Workshops and Groups

Our workshops and groups allow everyone from teens to seniors to connect with others in a supportive environment.

Call now to learn how we can help.

Available in:
  • Montgomery County, MD
  • Northern Virginia

It can be hard to face life’s challenges alone, and finding others who are going through similar experiences is not always easy. JSSA is here to help you connect to, grow with, and learn from your neighbors.

We offer workshops and group counseling for everyone, from teens struggling to cope at school to people experiencing grief and loss. Our licensed staff lead these sessions and allow you to engage in an honest, supportive environment.

Women Connecting with Women – New Group

For women ages 40-60 who are experiencing loneliness, anxiety and depression. This small group will provide a safe space to share and connect with other women. Opportunities will be provided to build social connections with other women in a similar place in life.

Date: Tuesdays starting Feb 6th through March 12th (6 total sessions)
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: In Person at JSSA Nova Office (3025 Hamaker Ct. Suite 450, Fairfax, VA)
Cost: Free

Facilitators: Christy Hinckley (she/her/hers) holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Brigham Young University and is a MSW student at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 2025. She has worked extensively with Afghan refugees, helping them find resources and providing family support. She has also been a substitute teacher. Christy has interest and experience with OCD, ADHD, trauma, grief and mood disorders.

Amit Hickman (she/her/hers) has a Master’s of Education with a focus on Early Childhood from George Mason University. She is an MSW student at George Mason, graduating in May 2024. Previously in social work, Amit worked with families and young children in the nonprofit setting. Amit is trained in CBT, PCIT, CCPT, and SPACE. She enjoys working with adults and families.

To register for the group, please email Christy at chinckley@jssa.org and/or Amit at ahickman@jssa.org.

 

Support Group for Parents of Adults with Disabilities – Ongoing

Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 AM

Led by Lori Kolle.  If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Lori at lkolle@jssa.org or call her at 301-610-8374.

 

Older Adults Estranged from Adult Children

Participants in this group will:
• Explore the emotional impact of estrangement on you and your family.
• Connect with others who understand your struggles and provide mutual support.
• Develop strategies and skills to help cope with what you’re experiencing.

Dates: Thursdays starting February 15 – March 21 (2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21)
Time:10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Virtual meeting
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Niccole de Campos, MSW Intern

If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Niccole de Campos at ndecampos@jssa.org

 

Pet Loss Support Group – NEW GROUP

Grieving the loss of a pet is a very personal experience, and the healing journey is different for everyone. This support group will help adults 18+ through the grieving process. It will also provide a safe, compassionate, and empathetic environment for those who want to listen, share, and celebrate the life of their treasured pet with others who are suffering a similar loss.

Dates: Starting as soon as the group fills up
Time: Mondays at 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Facilitators: Kelly Williams, Chloe Pilkerton, and Tamara Ring

If you are interested in registering for this group, please call Kelly Williams at 301-245-7407 or email kwilliams@jssa.org.

 

Teen Therapy Group for 14-17-year-old adolescents – NEW GROUP

This group will help group members learn new coping skills, increase self-confidence, and enhance skills for making and keeping friends in a positive and supportive environment.

Does your teen have thoughts that sound like this? If so, this group could be for them.

  • I feel lonely and wish I had more people my age I could talk to about what I’m feeling.
  • I don’t want to complain to my friends. I know they are struggling too.
  • I’m not sure I know how to make and keep friends.
  • I want to cope better with all the stress I feel.
  • It’s sometimes hard to understand and manage my own emotions.
  • I wish I had more confidence in myself.
  • I wish I had a place where I could talk honestly about what I’m going through with a group of supportive peers.

12 weekly group sessions 
Dates: Thursdays from February 22, 2024 – May 16, 2024

Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: JSSA Fallsgrove Office
Facilitators:
Zach Lehman and Lucy Tembo

Register Here

 

Bereavement Groups

Losing a loved one can be debilitating. Everyone processes the shock and grief of loss differently, and the individual journey of grieving can leave us feeling isolated and lost. When you don’t know where to turn or how to move forward, JSSA is here to help you.

Our bereavement support groups provide a respectful and supportive setting where you can share your feelings and gain insight into the process of grieving. Facilitated by clinicians with specialized training and experience in grief and offered at no charge, these groups include:

  • Adult Children Who Have Lost a Parent
  • Loss of Spouse/Partner
  • Loss of Spouse/Partner Over One Year
  • Suicide Grief for Adults
  • Loss of Child or Teen – Virtual & In-person

Pre-registration is required for all bereavement groups. Participants are requested to wait until at least three months after the loss before joining a group.

Please call 240-800-JSSA and press 2 for hospice to register for a bereavement group.

Adult Children Who Have Lost a Parent Support Group

Seven-session evening group for adults who have lost a parent within the past year. Held several times a year.

Loss of Spouse/Partner Support Group – ongoing

Meets virtually the second and fourth Friday of the month
TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Loss of Child or Teen Support Group – ongoing (Virtual & In-person)

Meets virtually on Monday evenings once a month.

Suicide Grief Support Group for Adults

Meets virtually the first and third Mondays of each month
TIME: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Loss of Spouse/Partner Greater than One Year

Eight-session evening group for adults who have lost a spouse/partner over a year ago. Held several times a year.