Welcome to Group-Parent Information

A Message from the group leaders…

We’re glad you’ve chosen our practice to help your family. We are very proud of what we do here at Groupworks. There are a number things that make our practice unique. We are fortunate to be involved with the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). Through this organization, we have opportunities to train with some of the best group therapists in the world! Our ongoing involvement in AGPA ensures that we’re on the cutting edge of group therapy in all that we do. As Certified Group Psychotherapists (CGP’s), we are involved in ongoing training to keep our skills current.

Groupworks is fortunate to have a well-trained and dedicated staff. The practice also serves as a training site for doctoral students in clinical psychology from the Spalding University School of Professional Psychology. Spalding’s doctoral program, which is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) attracts some of the top students in the country. Not only are our staff and students well-trained, we care about the children, adolescents and families involved in our programs.

We are excited about our work and look forward to sharing it with your family. Please take some time to read our orientation materials, so that you and your child get the most possible our of what we offer at Groupworks.

Tony L. Sheppard, Psy.D., CGP, ABPP, AGPA-F Zachary J. Thieneman, Psy.D., CGP

Melissa J. Steinkamp, Psy.D. Amber Perkins, Psy.D.

At Groupworks we think it’s very important to be clear about what we’re trying to change. Much of the work we do is based upon current brain research (Interpersonal Neurobiology). This research focuses on the ways that relationships shape our brains as well as on how our brains affect relationships. It turns out that life experiences are really important in building relationship and coping skills. Brain research has shown us that relationships with other people teach us how to manage ourselves. In fact, we’ve discovered that some of the most powerful learning happens in our relationships. Group therapy offers the opportunity to learn together with peers about building healthy relationships.

Three important areas of skill or ability have emerged as being very important to psychological health and good relationships. Improving these areas is important regardless of your child’s diagnosis.

Research shows that children and adolescents learn best by “doing” in real-life situations. This is particularly relevant with the types of skills we develop at Groupworks. Kids learn more from their interactions with other kids than they do from lectures and worksheets.

For example, we teach social, relationship and problem-solving skills by creating a social environment (the group) and supporting members to learn within this setting. Our staff offer support and coaching, but the real learning happens with practice and trial & error. Group members are taught early in the program that group is a learning lab where it’s OK to ask questions and try out new ways of interacting with others. In the group, we are able to stop the action and give feedback to each other as members talk and interact. Members have opportunities to explore and experiment with social relationships. This important learning carries over into their everyday lives in both current and future relationships.

While the topics we cover at Groupworks are important, research shows that children and adolescents learn the most from the interactions that occur in the group and the problem solving that goes on as a result of those interactions.

Note: We like feedback and updates from parents. We invite you to contact us any time you have a question, concern or an idea! The best way to contact us is to click here!