Creating Safe Spaces: Ramona Wink Talks Group Therapy on Hello Iowa

‍https://who13.com/hello-iowa/creating-safe-space-for-group-therapy/

At 515 Therapy and Consulting, we believe that therapy should be a place of connection, growth, and understanding. Recently, our own Ramona Wink appeared on Hello Iowa to discuss the importance of group therapy and how it’s helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. During the interview, Ramona emphasized that group therapy is not just about talking to a therapist—it's about finding a community of people who can relate to your struggles and provide support.

Ramona shared, “Group therapy offers individuals the opportunity to connect with others who understand what they’re going through. It helps reduce the isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles and provides a safe space where participants can share their experiences, build empathy, and practice new coping skills in a supportive environment.” Her words capture the essence of what we strive to create at 515 Therapy—a judgment-free space where people can heal together.

The Power of Group Therapy at 515 Therapy

Group therapy offers a unique opportunity for individuals to process their emotions, gain new perspectives, and build lasting connections with others who are facing similar challenges. At 515 Therapy, we are proud to offer a variety of group therapy services designed to cater to different needs, providing a sense of community while promoting personal growth and healing.

Not only does group therapy reduce the stigma around mental health, but it also fosters a deeper sense of connection, accountability, and resilience. As Ramona pointed out, "It's about finding solidarity and support among people who are going through similar struggles. It helps you realize that you're not alone in your journey."

For those looking to explore group therapy, we offer several options that focus on different areas of personal and emotional development.

Our Featured Groups:

1. Processing the World: A Geopolitical Therapy Group

In the interview, Ramona highlighted the importance of Processing the World, a therapy group designed for individuals who are passionate about social, political, and civic issues but are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or disconnected. This group helps participants process the complexities of today’s geopolitical climate while also developing strategies to avoid burnout and protect their mental health.

What you’ll gain:

• Explore your personal values and how they show up in daily life
• Build resilience in difficult conversations
• Discover tools for emotional balance and inner peace

2. Level Up, In-Person Social Skills Group

For children who struggle with making friends or connecting with peers, Ramona discussed Level Up, an in-person social skills group that uses the fun of video games to teach essential social skills. This group helps children improve their emotional regulation, learn conflict resolution, and build self-awareness—all while fostering meaningful connections with others.

What you’ll gain:

• Strengthen friendships through creative play
• Improve emotional regulation in peer interactions
• Learn conflict resolution and collaboration skills

3. LGBTQIA+ Process Group

Ramona also talked about the LGBTQIA+ Process Group, a safe and empowering space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their experiences, process complex emotions, and build resilience. This group is designed to help participants navigate the challenges of identity, shame, rejection, and acceptance while fostering a supportive community.

What you’ll gain:

• Process emotions around identity and belonging
• Build resilience and self-empowerment
• Practice boundary-setting and advocacy

Join Us for Support, Growth, and Healing

If you're interested in learning more about the groups offered at 515 Therapy and Consulting, we encourage you to reach out. Our team at 515 Therapy is here to support you through your healing journey. You can contact Julie Rice, LMHC, at julie.rice@515therapy.com or call 515-402-4814 for more information.