Workshops and Support 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.

Call 240-800-JSSA (5772)
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, providing a supportive and honest environment for you to engage.

New Summer Workshops and Groups

Reclaiming Life After 50: Support Group for Women in Transition

This group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for women over 50 to explore identity, process chosen and imposed transitions, and reconnect with meaning and direction amid personal and societal change. Transitions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Retirement, forced retirement, or job loss
  • Children leaving home
  • Divorce or re-partnering
  • Health changes
  • Aging parents or caregiving burdens

Ages: Women aged 50+

Dates: Every Wednesday from July 9 to Aug 13
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Meets virtually
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Jodie Burns and Carolyn Stanek Lucy, JSSA clinical mental health interns

Please contact Jodie at jburns@jssa.org with any questions about this group or to register.

 

Social-Emotional Art Group

This is a 6-week therapeutic group for kids ages 8–10, using art, creativity, and peer connection to enhance emotional awareness and expression, build self-esteem and social skills, and develop coping strategies.

Ages: Elementary School- Ages 8-10
Dates: Thursdays, July 10th-August 14th
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person, JSSA Fairfax Office (3025 Hamaker Ct. Suite 450, Fairfax VA 22031)
Cost: Covered by the following insurance – Commercial Carefirst/BCBS, United Health Care, Cigna/Evernorth, Kaiser and VA Medicaid Plans.

Facilitator: Melissa Crespo, MA, Resident in Counseling

Melissa Crespo is a pre-licensed clinician providing therapeutic services to children, adults, and families. Melissa incorporates play-based and creative techniques into sessions to promote emotional wellness and self-expression, particularly in children and families.

*This group will require a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 8 participants

Please contact Melissa Crespo at mcrespo@jssa.org with any questions about the group or to register.

 

Social Skills Group for 4th and 5th Graders

In a safe and supportive environment, this group will help participants feel more comfortable and connected in social situations while also practicing conflict resolution through engaging activities.

Date: Starting June 24, 2025
Time: Tuesdays from 4:00 – 4:50 p.m. (8 sessions)
Location: JSSA’s Fallsgrove Office – 200 Wood Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20850
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Yelena Markman Smolianski, LCSW-C

For more information and to register for this group, call JSSA’s Mental Health Department at 240-800-JSSA(5772)

Free Workshops for Fairfax County Residents Aged 16-25

JSSA’s Transition Age Youth Program is hosting a series of educational groups this summer for Fairfax County residents aged 16-25.  Topics include:

  • Goal Setting and Motivation – June 17, 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
  • Food Resources – June 24, 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
  • Job Seeking Skills – July 10, 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
  • Financial Literacy and Resource Building – July 17, 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
  • Self Advocacy & Applications – July 29, 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

All workshops will take place at JSSA’s Fairfax Office at 3025 Hamaker Court, Suite 450, Fairfax, VA 22031

*Food will be provided, and transportation can be provided if needed.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER:

 

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.

 

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.