Big Feelings
Outpatient Group
Big Feelings Group
For Parents of ‘Children’ with Powerful Emotions
Children of all ages struggle with emotion dysregulation for many reasons, often strongly intertwined with neurodevelopment disorders, like ADHD, or psychiatric disorders, like depression and anxiety.
The intensity of these feelings can sometimes lead to externalizing behaviors, like property destruction and even verbal and physical altercations.
While certain programs are designed for children whose big emotions are causing them distress, Big Feelings Group is for parents and caregivers of these children (and teens and adults) who may be struggling with complex family dynamics and behavior patterns they have been working hard to improve. This group is designed to help.
Using a child development and psychodynamic-informed framework, Big Feelings group aims to help parents better understand their children, as well as themselves.
About the Group
Big Feelings is a six-week, twice-weekly family therapy group to help parents of children with big feelings learn how to constructively cope with and interact with their children.
Led by child and adolescent psychiatrist, Amanda Calhoun, MD, MPH, and Jonathan Coico, LCSW, sessions will incorporate principles of positive reinforcement and affirmation, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation techniques. Parents will also benefit from the power of group therapy, engaging with others who are grappling with similar issues.
Format
- Duration: 6 weeks/12 sessions (rolling admission available)
- Schedule: Twice per week.
- Tuesdays 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
- Friday, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
- Location: In-person at Silver Hill (hybrid may be considered for exceptional circumstances)
- Cost: $300 per session (one or two parents/caregivers may attend)
- Group Size: up to 8 couples
Who Big Feelings is For
Parents or caregivers of children (of any age) struggling with emotion dysregulation, currently or in the past. Including, but not limited to:
- Children who have had multiple psychiatric hospital admissions
- Children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, or Conduct Disorder
- Children diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Children who have had multiple behavioral issues, such as school suspension, property destruction
Parents of caregivers struggling with stressful family dynamics.
Presently open to Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts residents
Admissions and Financial Process
The admissions team screens for appropriateness and facilitates financial clearance. Eligible patients meet with Dr. Calhoun to confirm readiness, safety, and therapy linkage before joining the group.
Connect with Us
To learn more or apply to join Big Feelings Group, please contact Silver Hill Admissions at:
Phone: 866 542 4455
Email: admissions@silverhillhospital.org