Support Groups

Find Your Future Counseling Support

If you are struggling with feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression or being overwhelmed, our online support group can provide you with resources that will have a real impact by incorporating accessible mindfulness practices and research-based self-care strategies to both reinforce resilience and promote a sustained sense of well-being.

Our group offers a safe environment to share, learn and get the support you need. Simply go to the link provided to sign up.

If you believe you would benefit more from a Grief Support Group, this monthly group is for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or partner. The group is co-sponsored with Mishkan Chicago and Silverstein Base Hillel. Please contact Marsha Raynes, LCSW at 847.745.5408 for more information.

And for those who would prefer to access our one-on-one therapy services, please reach out to our intake team by calling 855.275.5237 or email Ask@JCFS.org

List of support group topics

JCFS Chicago offers education and support groups through many of its program areas. Upcoming events and groups are listed on our calendar.

Addiction Services

Members of the Jewish community learn skills and gain support for addiction recovery in our psychoeducational and support groups. Examples include groups for learning Jewish spiritual practices in recovery, drop-in groups for loved ones of those in active addiction, and support groups for Jewish Older Adults in recovery. For more information, please contact Beth Fishman or 847.745.5422.

Adoption Support

We offer one-time education and support programs and ongoing support groups for Jewish adoptive and prospective adoptive families and those struggling with fertility challenges in building their family. Contact Marsha Raynes, LCSW or call 847.745.5408.

Adults with Disabilities and their Families

Community Education
Periodic community education lectures on a variety of topics of interest to people with disabilities, their families and professionals such as Creative Solutions to Holiday Stress, Healthy Sexuality and Disability, Special Needs Trusts, Guardianship, Estate Planning and more. CEUs are available. For a full list of community education lectures, refer to our calendar. To register, or for more information contact Allison Rodenhouse or call 773.765.3160.

Children with Disabilities and their Families

Sibshops
Sibshops offer brothers and sisters of children with a variety of special needs an opportunity to share common joys and concerns, learn to handle common dilemmas and have fun! For information on Sibshops, contact Tammy Besser, LCSW, or 773.765.3159.

Grief and Loss

To support those mourning the death of a loved one, we offer ongoing Grief Support Groups, loss specific groups such as Grieving a Loss to Suicide, and one-time Evenings of Support, including for those Grieving a Death During the Pandemic. Contact Marsha Raynes or call 847.745.5408.

Mental Health Support

We facilitate groups that help individuals and families understand and cope with the stressors of living. Our goal is to offer a safe space to express thoughts and feelings with others who may have a shared experience.  These groups will also offer an opportunity to learn about mental health challenges and to share resources and strategies to address them. For more information, please contact Bracha Jakofsky at 847.745.5457.

Parenting

School Age
Parenting is a journey, don’t take it alone. Parents can learn the latest research and trends, and gain new ideas for handling those “now what” times. Programs may target specific age ranges (grades 3-5 or middle school, for example) or specific topics (Girl Drama or Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys). Contact Tracey Lipsig Kite, LCSW or 847.745.5411.

Teens
Growing up is hard to do! Groups for parents seeking support are also available. Contact David Lipschutz, or 847.676.0078.

Preschool Socialization Group

The Virginia Frank Child Development Center provides therapeutic social skills group for children ages 3-5 with an emphasis on emotional regulation and social development. Contact Linnet Mendez, LCPC at 773.765.3119 to register or for more information.

Psychotherapy Group

Ongoing group for men and women working on communication, relationships and managing feelings.  Offered in Skokie. Contact 847.392.8970.

Social Skills Groups for Children

We offer a range of therapy and social skills groups for children and teens ages 5-15 who have difficulty finding their footing with peer groups and struggle to navigate relationships. Groups include practice with communication, discussion of common social struggles, team building activities, therapeutic intervention, and expressive arts to help children and teens learn the skills necessary for forming and maintaining healthy friendships. Groups explore topics such as feelings identification, conflict resolution, frustration tolerance, effective communication, dealing with bullying and improving self-esteem. Contact 773.467.3823.

Therapeutic Groups for Children

Toddler Play Group (ages 2-3) focuses on activities and skills that promote social/emotional communication, early problem solving and following directions. Handwriting Boost (for various ages) uses fun, engaging, themed activities to target fine motor, bilateral coordination and visual-motor skills. This group also focuses on letter formation, size, alignment and spacing, and works to improve each child's overall grasp, posture and core strength. Contact Megan Kowalski or 847.412.4335.

Calendar listings of all JCFS Support Groups