PARENT SUPPORT GROUP WORKSHOPS

Our workshops are open to SFCC clients on both the East and West Coasts—wherever you are, we’d love for you to join us.

SFCC Parent Support Group Workshops provide parents and caregivers with practical, evidence-based tools in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Workshops are led by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including Melissa Doney, LPC (DBT) ; Eliza Gutman, Behavioral Educator; Aaron Kurtz, Board Certified Music Therapist; Adila Fakhar, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; Dr. Rodríguez-Loyola, Licensed Psychologist, and Dr. Mitchell Shaffer, PhD, LMFT.

DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part lll
Jan
21

DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part lll

6-7:00 pm (EST) 3-4:00 pm (PST)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will learn how to apply DBT protocols and procedures at home, supporting their child through moments of frustration, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm—while also building their own coping skills. This parent-focused workshop emphasizes understanding, consistency, and confidence in using DBT tools to strengthen emotional regulation and family connection.

View Event →
Song Writing - Self Expression and Social Skills
Jan
27

Song Writing - Self Expression and Social Skills

6:30-7:30 pm (ET) 3:30-4:30 pm (PST) via Zoom

Facilitator: Aaron Kurtz, Board Certified Music Therapist

This workshop is to assist parents in not only understanding the music that their child is exposed to but also, how music can be used therapeutically to increase cognitive and emotional well-being.

View Event →
Reinforcement Systems
Feb
6

Reinforcement Systems

1:30-2:30pm (ET) 10:30-11:30am (PST) via Zoom

Facilitator: Eliza Gutman, Behavioral Educator

This session will help parents learn practical ways to strengthen positive behavior using reinforcement. Caregivers will be guided in creating simple, effective reward systems such as token charts or point systems that motivate children and encourage cooperation. Parents will also explore strategies for gradually fading reinforcement, so children can build independence and maintain positive behavior without relying on constant rewards.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part lV
Feb
11

DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part lV

6-7:00 pm (EST) 3-4:00 pm (PST)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the distress tolerance module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part l
Feb
25

DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part l

6-7:00 pm (EST) 3-4:00 pm (PST)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will  begin to discuss the emotion regulation module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part ll
Mar
11

DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part ll

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the emotion regulation module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
Hunger vs. Craving - In person Cooking Workshop
Mar
18

Hunger vs. Craving - In person Cooking Workshop

In person Cooking Workshop Time TBA (2 hr session)

Facilitator: Miss Adila Fakhar, RDN

Join us for an interactive cooking workshop where participants will explore the difference between physical hunger and emotional cravings. Through hands-on learning, you’ll discover how to recognize the body’s natural hunger cues, identify common triggers for cravings, and develop strategies to manage them effectively. The workshop will also highlight the important connection between mood, hunger, and cravings, helping participants build healthier relationships with food while preparing simple, nourishing recipes together.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part lll
Mar
25

DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part lll

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the emotion regulation module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part lV
Apr
8

DBT Intro to Emotion Regulation Module Part lV

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the emotion regulation module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
Omega 3 Fats Antioxidants, Phytonutrients and their role in the diet and reducing inflammation
May
27

Omega 3 Fats Antioxidants, Phytonutrients and their role in the diet and reducing inflammation

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PST) (via Zoom)

Facilitator: Miss Adila Fakhar, RDN

Discover how nutrition supports both physical and emotional well-being. In this workshop, participants will learn about the powerful role Omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and phytonutrients play in reducing inflammation, supporting brain health, and promoting overall wellness.

View Event →

 Given Effective Instructions
Jan
16

Given Effective Instructions

1:30-2:30pm (ET) 10:30-11:30am (PST) via Zoom

Facilitator: Eliza Gutman, Behavioral Educator

In this session, parents will learn how to give clear and effective commands, practice strategies that increase cooperation, and understand the difference between repeating directions and using effective prompts.

View Event →
Technology and Children
Jan
12

Technology and Children

Facilitator: Dr. Rodriguez

Navigating technology with kids can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us for a supportive, practical workshop designed to help families feel more confident and intentional in today’s digital world.

This group is ideal for parents who want structure, balance, and peace of mind around technology—without shame or judgment.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part ll
Jan
7

DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part ll

6-7:00 pm (EST) 3-4:00 pm (PST)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

In this workshop, parents will continue learning about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with a deeper focus on the Distress Tolerance module. Together, we’ll explore practical, real-life strategies that help manage intense emotions, navigate stressful moments, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

View Event →
Communication Skills for Parents Part lll
Dec
15

Communication Skills for Parents Part lll

Struggling to connect with your child? You're not alone. Join Dr. Rodriguez for Part IIl of our Parent Telehealth Support Group, focused on strengthening communication between parents and the children in their care.

3:30-4:30 pm (EST) 12:30-1:30 pm (PST) (via Zoom)

View Event →
DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part l
Dec
10

DBT Intro to Distress Tolerance Module Part l

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will  begin to discuss the distress tolerance module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
Structuring Environment and Preventing Problems
Dec
5

Structuring Environment and Preventing Problems

1:30-2:30pm (ET) 10:30-11:30am (PST) via Zoom

Facilitator: Eliza Gutman, Behavioral Educator

This session focuses on proactive parenting strategies that set children up for success. Parents will learn how to create effective routines and structures that help prevent misbehavior before it starts.

View Event →
Hydration, Fiber & Emotional Wellbeing
Nov
19

Hydration, Fiber & Emotional Wellbeing

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PST) (via Zoom)

Facilitator: Miss Adila Fakhar, RDN

Participants will learn why staying hydrated is essential for focus, energy, and mood, how much water is generally recommended for children and adults, and the powerful role of fiber in supporting gut health and emotional regulation.

View Event →
School Advocacy
Nov
13

School Advocacy

Facilitator: Claire Miller, LCSW

4-5pm (PST) 1-2pm (EST) via Zoom

Join us as we discuss all things school related! IEP vs. 504, advocating for your child’s needs, educational and mental/behavioral health accommodations, and how the SFCC team can support!

View Event →
DBT Intro to Mindfulness Part lV
Nov
12

DBT Intro to Mindfulness Part lV

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the mindfulness module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
Parents Helping Parents
Oct
23

Parents Helping Parents

Facilitator: Rosa Herm, MA
4-5pm (PST)

This monthly support group is a place to come together with other parents to share feelings and get advice on being a good parent. You’ll exchange creative parenting practices based on your own personal experiences and develop a lasting network of friends who can serve as an ongoing resource.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Mindfulness Part lll
Oct
22

DBT Intro to Mindfulness Part lll

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the mindfulness module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
School Advocacy
Oct
16

School Advocacy

4-5pm (PST) via Zoom

Facilitator: Claire Miller, LCSW

Join us as we discuss all things school related! IEP vs. 504, advocating for your child’s needs, educational and mental/behavioral health accommodations, and how the SFCC team can support!

View Event →
DBT Intro to Mindfulness Part ll
Oct
8

DBT Intro to Mindfulness Part ll

6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC

Participants will continue to learn about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and will continue to discuss the mindfulness module. Participants will discuss how to apply the protocols and procedures within the module.

View Event →
DBT Intro to Mindfulness
Sep
24

DBT Intro to Mindfulness

Facilitator: Miss Melissa, LPC, NCC, SAC 6-7:00 pm (ET) 3-4:00 pm (PT)

This workshop is designed to help parents change patterns of behavior that are not helpful or are less effective in child rearing and fostering healthy relationships.

View Event →
Preparing Your Child To Go Back to School Part ll
Aug
18

Preparing Your Child To Go Back to School Part ll

The purpose of this group is to support the child's parents in understanding, managing, and coping with the process of returning to school. Dr. Rodriguez will discuss some of the challenges of going back to school, including school refusal and lack of school's motivation.

3:30-4:30 pm (EST) 12:30-1:30 pm (PST) (via Zoom)

View Event →
Preparing Your Child To Go Back to School Part l
Aug
4

Preparing Your Child To Go Back to School Part l

The purpose of this group is to support the child's parents in understanding, managing, and coping with the process of returning to school. Dr. Rodriguez will discuss some of the challenges of going back to school, including school refusal and lack of school's motivation.

3:30-4:30 pm (EST) 12:30-1:30 pm (PST) (via Zoom)

View Event →