Wondering how to be yourself, but in connection with people?

You're not alone.

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REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Sign up for similar future events: click here.

(include "SAG" as "event name")

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Many of us struggle with this. It can feel like a tightrope walk, trying to balance the need for self-expression with the desire for acceptance. We end up tongue-tied or sharing too much. Always monitoring and evaluating our every move. Maybe we're afraid of groups. We may even think we don't really like humans. But what if it were not only possible, but deeply enriching to connect with others freely, authentically, and still be welcome to be who you are?

This group offers a structured way to explore a different kind of connection experience. With elements from Authentic Relating, Nonviolent Communication, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy, the program is shaped around experiential exercises that help us dive deeper into understanding our feelings and behavior. 

We will practice turning towards each person's world with an attitude of curiosity and relaxed openness. Each weekly session will be a blend of sharing with the group about our experience, meditative attunements, educational information, and structured relational activities that cultivate presence and connection.

In this small group of maximum 8 participants, we will explore emotional triggers, the role of the inner critic, the power of self-compassion and the practice of holding healthy boundaries. The invitation is not to only show up once a week, but to find ways to apply what you are learning to your everyday life. If that sounds interesting, then this group could be for you!

By the end of the seven weeks,
- you will see who you are, from a different vantage point, and feel more confident in your authentic self
- you will have some skills to anchor yourself in a state of mature capacity when communicating with others
- you will experience more kindness on a daily basis
- you will have a greater tolerance for uncertainty
- you will feel less alone
- you will probably still feel awkward in social situations... but you will be less bothered by it!

ABOUT THE GROUP FACILITATOR:

Tate Sprite brings more freedom and connection into the world by inspiring people to be fully themselves in compassionate relationship with others - and providing an empowering environment in which this becomes possible. Tate is a former full-time socially awkward person who is now socially awkward only very part time. They have been facilitating Authentic Relating events and groups in the Portland, Oregon, area and online since 2013. In creating their offerings and workshops, they draw on their trainings in The Art of Circling [relational and transformational practice], the Hakomi method [a mindful somatic therapeutic modality], Inner Relationship Focusing [practice of self-listening], as well as, and importantly, on their lived experience of being an unconventional, curious, engaged human who is driven to participate in personal and societal evolution. Tate is currently a Professional Counselor Intern at Portland Therapy Project, and this group is an offering in the framework of the internship program.

Important Logistics:

This is a THERAPY GROUP, which means we follow the rules of Oregon Health Authority for mental health clients:

1. You must be an Oregon resident to participate.

2. This group is free to you if your health insurance is OHP/Care Oregon. If you don't have OHP, it's by donation (pay within your means).

3. You will need to fill and sign several mental-health-related forms before participating. All information will be kept confidential.

4. You will need to schedule an initial consultation session with Tate before being added to the group. 

WHO THIS IS FOR: 

You feel shy, socially awkward, or unable to make friends very well. You want that to be different and are willing to feel some discomfort to make it different. You are not currently in an acute mental health crisis (this group would not provide enough support for that). You can commit to coming for the entire 7 weeks (it will be a closed group).

WHEN:

Every Tuesday from February 6 to March 19, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Please arrive early so we can start promptly on time.

WHERE:

In person, at Portland Therapy Project, Oregon Plaza Building, 825 NE 20th Ave, Suite 250, Portland OR 97232. This is close to the Lloyd Center exit off of I-84. Parking is free on the street. There is an elevator to the first floor.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

After you complete the initial consultation with Tate and if we both decide that this is a good fit, you are signed up for the whole six weeks. This is a donation-based offering to make it accessible to as many people as possible. If you decide to drop out in the middle, no one else will join in your place - and someone else who might have wanted to come for the whole time will not be able to, because it's a closed group. Please think about this before committing - if you doubt that you will be able to come consistently, it may be better to sit this one out. Otherwise, there is nothing that is stopping you from canceling your attendance or missing sessions at any time without any repercussions to you. So, this is really up to you and how much responsibility you want to take for staying with us. 

COVID POLICY:

This is an indoor meeting in a space where we can't open windows. There will be up to 9 people in the room. There will be a HEPA filter running. There is nothing structurally built into the activities that says we will come any closer than two feet of each other. There is currently no mask mandate in effect and you are not required to wear a mask, but you are welcome to wear one if you wish. We are not screening for vaccination status. If you develop covid symptoms (fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, or fatigue), or if you have good reason to believe that you may be infectious, please stay home and let Tate know as soon as you can. 

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO SIGN UP:

Read through Important Logistics above and make sure all that works for you.

Click the "Express Interest" button or email Tate by February 1, earlier if possible: tate@portlandtherapyproject.com

We will need to schedule the initial consultation and you will have to sign some forms, and it may take some time to make all of that happen. Please get in touch as soon as you know you'd like to participate!