Group Psychotherapy in Washington DC
Group psychotherapy offers the opportunity for you to process emotional or social challenges in a supportive environment with other clients who are experiencing similar challenges. All groups are led by experienced and licensed psychotherapists. Many of our groups focus on identity and expression, while some groups focus on behavioral health issues like relationships, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or understanding problematic behaviors and emotions.
Group therapy is available to both existing medical patients and non-patients.
Groups are offered weekly and either in-person at either sites or through Zoom telehealth:
Current Therapy Groups
Neurodiversity Groups
Neurodiversity-affirming groups provide a supportive space for connection, self-understanding, and growth through shared lived experience. Participants often discover they are not alone in how they think or navigate the world, reducing isolation while building confidence and self-acceptance. These groups offer practical tools for self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and navigating relationships, work, and daily life in ways that honor individual needs. Guided by experienced facilitators, participants share insights, develop skills, and find community in a space that values the full spectrum of neurodiverse experiences.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups provide structured, skills-based support for managing intense emotions and reducing harmful behaviors. DBT focuses on building practical skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. In a group setting, participants gain support, practice these skills in real time, and learn how to respond to challenges with greater awareness and control. This approach helps individuals respond to life with greater stability and intention.
Mind-Body Groups
Mind–body groups provide a supportive space to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with yourself and others. Using somatic and mindfulness-based practices, participants learn how stress and emotions show up in the body and develop practical skills to regulate the nervous system. Through guided exercises and shared reflection, these groups build self-awareness, resilience, and a more grounded, compassionate relationship with thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Groups
Internal Family Systems (IFS) groups offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to understanding and healing the different “parts” within us. Through guided reflection and shared learning, participants build self-awareness, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of self-leadership. In a supportive group setting, individuals learn to relate to their inner experiences with curiosity and compassion, fostering healing from stress, trauma, and relationship challenges.
Expressive Healing Groups
Our expressive therapy groups offer a creative and healing space for all. Through words, art, music, movement, and writing, participants are encouraged to explore emotions, process experiences, and express themselves freely in a nonjudgmental environment. No prior artistic experience is needed—just an openness to healing through creativity.
Stress Reduction & Trauma Informed Groups
Life can be full of stressors and triggers. Our nervous systems can become overwhelmed and dysregulated by these experiences. These groups at Whitman-Walker Health support a better understanding of how our minds and bodies manage stress in a non-judgmental, non-shaming, and self-affirming way.
Disordered Eating Groups
Join our affirming and nonjudgmental disordered eating group therapy. In a safe, inclusive space, you’ll find support from peers who understand your unique experiences. Together, we explore healing relationships with food and body image without judgment or shame, fostering self-compassion and resilience. Everyone is welcome, wherever you are in your journey.
Groups For Life’s Big Challenges
These therapy groups provide a compassionate and supportive space to navigate life’s challenges, including grief, loss, HIV diagnosis, aging, and challenges with sex or intimacy. We honor each person’s unique journey, offering a safe environment for sharing experiences, processing emotions, and fostering healing. Guided by skilled therapists, these groups encourage open conversation around difficult topics, helping participants build resilience, find connections, and reclaim a sense of control over their lives. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—healing happens here, together.
Apoyo en Espanol
Nuestra terapia grupal está diseñada para ayudarles a comprender su sistema nervioso y sanar recuerdos de eventos traumáticos. En un espacio seguro e inclusivo, exploraremos cómo el trauma impacta el cuerpo y las emociones, brindando herramientas para regular las respuestas del sistema nervioso y promover el bienestar emocional. Juntos, trabajaremos en incrementar su resiliencia, ofreciendo apoyo mutuo y cultivando la autoaceptación en cada paso del camino.
Join a Group
There are two ways to learn more about groups and begin the screening process:
- Schedule with MyChart: To learn which group is right for you, schedule a Behavioral Health Consult through MyChart.
–or– - If Your Provider is at Whitman Walker: You can request a referral to group from your provider. Let your provider know that you would like to speak with a Behavioral Health Specialist for a Behavioral Health Consult.
For more information: Text Kevin 202.745.6176.