In the winter of 2015, I made the decision to end my career in the automotive industry and begin my journey to become a licensed professional counselor. In the car business, there exists a simple maxim, ‘the better I do, the worse you do.’ I was tired of living under that maxim, and believed that becoming a counselor would offer a new way to work, ‘the better I become at what I do, the more likely the better you will do.’

While I learned a lot by travelling weekly to Richmont (both experientially and academically), my most profound experience was the opportunity to co-facilitate three different story groups with by best friend in life, Justin Hitchcock. I look back now on my facilitation of those groups and think: first, was I qualified to be doing that, and second, that was possibly the best experience I had in all of my graduate education.

Group TherapyJeff GrossmanDecember 17, 2018nashville counseling, counseling services, group therapy, male counselor, brentwood counselor, counselor, interpersonal group therapyComment

A Mirror Better than Snow White’s Magic Mirror

We are all familiar with the step-mother in the fairytale “Snow White,” as well as her infamous line, “Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is the fairest of them all?” Of course, she was looking for affirmation that she was, in fact, the fairest in all the land. Imagine using a mirror, not to gaze adoringly at your own image, but instead to see how other people see you and how your actions impact other people. Imagine this mirror as a safe space that mimics the real world, but as it is only a reflection, offers the opportunity to explore actions and reactions. Such a mirror would allow you the opportunity to hone your interpersonal skills for a more beneficial experience in life.

Group therapy is the closest thing you will ever get to such a mirror. A microcosm of the world, existing in a safe space and for the purpose of improvement, belonging, relating, instilling hope, and yes, even relief. United in a common goal (each person working toward the change he/she wants) and a commitment to confidentiality, group therapy offers a place to be known and accepted. Through sharing, members find relief from pain, hurt, shame, and stress. Importantly, members also find a greater understanding of themselves through interaction and feedback.

Jeff GrossmanNovember 12, 2018group therapy, counseling services, nashville, nashville counseling, professional counseling, mental health counseling, adult counselingComment

For Your Consideration

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