Creative Connections
A Space for Teens to Talk, Create and Grow
Life as a teen can feel like juggling a million things at once- school deadlines, friendship, relationships, family tensions, figuring out who you are, body changes, social media pressures, and a world that can just feel… overwhelming. It’s hard to know how to deal with all of that and still feel like yourself.
That’s why it helps to have a space that’s real- no fake smiles, no forced sharing, no one telling you to “just calm down.” A place where people get it, where you can talk things out without being judged, and where you don’t have to pretend everything’s fine when it’s not. That’s what Creative Connections is all about.
In this group, you can:
- Share your thoughts without fear of judgment
- Meet other teens that actually know what it’s like
- Try creative projects to help you process, chill out, or just do something different
- Pick up skills for handling stress, anxiety, low moods, and overwhelming situations
- Figure out better ways to deal with friendship drama, bullying, family stress, and social media pressures
- Have a safe space where you can be your real, unfiltered self
Each week, we’ll meet in a small group led by two therapists who actually listen (no lectures). We’ll talk about what’s really going on in your life, explore ways to handle stress, anxiety, and big emotions, and use art to express things that words can’t always capture.
When is the group?
Ongoing. Each session is 60 minutes
What time is the group?
Thursdays from 5pm-6pm
Where are the groups being held?
Insight Psychological Group – Springfield Office
150 Morris Ave. Suite 302
Springfield, NJ 07081
Who is it open to?
Teens, age 13-16
Cost
Copay/Coinsurance as determined by a client’s insurance, or $45 per week without using insurance
Group Leaders
Grace Santangelo, LAC and Brigitt Yermakov, LAC ATR-P
Whether you’re feeling anxious, burned out, lonely, tired of pretending you’re okay, or just over it all, this group is a place to feel heard, supported, and understood (and maybe even have some fun along the way). We are excited to have you here, exactly as you are.
Note for Parents:
Our group is co-led by Grace Santangelo, LAC and Brigitt Yermakov, LAC, ATR-P, both therapists with experience working with adolescents in PHP/IOP programs as well as outpatient settings. Together, they combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, and Person Centered approaches that are research based and adaptable to each teen’s needs. Group sessions weave in communication games, role playing, skills practice, mindfulness, and creative expression. Teens may work with art materials, grounding tools, fidgets, and engage in activities that encourage self-reflection and skill building.
Our goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where teens feel comfortable opening up, while giving them practical tools they can use outside of group. This is a continued support group, and participants are encouraged to attend regularly to get the most benefit. We understand that life happens, so occasional absences are completely okay.
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