By Cindy Adams

The circles were smaller than hoped for, just a handful of chairs. But as the first-ever group therapy sessions at enCircle unfolded, something shifted in those intimate spaces. The moment kids realized their struggles had names, their feelings weren’t strange or wrong, that other people understood, the dynamic changed. No one here was alone anymore.

The Richmond group served children, ages 7-9, and was led by LeeLee Sarlo. It focused on connecting through emotions. The Winchester group was for teenagers, led by Abbie Stonelake, who incorporates expressive therapies like art and music.

"The very first session was tense," Abbie said. "You could tell it was awkward for them, but about 15 minutes in someone shared they liked a particular energy drink, and they went on a tangent. I just let them go. That’s where they clicked. I haven’t been able to get them to stop talking since."

Abbie confesses that group therapy is a little scary for clinicians because the energy is unpredictable, but that drives her passion. When peers share, it means more than an adult talking.

"A lot of people think they are on their own and no one understands," Abbie said. "But in a group they find there are plenty of others who have a similar struggle."

In LeeLee’s group, she asked the children to write or draw an emotion they believed only they felt. One girl shared that she wrote down the word "worry." LeeLee invited anyone else who wrote that word to share if they felt comfortable. Every single person raised their hand.

"You could see the relief on the girl's face," LeeLee said. "You could feel the shift. One person shared and one emotion connected them all."

LeeLee saw empathy and compassion as children came together. There was no judgement, rather they were just quick support.

Group therapy at enCircle was born out of limited resources in the community and a desire to fill the gap for a much-needed service. Accepting Medicaid already sets enCircle apart, but the counselors always look for more ways to serve the community.

"The group reimbursement rates are incredibly low," LeeLee said, "so it's certainly not about making money. It's just about reaching more people who need us."

As more children and teens discover that these groups exist, the circle of chairs will grow. For now, every young person who walks through the door is a step in the right direction. And every young person who finds their voice is a victory. The most powerful thing they discover is this: You are not the only one.

Learn more about enCircle's Counseling Services here.