Groups for Children & Adolescents
Group therapy for children and adolescents provides a supportive environment where young individuals can connect with peers facing similar challenges. Led by experienced therapists, these sessions offer a safe space for children and teens to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, while learning valuable social skills and coping strategies. Through activities, discussions, and mutual support, participants develop a sense of belonging, improve self-esteem, and gain tools to navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence more effectively.
To schedule a free consultation call to learn more, please reach out to info@gaiacounseling.com!
Elementary school therapy groups
Children learn through play and discovery. The Gaia Lower Elementary Group provides a safe therapeutic space for children ages 5 -7 to process inner feelings and learn coping skills as they share time with other children. Gaia Play Therapists will support and empower children with a relational child-centered approach that is compassionate and nurturing.
The Gaia Upper Elementary Group invites kids ages 8–10 to explore emotions and build resilience through dynamic, hands-on play therapy. Using role-play, collaborative storytelling, and creative movement, children practice expressing feelings, navigating social challenges, and trying out new coping tools—all in a supportive, playful space. With gentle guidance from our therapists they’ll gain confidence, empathy, and skills to handle big emotions, both in group and beyond.
Fall 2025 Session: September 6 - December 13
Lower Elementary (Ages 5-7): Weekly on Saturdays, 8:00 | Facilitated by Viviane Papis, MS
Upper Elementary (Ages 8-10): Weekly on Saturdays, 12:00 | Facilitated by Viviane Papis, MS
Cost: $75 intake session; $75 per group session; $50 parent check in sessions
Teen artmakers group
A supportive community space to practice self-care through creative artmaking. Explore themes of identity, growth, friendships, and family. This group will take a multimedia, "maker" approach guided by participants' interests and curiosity. Potential activities include:
Collage
Mask-making
Altered books
Blackout poetry
Art journals
Join us for a creative journey of self-expression, reflection, and connection!
Fall 2025 Session: September 11- December 4
Bi-weekly on Thursdays, 6 pm
Cost: $100 per session
Queer/LGBTQ+ Youth Therapy Groups
Gaia Counseling is excited to offer therapy groups designed for Queer youth under 18!
Build community & connection
Explore identity & develop social skills
Neurodivergent-affirming space
Led by Taylor Jaczko, a Queer & Nonbinary counselor passionate about safe spaces
12 week curriculum with flexible meeting times with no commitment to full series required
Join us and connect in a supportive space!
Fall 2025 Session starts September 6
Weekly on Saturdays, 12 pm
Cost: $50-75 per session (Discounted multi-session packages available for accessibility)
dungeons and dragons Ongoing Group
Adolescents, ages 10-14, learn how to build communication and social skills away from electronics and create and play as main characters, in a story narrated specifically for them. The group works together to build a custom made fantasy world that parallels real life in a safe space that allows them to process and learn.
Ongoing group, open enrollment
Weekly on Tuesdays, 5 pm
Cost: $100 per session
Facilitated by Erin Maurer, MA
Groups for Adults & Parents
Monthly matrescence circle
Becoming a mother is uniquely beautiful, challenging, and sometimes isolating. Join us for this monthly meet up where we leave the mom guilt at the door and share from the heart. You we never meant to do this alone!
The Matrescence Circle a safe and nurturing space where women with children under the age of 5 come together to share their stories and experiences. The intention of the group is to foster meaningful connection, support, and a sense of community, while honoring individual voices and journeys.
To register email rebekah@gaiacounseling.com.
Ongoing group, open enrollment
Monthly on the 2nd Sunday of the Month from 4:00-5:30 PM
Cost: $10 per session
Facilitated by: Rebekah Baldwin, MA – Holistic Life Coach & Mama to Rowan
Nature, Connection & Navigating the Storm: A Climate Anxiety Group for Adults
Feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety? You're not alone. Join us for a one-time experiential, adventure-based therapy group designed to help you connect with nature, others, and yourself.
Whether you’re seeking new ways to cope, craving community, or eager to turn your climate concerns into meaningful action, this group is for you.
📅 Sunday, April 27
🕒 3:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Gaia Decatur
Cost: $60 / $30 student rate
Facilitated by Viviane Papis
This supportive space will offer tools to manage climate-related anxiety while fostering meaningful connections. Come find comfort in community as we explore nature's grounding power together.
For more information or to register, please email us at info@gaiacounseling.com today!
Ongoing parent support group
This group is currently on a waitlist. For more information, please reach out to info@gaiacounseling.com!
Join Gaia therapists and other parents/caregivers as we discuss critical issues in parenting and child wellness. Parents/caregivers often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and defeated when their children or others in their home are facing challenges. The Gaia Parent Support Group is a safe space to share thoughts and offer support to others.