Skill Building for Emotional Support

When: Starting Friday, the 21st, Fridays 10-11:30am 90 min

Time: 10-11:30am 90 min

Where: via Zoom

Suggested donation: $5-10 per weekly session. No one turned away for lack of funds. 

To join contact: groups@liberationinstitute.org

For anyone looking for a safe space for general support and coping skill building with a
creative twist. This weekly drop-in group is focused on offering an inclusive, collaborative space
for general support, as well as tools for stress management, emotional regulation, and
self care. Techniques are drawn from positive psychology, mindfulness, and somatic
based practices to help clients better help themselves during times of distress. Sessions
may incorporate creative modalities such as sound, movement, writing, acting, and
visual arts to support participants through tough situations and strong emotions.
General support activities in group therapy can include icebreakers like “Two Truths and
a Lie”, sharing personal experiences, check-ins to discuss current challenges, active
listening, providing validation and empathy, discussing coping mechanisms, practicing
relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and collaborative art projects to foster
self-expression and group connection; all aimed at creating a safe space for individuals
to share their struggles and gain support from others within the group. Every session
gives space to learn and practice emotional regulation techniques, promoting balance
and holistic well being.

Facilitators:

Emily Martinez is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
at Touro University Worldwide, and works as an MFT Trainee at the Liberation
Institute, providing accessible, collaborative therapy for individuals, couples,
families, and groups across California via telehealth. As a dedicated therapist
trainee, she is passionate about supporting individuals navigating issues such as
anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, through a
compassionate and collaborative approach. Drawing on her training in Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy, she strives to create a
safe space for clients to explore their experiences and develop coping
mechanisms for personal growth and facilitate positive change. She is deeply
motivated to help others facing challenges through a trauma-informed lens. She
places an emphasis on integrative therapy and other eclectic therapies. Currently
honing her skills in mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing, she aims
to provide tailored interventions that address individual needs.

Kaitlyn Plante’s work offers an artistic take on body-based and Liberatory
approaches to mental health. She uses visual arts, writing, music, movement and
drama therapy techniques to holistically and creatively address a variety of
issues in ways that talk therapy alone cannot. Kaitlyn supports those struggling
with anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationships, grief, and experiences of
trauma in finding an internal sense of safety, compassion, and liberation by
combining mind-body awareness with creative expression. Her work is
collaborative, client-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused. She is
committed to providing trauma-informed care, emphasizing resilience and
empowerment. Kaitlyn is currently a MFT Trainee at the Liberation Institute,
providing accessible and inclusive therapy for individuals, couples, families, and
groups across California via telehealth. She is completing her Masters in
Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy at
California Institute of Integral Studies.

Both Kaitlyn and Emily are Supervised by Miles Ruttinger, LMFT #133402