has previous experience working in both the tech and corporate industries.

Renee Maksoud is a dual MFT and PCC Trainee at Liberation Institute and has nearly completed a Master’s degree in Psychology at University of Massachusetts Global. Her past experiences include being a coordinator and case manager at a domestic violence shelter, extensive practice of applied behavioral analysis as Board Certified Autism Technician, and experience in developing and running her own small business. Renee has clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, and trauma as well as the ways in which these experiences impact interpersonal relationships and self identity. She believes in an eclectic approach tailored to fit the individual needs and learning styles of each client. She largely pulls from cognitive models (CBT, ACT, and DBT) in addition to psychodynamic therapy, internal family systems, and narrative therapy, among others.

Supervisor Name: Akasha Heinzig’s Supervisor: Lynndal Daniels, LMFT #78183 – Renee Maksoud’s Supervisors: Lynndal Daniels, LMFT #78183, Crystal Haviland, LPCC7633, Adina Morguelan Ascher, MSW, PhD LCSW 28900
RVSP/Contactincoming@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California
Who this group is for: Any adult couple (18 or older) who is interested in the group’s topics/intentions.
How many weeks will the group run for: 12 weeks

Reading Group

Thursdays, 5:30PM – 6PM, beginning 11/18/22

Group reflection relies on individual reaction. Our starting point is the body, resilience and trauma. Our work is in group dynamics and relationship. Our presence is uniquely beneficial. Rainy day reading is an online group that meets weekly, Thursday, 5:30-6pm to discuss therapist Resmaa Menakem’s take on race and our bodies. Rainy day reading is facilitated by Rose McCormick (she/her), a student in counseling psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute and a trainee at the Liberation Institute. This group is offered by donation, no one is turned away for lack of funds,contact Rose McCormick with questions or to make a reservation.

Facilitators: Rose McCormick
Supervisor Name: Shelly Stratton, PhD, LCSW, Oregon Board of Mental Health. License # 7252.
RVSP/Contactincoming@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California, online
Who this group is for: anyone, no prior therapy experience is required
How many weeks will the group run for: Drop in group (On-going)

Art Group

Every Wednesday at 9:30-11:00am PST

Looking to the muse inside of us for inspiration. Art as a way to know ourselves and see beyond the literal. Awake dreaming. Strengthening our creative muscle which resources us in other areas of our life. Art therapy is a lot like Jungian Analysis in that we live inside of the questions, breathing life into what wants to be expressed being careful not to interpret or analyze, but just be with what is present here now.

Facilitators: Laura Miola
Bio: Laura Miola is MFT trainee, trained as a somatic based expressive arts therapist through the Tamalpa institute. Laura is interested in working with dream images and helping individuals become their true authentic self. As an artist she has danced, created theatre performances and has had a painting practice since childhood. She is passionate about creativity in therapy and working with images from a decentered approach.
Supervisor Name: Josie Valderrama, Psy.D. License # Psy27913
RVSP/Contactincoming@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California
Who this group is for: anyone
How many weeks will the group run for: Drop in group (On-going)

Grief Support Group

Join us to be with Grief in a community of support

Time: TBD

A space to talk about the way grief and loss show up in our lives in the ways we expected and the ways we didn’t expect it to. The group understands grief as the feeling of that comes from losing the future we imagined or ourselves and our loved ones. Whether Grief comes in reaction to a Death, Divorce, Split-ups, Moving, Job Loss. There are so many facets of our lives in which we can experience loss and this is a space to share and process those feelings through story, art and creativity; with people who understand.


RVSP/Contact: incoming@liberationinstitute.org
Location: California
Time: TBD