Fortunately, awareness and acceptance of mental health issues have increased in recent years. SamaraCare’s educational and wellness programming is intended to help maintain this momentum. To continue to increase community understanding, we offer both in-person and virtual customized mental health presentations and workshops. This programming provides an environment for participants to learn and practice usable skills that can help them in their daily life. These workshops are offered to schools, service clubs, congregations, local organizations and all interested groups.

SamaraCare offers two Exploring Grief Groups annually, once in the Fall and again in the Winter. These groups offer comfort as well as a confidential, safe and supportive environment for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, friend, parent, partner or other loved one. Professional therapists with experience in grief and loss have designed this program and facilitate the groups. The groups meet eight times for 90 minutes weekly; days/times vary. Handouts are provided.

Participation in the grief group helps to:

• Normalize the intense impact of grief
• Facilitate acceptance of grief and promote healing
• Provide a nonjudgmental space to share thoughts, process emotions and receive support

Local congregations sponsor the groups, making them available to participants at no cost. Everyone is welcome.

This 6-week series explores how to use Mindfulness to relieve stress. Mindfulness means deliberately paying attention and being fully aware of what is happening both inside yourself (body, heart and mind) and in your environment. Group participants (ages 55 and up) will meet for one hour weekly to learn and practice mindfulness. The sessions are guided by a licensed counselor and have both learning and practice components. No previous knowledge is required. There is a fee for this program.

This workshop is designed to help couples preparing for marriage to gain an understanding of how to handle some of the most common issues that occur in a relationship. This is a counselor-led, six-hour group workshop. It’s an excellent way to build a strong foundation for a healthy marriage. Topics include communication, managing conflict, forgiveness, intimacy, blending family backgrounds, and establishing shared financial goals. The workshop will help create a new understanding of each other and gain the coping skills needed to handle common marital issues in a positive way. There is a fee for this program.

For additional information about our program or workshop offerings, call our business office at 630-357-2456.