Thrive Together: Early Adolescent Connections Group
A social-emotional skills group through the Summer for early adolescents navigating friendships, emotions, and self-growth
Many young adolescents struggle with anxiety, peer pressure, emotional regulation, and social confidence. This group provides a space to learn, connect, and practice new skills with peers. The goal of Thrive Together is to support young adolescents in building healthy relationships, managing anxiety, and improving social-emotional awareness in a safe, structured, and friendly group setting.
This group uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), two of the most widely used and easily adapted treatment styles. It also incorporates elements of Role Playing, Skills Rehearsal, and Art Therapy, as well as Mindfulness exercises. We use worksheets, grounding tools, fidgets, flip charts and handouts for parents too!
A successful outcome for our participants includes:
- Increased social confidence and participation
- Improved ability to navigate friendships and boundaries
- Reduced anxiety symptoms related to peer interactions
- Enhanced emotional insight and coping strategies
- Deeper peer connection and reduced isolation
When is the group beginning?
After school ends: July 3rd, 2025 is the first group.
How large is the group?
The group is expected to consist of 6-8 participants. Secure your spot now!
When is the group?
12pm each Thursday through the Summer, for 8 weeks. Each session is 60 minutes.
The group is intended to be a complete series– participants are expected to attend all 8 groups with minimal omission.
Where are the groups being held?
Insight Psychological Group – Springfield Office
150 Morris Ave. Suite 302
Springfield, NJ 07081
Who is it open to?
Ages 11-14 (Grades 5-8)
Cost
Copay/Coinsurance as determined by a client’s insurance, or $45 per week without using insurance
Group Leader
Grace Santangelo, LAC and Brigitt Yermakov, LAC ATR-P
Group Schedule
Week 1: Welcome & Group Guidelines – Building Safety and Connection
Week 2: Understanding Anxiety – How It Shows Up & How to Cope
Week 3: Self-Talk & Confidence – Managing the Inner Critic
Week 4: Reading the Room – Social Cues & Nonverbal Communication
Week 5: Friendship & Boundaries – Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
Week 6: Assertive Communication – How to Speak Up Respectfully
Week 7: Conflict & Rejection – Coping with Disagreements & Letdowns
Week 8: Closing – Interpersonal Reflections
Participants must also be in individual therapy (either at IPG or elsewhere) in order to attend our groups. If you are not already in therapy anywhere, you may additionally fill out our regular new client appointment form, to have you set up with an individual therapist as well.
To proceed with registering for group therapy, click on the link below. After filling out your application expressing interest, we will be in touch with you to fill out the special group therapy consent form and answer any questions you may have, and then connect you with the group leader for an orientation phone call prior to attending your first group.
Grace Santangelo, LAC
Group Leader
Grace, a Licensed Associate Counselor, earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. She specializes in working with preteens, teens, and young adults, providing a safe and supportive space where clients can show up as they are—without judgment or pressure.
Grace uses a person-centered approach, incorporating evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring each session to fit the unique needs of the individual. Her experience in Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) settings has allowed her to support individuals during some of their most difficult moments.
Grace works collaboratively to foster confidence and a sense of control in her clients on their journey. She believes that therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning how to move forward, even when the path feels unclear. She maintains that life can often feel like navigating a dense forest—sometimes the path is clear, and other times, it’s easy to feel lost, unsure of which direction to take. With warmth, guidance, and the right tools, she helps individuals find their way through life’s challenges.
Email: gsantangelo@insightpsychgroup.com
Brigitt Yermakov, LAC, ATR-P
Group Leader
Brigitt is a Licensed Associate Counselor and Provisional Art Therapist dedicated to supporting clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Art Therapy specialization from Caldwell University.
Brigitt has experience working in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitalization, community outreach, and PHP/IOP levels of care. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered, existential, and psychodynamic theories, allowing for a flexible and intuitive process that meets each client where they are. She does not believe in pressuring clients or forcing change—rather, she trusts that whatever emerges in a session is what is necessary for that moment.
Brigitt specializes in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, ADHD, LGBTQ+ identity exploration, and life adjustments. She takes a holistic perspective, integrating mind, body, and spirit while honoring authenticity, creativity, and a trusting relationship as powerful tools for healing. Her goal is to provide a welcoming, supportive space where clients feel safe to explore emotions, learn coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and uncover their unique path forward.
Brigitt works with children, adolescents, and adults, striving to nurture each client’s inner compass and empower them to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, purpose, and resilience. She looks forward to walking alongside her clients on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Email: byermakov@insightpsychgroup.com