(Courtesy of JFS MetroWest) Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ is pleased to offer a variety of support groups this spring, both virtually and in person. Support groups provide an opportunity for people with similar personal experiences to express feelings and share coping strategies with professional guidance.

JFS offers group counseling and support groups in the JFS offices as well as in community venues, including local synagogues and schools. Groups include:

NEW! Em(power)ed Girls – A six-week supportive group for young girls ages 8 to 10 to address key issues impacting their mental health. Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. beginning February 22 at the Livingston office. For more information and to register, contact Kim at [email protected]. $210 for the six week session.

NEW! Social Skills Group – A six-week small and supportive group for children, ages 5-7, to work on developing and practicing social skills. This group will begin meeting March 6 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Livingston office. For more information and to register, contact Nicole at [email protected]. Most major insurances accepted.

Parents & Caregivers of Adults With Mental Illness – Meeting bi-weekly from

11 a.m. – noon on 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 3/28, 4/25, 5/9 at the Florham Park office.

For more information and to register, contact Annette at [email protected] or call 973-765-9050, ext. 1747. $20 per session.

Parents & Caregivers of Children With Special Needs – Connect with other parents and caregivers to discuss advocacy strategies and resources. Group sessions will be held virtually one evening per month through May 2023. For more information and to register, contact Kristin at [email protected] or (973) 637-1749. Free.

Siblings of Children With Special Needs – This group allows siblings to explore their emotions in a fun and supportive environment. Group sessions will be held virtually one evening per month through May 2023. For more information and to register, contact Kim at [email protected]. Free.

A Journey Through Grief – Bereavement group for older adults who have lost a spouse or significant other. The group will meet Tuesdays, beginning April 18 at the Florham Park office. For more information and to register, contact Amanda at [email protected] or 973-637-1712. Most major insurances accepted.

Domestic Violence Groups – Rachel Coalition offers two types of group therapy, psychoeducational and interpersonal, process-oriented groups. Psychoeducational groups focus on providing education through information sharing and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. The clinician will lead the group members through a set, pre-planned curriculum around domestic violence, healthy boundaries and self-care.

Interpersonal, process-oriented groups are led by a clinician. Participants are encouraged to give support and feedback to others as they discuss their experiences. Participants examine reactions and responses that emerge interpersonally to increase self-awareness.

New individuals who are interested in group counseling will enter our curriculum (skills-based) psychoeducational group. After completion of our psychoeducational group, clients have the opportunity to join an interpersonal process-oriented group. Groups meet weekly; morning and evening groups are available. For more information and to register, call (973) 740-1233. Free.

The Florham Park office is located at 256 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 105, Florham Park, NJ 07932. The Livingston office is located at 570 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Suite 106, Livingston, NJ 07039.

For more information, please call (973) 765-9050 or visit www.jfsmetrowest.org.