Bee Mindfull

                       BEE MINDFULL GROUP-BASED THERAPY 

Group Psychotherapy is a form of therapy conducted with a small group of individuals experiencing the same or similar problems. Women-based group psychotherapy gives women the opportunity to relate with other women experiencing similar problems, creating a feeling of universality and connection. During group therapy, multiple clients are treated together. Clinical studies (APA.org, Novotney, 2019) indicate joining and staying in a women’s group and other gender programs, such as women only groups, have proven itself as a leading treatment of choice for women.  

Gender identity can serve as a validation for most women. Attending a woman-based group, women can help and provide mutual support for each women participating. With this, women can restore their self-esteem, learn to value themselves, gain empowerment, cohesively work together as they support one another, and build strength in the groups unity. This environment cultivates the struggles and perspectives shared by the members allowing for individual growth amongst the participants. Dr. Petrongelli concentrates on treatment topics in respect to concerns that are primarily women’s. Female physical health, physiology, age, mental health issues and diagnosis, spiritual concerns, as well as background and life circumstances are taken into consideration as she formulates women's group therapy sessions. 

Mindfullness skills are taught in the context of the group and include, but not limited to:  ​ 

- Self-observation of thoughts and feelings  

- Learn senses of change/support from others 

- Structure discipline 

- Relaxation/biofeedback techniques  

- Reduce senses of isolation 

- Offer ongoing support

Women who are experiencing and struggling with some of the following issues may find the Bee Mindfull group beneficial, but not limited to:

- Anxiety 

- Relationship/Communication difficulties 

- Depression 

- Anger Management 

- Grief and Loss

- Trauma 

- Parenting 

- Sexual Abuse

- Physical Abuse 

- Levels of Recovery 

- Stages of Addiction

Dr. Petrongelli earned Group Psychotherapy Certification during her doctoral education. During her extern and intern clinical experiences, she gained years of group-based facilitation and didactic instruction. A strong group facilitator plays a huge part in the effectiveness of a therapy group. Dr. Petrongelli operates as a strong female role model for women, co-instilling awareness, along with expression of feelings, reactions, and needs, which can inculcate direct and healthy ways for group members to gain insight. She promotes interaction that fosters connection, incorporates conflict-resolution behaviors, while enforcing respect for personal boundaries. The overall goal of the group is to promote self-nurturance and care for women by encouraging the positive effects of the group-based therapy. 

Our practice offers women-based group psychotherapy sessions structured on the concepts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy treatments. All group participants will need to evaluated for group-based therapy readiness prior to participation. Group sessions consists of four modules including within the Mindfulness approach; Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Mastering Acceptance and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills. Each module is incorporated into group-based sessions one session at a time. 

Members are required to commit to an 8 week group therapy program and complete the Informed Consent for Group Psychotherapy Form (see Forms section).