The Survive to Thrive Sibling Support Group is offered by "Ben Speaks Louder Than Words", for youth who have siblings with mental health and behavioral health challenges living in the home.
Ben Speaks, which is based in Holliston, knows the wide-ranging impact that mental health issues can have on families, and looks to serve as a resource to youth that are impacted by the stigma, volatilities, and demands placed on families. Siblings of family members with mental health needs may experience challenges and disruptions in their own emotional growth and development. This group will provide these youth with a nurturing environment to share their unique experiences of having a sibling with mental health needs, engage in empowering and fun expressive activities, and develop their own skills and resources, so that they may thrive in face of the challenges that they and their families encounter.
What is the Sibling Support Group?
- The "Survive to Thrive" Support Group is open to youth ages 11-14 years old who have siblings that struggle with mental health and behavioral health issues living in the home.
- Group sessions will include opportunities for both open and themed discussions, expressive art activities, age appropriate learning about mental health challenges and their impacts on families, and empowerment skills to enhance emotion regulation and effective communication.
- Virtual Meetings:
The "Survive to Thrive" program will be conducted virtually via ZOOM meetings. A reliable internet connection will be required. Ben Speaks will send all virtual meeting links and information via email after registration. - The Program begins on Thursday, September 9, 2021 (6pm-7:30pm) and will run for 10 weeks. There will not be a group held on September 16 due to Yom Kippur.
- The Group will be facilitated by Bretton Torkelson, Psy.D., Judy Giovangelo, Michael Giovangelo, and Penny Young, who are members of the Ben Speaks’ Board of Directors.
- Cost: This program is made possible through grants and sponsors, including: Rockland Trust, ADM Cleaning Services, Penny Young, Judy Giovangelo, Jim McCusker, and Nicole Kittredge.
Visit www.benspeaks.org for more information and/or to sign up for the Sibling Support Group here.
