Support Groups & Classes
Are you going through a difficult time? Do you need support, encouragement, or accountability? First Pres offers support groups and classes on a variety of topics, such as infertility, parenting teens, caregiving, co-dependency, living with cancer, and more. Many groups have come together as a result of one individual voicing a need; Caring Ministries welcomes your contact about desire for support in a specific area. You can find more classes which may be of interest on the Adult Education page or the Marriage & Family Events page.
Understanding Stress
How are you dealing with stress? Could you use some tools for lowering your stress and anxiety levels? Berkeley Christian Counselors sponsors this weekly skills and support group to help manage anxious thoughts, feelings, and actions. The group will be led by three pre-licensed counselors under the supervision of licensed therapists.
Dates: Monday evenings, April 15–June 10, 2013
Time: 6:30–7:45 pm
Location: Third Floor, McKinley Hall
Cost: $80 for 8 sessions (scholarships are available)
Registration: Please register by April 8.
More Information: Contact Berkeley Christian Counselors at (510) 548-5858 or bcc@fpcberkeley.org.
Lift Your Mood
This is a skills and support group to help you manage blue feelings. This group will be led by three pre-licensed psychotherapists under the supervision of Sandi Hedlund, LMFT, and Charles Wickstrand, LMFT. Please reserve your spot by May 8.
Dates: Wednesday evenings, May 15–July 3, 2013
Time: 6:30–7:45 pm
Location: Room M310, McKinley Hall
Cost: $80 for 8 sessions (scholarships are available)
Registration: Please register by May 8.
More Information: Contact Berkeley Christian Counselors at (510) 548-5858 or bcc@fpcberkeley.org.
Grief Discussion and Support Group
Are you dealing with ongoing grief? Have you experienced a recent loss? Come find support and information. This group is led by a licensed therapist and an intern. Advance registration requested.
Dates: TBA
Time: 6–7:30 pm
Location: Room M310, McKinley Hall
Cost: $60 for 6 group sessions (scholarships are available)
More Information: For more information or to register, contact Berkeley Christian Counselors at (510) 629-0239,(510) 548-5858 ext. 545, or bcc@fpcberkeley.org.
Divorce Recovery Course
The pain of separation and divorce can feel unbearable and isolating. The Divorce Recovery Course openly acknowledges this pain and offers the hope of healing that is uniquely found in the Christian community through the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of others. This course is open to anyone who has ended, or is in the process of ending, a long-term relationship. Each session includes presentations and personal stories given by professional facilitators and pastors, followed by time in small groups for processing and prayer.
Dates & Times: Fall 2013
More Information: Contact Naomi Griffin at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or naomig@fpcberkeley.org.
Women's Support Group for Codependency
This group meets once a month.
Dates: Second Tuesdays of each month
Time: 7–8 pm
Location: Room G209, Geneva Hall
More Information: Group meeting times may vary throughout the year; please contact Blanca Underhill to check schedule at fpcb.womens.group@gmail.com.
Wise Women (Women over 60)
Berkeley Christian Counselors sponsors this group for women over 60 to meet and discuss possibilities and issues in the third chapter of life. We meet one Saturday each month to read, share, process, and munch. The group is just beginning a new book, Like Trees Walking, by Jane Sigloh. Attendance is on a drop-in basis, so come whenever you are able.
Dates: Second Saturdays
Time: 10 am–12 pm
Location: Room M310, McKinley Hall
More Information: Contact Berkeley Christian Counselors at (510) 548-5858 or bcc@fpcberkeley.org.
Caregivers Support Group
For those caring for family members or friends. Gather with other caregivers to give and receive support and encouragement.
Dates & Times: Fourth Saturdays, 9:30–11:30 am
Location: Room W102 (Church Lounge), Westminster Hall
More Information: Contact Sarah Guerra-Orantes at (510) 381-1728 or sarahorantes@hotmail.com.
Widows/Widowers Support Group
Have you (or has someone you know) experienced the death of a spouse recently or within the last few years? Sharing our experiences during this ten-week class is extremely helpful to our healing process. Find hope, support, and successful ways to process this significant life event. This course is open to all widows and widowers.
Dates: TBA
Cost: $15 for materials
More Information: Contact Merrilee Mitchell at (510) 482-5296 or merrileehm@sbcglobal.net.
Skills for Life
This is a course for high school juniors and seniors
who want to gain some basic Christian life skills, taught by Courtney Grager,
Director of Stephen Ministry, and Kate Moody. Topics include communication
skills, personality types, feelings, boundaries, grief, and depression.
Dates: TBA
Cost: $45
More Information: Contact Naomi Griffin at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or naomig@fpcberkeley.org.
